During an interview, what you say—and how you say it—can make or break your chances. The way you answer questions helps the interviewer decide if you’re the right fit not just for the job, but for the company’s culture too. So, as you prepare for that big day, it’s crucial to think about the points you want to highlight and, just as importantly, the things you should keep to yourself. 

For instance, while it’s great to discuss your skills and experience, it might not be the best idea to bring up how much you disliked your last boss or that you’re only interested in the position because it’s closer to home. Keep the conversation focused on what makes you the ideal candidate, and leave out anything that could raise a red flag.

 

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6 Things You Should Never Say During An Interview

It’s just as important to know what might worry the hiring manager. For example, talking a lot about how much you disliked your boss could make them think you’ll have complaints about this company, too—no matter how good your sales numbers are.

Let's find out what these red flags are and what you should say to make a great impression.

 

1. Bad-mouthing: "My last company was toxic"

Even if your last job felt like a scene out of a bad movie, resist the urge to trash-talk your former employer during an interview. Imagine this: you tell your interviewer about the horrible work environment you escaped, but instead of sympathy, they start wondering if you’ll complain about their company next. 

Say this instead:
Keep your tone neutral to positive. For example, instead of saying, "My boss was a nightmare," try, "I learned a lot about managing difficult situations and am now looking for a role where I can focus on growth and collaboration." This is especially important when explaining why you’re moving on.

 

Related story: How to Handle The Stress of a New Job

 

2. Showing uncertainty : “I don't know.”

When an interviewer throws a curveball with a question you weren’t expecting or don’t have an answer for, it’s tempting to say, “I don’t know.” But this is a golden opportunity to showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Say this instead:
Instead of acting like a deer caught in the headlights, try buying yourself a little time. For example, you could say, "That’s a great question. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a minute to think about it." This shows that you’re thoughtful and willing to tackle tough questions, rather than just admitting defeat. If you need more information to answer accurately, don’t hesitate to ask for it.

 

Related story: 5 Strategies to Navigate Tough Conversations With Your Boss

 

3. Showing up unprepared: “I couldn’t get time to prepare”

Showing up unprepared is a quick way to derail your chances. It’s crucial to do your research before the interview—you don’t want to walk in knowing next to nothing about the company or the role. 

Do this instead:
Instead, you want to demonstrate that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity and have taken the time to learn about the company’s culture, values, and goals. Start by doing some online digging, checking out the company’s website, social media, and recent news. If possible, connect with a current or former employee to get insider insights. This extra effort not only shows that you’re serious but also helps you tailor your answers to how you’d be a perfect fit for the team.

 

Related story: Important Questions to Ask Before You Accept A Job Offer

 

4. Speaking casually

Your language during an interview speaks volumes about your professionalism. While you don’t need to pepper your conversation with industry jargon, it’s crucial to avoid unprofessional language, including slang, profanity, and filler words like “um” or “like.” 

Say this instead:
Instead of saying, “I’m, like, really good at multitasking,” try slowing down and saying, “I excel at multitasking.” You’re less likely to slip into unprofessional language if you take your time, think through your responses, and focus on speaking clearly. Practising beforehand can help you replace filler words with a brief pause or even a deep breath, which can make your answers sound more thoughtful and polished.

 

Related story: How to Survive Your New Boss

5. When asked about limited experience: “I know I don’t have much experience, but...”

It’s easy to fall into this trap, especially if you’re a recent grad or making a career change. The problem is, when you apologise for what you lack in experience, you’re unintentionally telling the interviewer that you might not be the right fit for the role—or worse, that you’d be starting from scratch. But that’s not the case! 

Say this instead:
Instead of highlighting what you’re missing, focus on your strengths and what you bring to the table. For example, instead of saying, “I know I don’t have much experience,” try, “I’m excited about this opportunity because my background in content writing has given me strong writing and proofreading skills, and I’m eager to apply it here.” This shifts the conversation to what you can do and shows your enthusiasm for the position.

 

Related story: 5 Timeless Skills For Any Job

 

6. “It’s mentioned on my resume already.”

Here’s the deal: Interviewers already know what’s on your resume. When they ask about a specific job or experience, they’re looking for more than just a recap—they want to hear about your skills and insights directly from you. This is also a chance for them to gauge your communication and social skills. Are you articulate and engaging? Or are you more suited for behind-the-scenes roles? 

Say this instead:
Instead of simply pointing to your resume, use these questions as an opportunity to elaborate and showcase your expertise.
"I led a team of five on a high-pressure project at my previous job. For example, we had to deliver a major client proposal within a tight two-week deadline. I organised daily briefings, assigned tasks based on strengths, and streamlined communication to ensure we met the deadline and received commendation from the client."

 

Nailing an interview goes beyond just showcasing your qualifications. It's about demonstrating your professionalism, preparedness, and enthusiasm. Avoid common mistakes such as speaking negatively about past employers or using unprofessional language. Instead, focus on presenting yourself positively and clearly. When answering questions, use specific examples to highlight your strengths and relevant experiences rather than relying only on your resume. Approach the interview with confidence and thoughtful preparation to leave a strong impression and improve your chances of landing your desired job.

 

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