✨🙅🏾‍♀️ DON’T Say These During An Interview 🗣️✨

✨ When nerves kick in during an interview, we sometimes blurt things out without realizing how they land. But certain phrases, even if they seem harmless, can totally sabotage your chances of getting the offer. 😬 Here’s how to reframe them to still convey your original message, BUT in a way where you sound confident, intentional, and ready for the role.

📝 What NOT to say and what to say INSTEAD:

🚫 “I don’t have any questions.”

💬 Why it can hurt you: Interviewers often view this as a lack of enthusiasm or critical thinking. When you skip asking questions, it suggests you haven’t thought deeply about the role—or worse, that you’re indifferent about the opportunity. Employers want candidates who are curious, invested, and engaged.

✅ Say instead: “What would success look like in the first 6 months of this role?”

🚫 “I don’t know much about your company.”

💬 Why it can hurt you: This signals a lack of preparation and initiative, two qualities that are highly valued in any role. If you haven’t taken the time to research the company, it may appear that you’re applying indiscriminately or not genuinely interested, which can be a red flag for hiring managers.

✅ Say this instead: “I’ve been working to improve on (insert deficit), and after engaging in (insert the actions you’ve been taking or techniques that you’ve been utilizing), I’ve grown substantially.”

🚫 “I’m not too great at time management.”

💬 Why it can hurt you: Admitting a weakness without showing how you’ve worked to improve it frames you as unprepared or stagnant. Employers want growth-oriented candidates. Dropping a flaw without a solution can cast doubt on your ability to succeed in a structured environment.

✅ Say this instead: “Time management has been a focus for me, now I use (insert aides or tools) to stay organized and hit deadlines.”

🚫 “I was fired from my previous role.”

💬 Why it can hurt you: Even if the termination wasn’t your fault, stating it bluntly can shift the conversation in a negative direction. It can create unnecessary bias and cause the interviewer to focus more on past problems than your current strengths and future potential.

✅ Say this instead: “My previous role ended unexpectedly, but it gave me the chance to reflect and strengthen my skills in (insert areas of growth).”

🚫 “I know I’m unqualified, but…”

💬 Why it can hurt you: Leading with self-doubt sets the wrong tone and shifts the interviewer’s focus to your shortcomings rather than your strengths. Even if you’re underqualified on paper, framing it this way gives the interviewer permission to see you as a weak candidate.

✅ Say this instead: “I’m excited to lean into the challenges of this role and grow quickly.”

🚫 “How much does this job pay?”

Why it can hurt you: Now don’t get me wrong, your salary is of great importance, BUT leading with money makes it seem like you care more about the check than the role. This can make the interviewer question whether you’re driven by passion or just money, especially if you haven’t discussed fit or alignment first.

✅ Say instead: “I’m excited about this role, and I’d love to understand the compensation range to ensure it aligns with my expectations.”

🚫 “I’m looking for any job right now.”

💬 Why it can hurt you: This makes you seem unfocused and possibly desperate. Employers want to feel like their position is one you’re specifically excited about. If you sound like you’re job-hopping or just looking for a paycheck, it can weaken your case as a long-term fit.

✅ Say instead: “I’m excited to apply my strengths in X, and this role really aligns with my goals.”

🚫 “When can I get promoted?”

💬 Why this can hurt you: Although I love the ambition this question implies, asking about promotions too early may make you seem impatient or like you’re already trying to leave the role you haven’t even started. It can suggest entitlement rather than enthusiasm to learn and grow within the role first.

✅ Say instead: “What does career growth look like here, and how are employees supported in reaching their potential?”

🚫 “I don’t really have career goals.”

💬 Why it can hurt you: Lack of direction can signal a lack of ambition. If a hiring manager doesn’t see where you’re headed, they may assume you’ll lack motivation or stay stagnant in your role, especially in positions where growth or initiative is expected.

✅ Say instead: “My short-term goal is to excel in this role, and long-term, I hope to grow in (insert areas).”

💼 Pro Tip: Interviews go both ways. Ask thoughtful questions that show you’re invested in your future and their company’s success. Confidence + curiosity = 🔐

💬 Would you use these? Which phrase do you think more people should avoid? What’s the best (or worst) interview advice you’ve ever received?

📍 SAVE THIS FOR YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW!

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