Job interviews are scary. You’re trying to act cool and collected while someone tries to figure out whether you have what it takes. On top of that, it’s only natural to blurt out the first thing that pops into your head. The result? A total disaster, and all those interviewers form an opinion about you in the first few minutes. This is why you really have to be careful during a job interview. Here are 15 things you should never say during a job interview.
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“I don’t know”
It’s okay if you don’t know the answer to the question. But a simple “I don’t know” will give the impression you’re unprepared. At least try to say something intelligent like, “That’s a good question—I’d love to find out more about it.”
“What does your company do?”
It’s the worst when someone starts an interview by asking what the company does. It instantly shows you’re clueless and have not bothered to Google the company name or even the job description.
“I hated my last boss”
Let’s say you really did hate your previous boss, and he/she treated you awfully. It still doesn’t give you the right to badmouth them in an interview. Plus, it makes you sound negative and raises doubts in interviewers’ minds that maybe you’re difficult to work with.
“I just need a job”
Everyone knows that you need a job to pay the bills. But don’t give the interviewer the impression that this is just some random job for you. They’re going to think you couldn’t care less and won’t work hard at your job or stick around for very long.
“That wasn’t my job”
You might feel like saying this. But this phrase makes you sound inflexible and unwilling to help. Nobody wants to hire someone who refuses to go the extra mile.
“I work too hard”
You’ve just said to the interviewer that you’re working way too hard. It sounds like you’re too eager to make a strength (hard work) a weakness. It makes you sound unauthentic or rehearsed.
“I don’t have any questions”
Asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview shows you’re interested. If you have nothing to ask, you don’t even have to make something up. Just ask about the work team or company culture.
“What’s the salary?” (right away)
Timing is everything when it comes to bringing up salary. Asking about money too early in the interview makes you look like you only care about getting paid. That’s why it’s best to wait until the end or even the second interview to bring it up.
“I don’t really have much experience”
Don’t sell yourself short. The important thing is to still be confident about it and focus on all you have to offer. Talk about the things you learned (online or otherwise) and how much you’re looking forward to gaining more experience.
“I’m a perfectionist”
That’s such a cliché thing to say in an interview, and most interviewers have heard this about a hundred times already. It doesn’t really tell them anything about you.
“How soon can I take time off?”
This question makes it sound like you’re planning to leave in a month or two. Wait until you’ve been offered the job and actually start working before you go on vacation.
“I’m just here for the paycheck”
Even if you’re just here for the paycheck, don’t tell them that. When you say it out loud, employers will think you’re only going to stay at a job until you find something better.
“I didn’t get along with my coworkers”
No one wants to work with someone who doesn’t get along with their coworkers. Plus, telling them you didn’t like your work environment will raise suspicions that you might not be able to handle this one.
“I’ll do anything”
This makes you seem desperate and like you have no idea what you want. Be specific about your skills and what kind of work you enjoy.
“No one else will hire me”
This is not something you should say in an interview. There’s nothing more unattractive than someone who’s not confident in their ability to find a job. Stay focused on why you’d be a good fit, not why you didn’t work.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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