FYI | LIB25-12 | 10 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview (And What to Say Instead)

10 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview (And What to Say Instead)

Big shoutout to my friend @Will McTighe for these invaluable insights!

Interviews are a lot like first dates—awkward, nerve-wracking, and high-stakes.
In just 30 minutes, you need to:
✅ Show you're the right fit.
✅ Highlight your strengths.
✅ Express enthusiasm for the role.

But the wrong words can cost you the job. 🚨

Here are 10 things you should never say in a job interview—plus what to say instead:

1️⃣ "I don’t have any questions."

❌ Why it's bad: Makes you seem unprepared or uninterested.
✅ What to say instead: Ask thoughtful questions about the team’s projects, challenges, or culture.

2️⃣ "I’ll take any job right now."

❌ Why it's bad: Comes off as desperate and weakens your negotiation power.
✅ What to say instead: Emphasize how your skills align perfectly with this role.

3️⃣ "I don’t like taking direction."

❌ Why it's bad: Sounds uncoachable and hard to work with.
✅ What to say instead: Highlight how feedback has helped you grow in past roles.

4️⃣ "I don’t have any weaknesses."

❌ Why it's bad: No one is perfect—it sounds unrealistic or arrogant.
✅ What to say instead: Share a real weakness and explain how you’re working to improve.

5️⃣ "I hate my current boss."

❌ Why it's bad: Raises professionalism red flags.
✅ What to say instead: Focus on what you’ve learned and how you’re looking for growth.

6️⃣ "I’ll figure it out as I go."

❌ Why it's bad: Suggests a lack of preparation or initiative.
✅ What to say instead: Show how you research, learn, and adapt quickly.

7️⃣ "This is just a stepping stone for me."

❌ Why it's bad: Companies want committed employees, not short-term hires.
✅ What to say instead: Share your excitement about growing within the company.

8️⃣ "What’s your work-from-home policy?" (too early)

❌ Why it's bad: Makes it seem like flexibility is your top priority.
✅ What to say instead: Focus on role fit first—then discuss policies later.

9️⃣ "What time do people leave?"

❌ Why it's bad: Suggests you’re more focused on clocking out than doing great work.
✅ What to say instead: Ask about the team’s daily workflow and expectations.

🔟 "I don’t handle stress well."

❌ Why it's bad: Implies you might struggle under pressure.
✅ What to say instead: Talk about your methods for staying organized and meeting deadlines.

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Final Thought: Preparation and positivity make all the difference. 💡
Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’ll be one step closer to landing the job! 🚀

Source |  https://www.linkedandlift.com/

Regards!

 

Librarian                                                                                                                               

Rizvi Institute of Management