Careers Advice: Top 9 Things To Avoid Saying In Your Interview
Career Interview Tips: What Not to Say
When preparing for an interview, how you present yourself and your skills is key. Some words, even if they seem cheerful, should be avoided. These words may come off as overused, clichéd, or may downplay your abilities. A hiring manager has likely heard them countless times, so it’s essential to avoid them in favor of stronger language that highlights your strengths. Leah Lambart, Career Coach at Relaunch Me, offers valuable insights on how to avoid these common pitfalls in interviews.
9 Things You Should Avoid Saying in an Interview
"We" instead of "I"
When describing your achievements, it’s tempting to use “we” instead of “I.” However, the interview panel wants to know your personal contribution. Always use “I” to make your impact clear.
Leah Lambart suggests, “It's essential that people get comfortable using ‘I’ instead of ‘we’ so the panel can assess your contribution to a successful outcome.”"Just"
The word “just” can make your achievements sound less significant. For instance, saying, “I just assisted with the project,” can diminish the importance of your role. Replace it with more confident language, such as, “I led the project…”
“Using ‘just’ downplays your responsibilities and achievements,” says Lambart."Only"
Similar to “just,” “only” can downplay your abilities. Saying, “I only worked there for a year” suggests your experience was limited. Instead, focus on what you learned during that time and how you can apply those skills going forward.
Lambart advises, “If you feel you have limited experience or skills, be upfront about what you do know and how you plan to upskill in the future.”"Obviously"
Using “obviously” can come off as presumptuous, implying that the interviewer should know something. Since the interviewer doesn’t know you, it’s best to avoid this word to maintain a respectful tone.
“Using the word ‘obviously’ can potentially rub people the wrong way,” Lambart cautions."Workaholic"
Employers no longer see being a “workaholic” as a virtue. They seek candidates who can manage both work and life effectively. If you want to show dedication, talk about being focused and results-oriented instead.
“Most employers are now looking for a balance between professional and personal life,” Lambart notes."Perfectionist"
While many candidates use the “perfectionist” label to turn a weakness into a positive, it can make you sound overly meticulous. If this is a weakness, phrase it as setting high standards and knowing when it’s time to move on after achieving a solid result.
Lambart suggests rephrasing it: “You could say that you set very high standards for yourself and sometimes need to recognise when a task has been completed well enough and it’s time to move on.”"Resilient" or "Motivated by a Challenge"
These are often vague claims unless you can back them up with specific examples. Instead of just stating you’re resilient, describe a challenge you faced, the steps you took to overcome it, and the successful outcome.
“It’s essential to ‘unpack’ any claims that you’re resilient so that it’s meaningful in an interview,” Lambart advises."Detail-Oriented"
If you claim to be “detail-oriented,” make sure you have a track record to prove it. Mention specific instances where your attention to detail benefited the company, such as catching a mistake that could have cost the business.
“If you say you’re detail-oriented, ensure that your resume and application reflect that,” Lambart says. “No typos or missed details!”"Team Player"
“Team player” is a phrase used by almost everyone, so it’s important to provide evidence to back it up. Share examples of how you’ve worked collaboratively, supported teammates, or led group projects.
Lambart emphasizes, “Almost everyone claims to be a team player, but it’s important to describe real examples of when you’ve contributed to a team’s success.”
What You Should Say Instead
In interviews, it’s crucial to use strong, action-oriented language that highlights your leadership and problem-solving abilities. Here are a few phrases that can help you make a great impression:
“I identified…”
“I developed…”
“I proposed…”
“I implemented…”
For example, when asked, “Tell me about a time when you helped a colleague?” you could answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Here’s a sample response:
Situation: “My team had to adapt to a new system during a busy sales period.”
Task: “I needed to ensure everyone was comfortable using the system to avoid delays.”
Action: “I organized training sessions, created troubleshooting guides, and set up a buddy system for support.”
Result: “We went into the busy period confident and efficient, with no delays.”
Using the STAR method helps you clearly show how you’ve used your skills in real-world situations and gives interviewers a sense of how you’ll handle challenges in the future.
Preparing for Your Interview
Getting to the interview stage is a major achievement, and with preparation, you’ll be able to shine. Practice describing your strengths with specific examples, and avoid words that diminish your abilities. By focusing on your accomplishments and speaking confidently about what you’ve done, you’ll leave a lasting, positive impression.
This version integrates Leah Lambart’s advice throughout, making it clear where her expertise comes into play while improving the flow and cohesion of the article.
