06/01/2025
11 things you should NOT say in a job interview,
And what TO say instead:
Interviews are tough!
Sometimes you get just 20 minutes to:
↳Sell your strengths
↳Communicate your enthusiasm
↳And demonstrate fit
Don't make your life harder by sending the wrong message with one of these answers.
Use this sheet to skip the bad,
And make a great impression:
❌ Don't say: "I don't have questions"
❔ Why: Big missed opportunity - and a red flag in terms of your curiosity
✅ Say: "What would success look like in the first 6 months of this role?"
❌ Don't say: "I'm looking for any job right now"
❔ Why: You seem desperate, rather than genuinely interested
✅ Say: "I'm looking to use XYZ strengths to contribute, and I'm excited about how this role aligns"
❌ Don't say: "I hated my last boss"
❔ Why: Never bash a former boss to a future boss
✅ Say: "I learned a lot in my previous job, especially about X, but I'm excited for a new challenge that fits my goals"
❌ Don't say: "I don't know much about your company"
❔ Why: Suggests a lack of preparation and interest in the role
✅ Say: "I've researched the company and I'm particularly impressed with X – I'd love to hear your perspective on it"
❌ Don't say: "How much does this job pay?"
❔ Why: You can get this answered without sounding like you care more about pay than the role itself
✅ Say: "I'm excited about this role, and I'd love to understand the compensation range to ensure it aligns with my expectations"
❌ Don't say: "I don't have weaknesses"
❔ Why: This seems arrogant and like you lack self-awareness
✅ Say: "I've been working to improve on X recently, and after taking Y steps I've grown substantially"
❌ Don't say: "I'm not great at time management"
❔ Why: While you should offer weaknesses, don't do it without showing solutions and growth
✅ Say: "Time management has been a focus for me – I now use X tools and Y techniques to stay organized and meet deadlines"
❌ Don't say: "I know I'm underqualified, but..."
❔ Why: Don't undercut yourself - focus on your strengths
✅ Say: "I'm excited to use my experience to lean into the challenges of this role and work hard to learn and grow quickly"
❌ Don't say: "I was fired from my previous role"
❔ Why: Fair or not, being fired carries a stigma
✅ Say: "My previous role ended unexpectedly, but it gave me the chance to reflect and strengthen my skills in X"
❌ Don't say: "I don't really have career goals"
❔ Why: Most employers prefer to see some degree of hunger to learn and grow
✅ Say: "My short-term goal is to excel in this role, and long-term, I aim to grow in X"
❌ Don't say: "When can I get promoted?"
❔ Why: In contrast to the last one, blatant climbing isn't ideal either
✅ Say: "What does career growth look like here, and how are employees supported in reaching their potential?"
Don't let the wrong answer distract from your talents.
Avoid these, and you'll be able to shine.
Any you'd add?
