A job interview is like walking on thin ice — one wrong sentence and you're sinking faster than you can say "I prefer to work from home." (Which, let's be honest, half the office would rather say these days.) No, it's not enough to dress like something out of Vogue and have your cover letter smell like success and roses. In the end, it's the words that leave your mouth that count — and the impression they leave behind.
To help you jump over ice cracks like a professional figure skater, we've put together a list of 10 things you should do NEVER you can't say that job interview — and, more importantly, what to say (and shine like an Instagram story at sunset).
1. “I have no questions.”
Why not:
You seem like you're here more for the sandwiches than any actual interest in the work.
Better version:
Ask something important, like: “What does success look like in the first six months in this job?”
(Translation for HR: “I am curious and really interested in how to be the best from the first minute.”)
2. “I am looking for any job.”
Why not:
If you don't care, it will seem like you're ready to sign a contract for a popcorn vendor outside the cinema.
Better version:
It's better to emphasize your strengths: “I would like to use my strengths in this area and I am excited by the potential this role offers.”
3. “I hated my ex-boss.”
Why not:
If you're replacing your former boss, they wonder what you'll be saying about them in a year.
Better version:
Stay professional: "I have learned a lot from past experiences, and now I am ready for new challenges."
(Even if your former superiors were “the boss from a nightmare,” keep that to yourself.)
4. “I don’t know much about your company.”
Why not:
It seems your research spirit dies at the first Google hit.
Better version:
Show willingness: "I am impressed by your XYZ project, which attracted me precisely because of its innovation."
5. “I have no weaknesses.”
Why not:
If you're perfect, then why don't you have your own company yet? Or at least your own perfume line.
Better version:
Be honest: "I'm currently focusing on improving my public speaking skills."
(Spoiler alert: We all have something to fix somewhere.)
6. “I was fired.”
Why not:
The word “fire” has bad PR, even if it wasn’t your fault.
Better version:
Shape this into a positive story: "My position ended, which gave me the opportunity for personal and professional growth."
(Even Steve Jobs was fired once. Look where that got him.)
7. “I’m not good at time management.”
Why not:
An interview is not the time for confessional essays about your love of procrastination.
Better version:
Show progress: "I've recently implemented effective tools to better organize myself and meet deadlines."
8. “I have no career goals.”
Why not:
If you aim into the void, you'll have a hard time hitting the target... or at least the office.
Better version:
Show vision: "In the short term, I want to make an outstanding contribution to this job, and in the long term, I want to develop into an expert in X."
9. “I know I’m not the most qualified, but…”
Why not:
If you doubt yourself in advance, why should others believe in you?
Better version:
Highlight your strengths: "I am confident that my experience will contribute to your team and projects."
10. “When will I be able to advance?”
Why not:
If you're already aiming for the director's office in the first few minutes, you seem a little... impatient.
Better version:
Ask more strategically: "How does the company encourage the growth and development of its employees?"
Remember, an interview is a dance, not an MMA fight. With the right questions, genuine curiosity, and a positive attitude, you can rocket to the top of the hiring manager's "favorite candidate" list. Show the best version of yourself — without unnecessary faux pas moments. And if you do stumble… do it in style!
