Interviews are high-stakes conversations – even a small slip of the tongue or wrong phrase can hurt your chances. Both what you say and what you don’t say matter. We’ve compiled a list of common pitfalls – phrases, questions and behaviors to avoid in job interviews – and offer practical alternatives so you stay on track. Read on to make sure you leave interviewers with a positive, professional impression.
“I Don’t Have Any Questions for You”
Saying “I don’t have any questions” at the end of an interview sends a bad signal – it implies you’re not interested or didn’t prepare. Interviewers expect candidates to ask thoughtful questions about the role or company. Instead of going silent, prepare a few meaningful questions in advance. For example, you might ask about the team’s current projects, or how the company defines success for this position. Having at least one question ready shows enthusiasm. For instance: “I’m curious how success is measured in this role,” or “What do you enjoy most about working here?” (These signal interest and research.)
“I Don’t Know”
Bluntly answering “I don’t know” to a question can make you seem unprepared or indifferent. If a tough question catches you off guard, take a moment instead of answering that way. For example, you might say, “That’s a great question – can I take a moment to think it over?”. This shows you’re thoughtful. You can also pivot by stating related strengths. For example: “I haven’t directly used [specific tool], but I have strong experience in similar tools like [other tool], and I’m confident I could learn quickly.” The key is to be honest without seeming defeated, and show willingness to problem-solve.
“It’s on My Resume”
Replying “It’s on my resume” when asked a question can come across as rude or dismissive. Even if the information is technically there, the interviewer is giving you a chance to elaborate. Instead, use questions about your background as opportunities to provide more detail or examples. For instance, if they ask about a skill listed on your resume, describe a specific project where you used it. Saying “I have [skill], which I used at [job], where I [accomplishment]” gives richer insight than pointing back to the resume. It shows social skills and enthusiasm to discuss your achievements rather than dismissing the question.
“What Does Your Company Do?”
Asking “What does your company do?” during an interview is a red flag – it means you didn’t do your homework. Most companies have a website or “About Us” page, and interviewers expect you to know the basics. Instead of asking this, do your research beforehand so you can frame smarter questions. For example, you might say, “I read that your company recently launched [product/initiative]. Could you tell me more about how that is going?”. This shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in how the company works and grows.
Avoid Dwelling on Weaknesses or Inexperience
It’s natural to be asked about weaknesses or experience gaps, but avoid phrases like “I have no weaknesses” or “I have zero experience.” These can sound unreflective or negative. Instead, turn potential negatives into positives. For a weakness, pick something real and show how you’re improving: “I used to struggle with public speaking, but I took a course and now regularly present to groups.” For lack of experience, focus on transferable skills and learning ability. For example: “Although most of my background is in retail, I’ve used strong communication and problem-solving skills that I believe will help me in this position.” Emphasize what you can offer rather than what you lack.
Don’t Badmouth Employers or Bosses
Speaking negatively about past or current employers (e.g., “My last boss was terrible” or “I hated my last job”) is a big mistake. Even if your experience was bad, managers worry that you’ll speak poorly of them next. Instead, stay positive and professional. If asked why you left, focus on what you learned or what you’re looking for rather than complaints. For example: “I’m grateful for what I learned at my current job, but I’m excited for a new challenge where I can apply my skills in [new area].” If pressed, you can gently say something like, “Every workplace has challenges, but I prefer to focus on how I can contribute moving forward.” This shows maturity and discretion.
Don’t Ask About Salary or Perks Too Soon
Bringing up salary, pay rate, benefits, vacation or PTO too early (for example, “How much does this job pay?” or “What are the benefits like?”) can make it seem like you’re only interested in compensation. Usually it’s better to discuss money after an offer is made. Instead, express enthusiasm for the role itself first. For example, you might say at the end: “I look forward to learning about the full compensation and benefits package after we discuss the fit of this role.” If the interviewer brings it up, answer honestly, but don’t be the first to launch into a salary discussion. Focus initial conversation on job responsibilities, team culture, and how you can contribute.
READ: How to Give the Best Presentation with Confidence
Avoid Saying “I’m So Unprepared” or Showing Panic
Never start an interview by admitting you’re unprepared. Saying “I’m so nervous” or “I didn’t have time to practice” undermines your credibility. Instead, take a deep breath and answer confidently. Everyone gets nervous; handle it privately (take a sip of water, pause to gather your thoughts). It’s okay to ask for a moment to think (“That’s a great question – let me consider that for a second.”) rather than blurt out anxiety. Your goal is to project calm and confidence. If you struggle with nerves, practice beforehand and remember that interviewers expect some jitters. Focus on clear, concise answers and be honest without complaining about being unprepared.
Steer Clear of Clichés and Memorized Answers
It might seem smart to rehearse answers, but using canned phrases can backfire. Interviewers often hear answers like “My greatest weakness is that I work too hard,” or “In five years, I’ll be running this place.” These responses sound insincere and overused. Also avoid goofy phrases like “I just want the job,” or “I need this job” – they come off as desperate. Instead, speak naturally and honestly. Use the STAR method (Situation-Task-Action-Result) to structure examples, but do it with your own words. If a question catches you off guard, it’s okay to pause and think rather than blurting a memorized line. Citing specific examples and personal insights makes you memorable in a good way.
Don’t Use Filler Phrases or Flatter the Interviewer
Filler words (like “um,” “so,” or “you know”) and cop-outs make you seem unsure. For example, opening with “That’s a nice question” before you usually answer just wastes time. Instead, dive directly into your response with a sentence like “I’m glad you asked that. In my last project…” This keeps the flow smooth and shows you’ve prepared. Also avoid commenting on the interviewer in personal ways. Don’t say things like “I love your tie” or “So, you have kids, right?” – these can make the interviewer uncomfortable. Keep the focus on the job and company, not on personal chit-chat.
Mind Your Body Language
What you say is only part of the message; your nonverbal cues matter too. Avoid negative body language – don’t slouch, fold your arms defensively, or avoid eye contact. Sitting up straight and nodding slightly shows engagement. Also, try to keep your hands calm (avoid fidgeting, tapping, or playing with objects). Give a firm (but not bone-crushing) handshake at the start if it’s in person, and smile genuinely. These signals say you’re confident and attentive. For example, a confident handshake and friendly posture convey professionalism.
A confident handshake and open posture convey enthusiasm and professionalism. Being punctual and projecting positive body language helps create a strong first impression.
Don’t Arrive Late or Seem Careless
Being late is a very bad first impression. It suggests you’re disorganized and disrespectful of the interviewer’s time. Always arrive early (but not too early – around 10 minutes ahead is ideal) so you’re not rushed. If you’re unavoidably late (traffic jam, for instance), call ahead to apologize and explain, rather than sneaking in late without warning. Also, take care with other demeanor: don’t check your phone during the interview, don’t yawn or look distracted, and turn off or silence devices beforehand. Showing care with your punctuality, attire, and attention tells the interviewer you really want the job.
Avoid Unprofessional Language or Stories
Keep your language clean and professional. Avoid slang or curse words entirely. Even mild swear words or overly casual phrases (“like”, “you know”) can seem unprofessional. Don’t tell any inappropriate or very personal stories. For example, avoid jokes about sex, politics, or anything that might offend. If you do share an anecdote, make sure it directly relates to your skills or experience positively. Always err on the side of formality: talking clearly and using polite language makes you sound mature and ready for the workplace.
Don’t Argue with Feedback
If the interviewer gives you feedback during or after the interview, don’t argue or get defensive. Even if you disagree, arguing shuts down trust. Thank them for their input and show you’re open to improving. For example, if an interviewer corrects or challenges something you said, respond with something like “Thank you for that perspective – I appreciate you pointing it out” rather than defending yourself aggressively. Remember, the interview is about finding a good fit; showing that you can take feedback gracefully demonstrates professionalism.
Tips for Successful Interview
1. Match their communication rhythm: Pay close attention to how the interviewer speaks, and naturally align your tone and pacing to help the conversation flow more comfortably.
2. Use real-life examples: Bring your skills to life by walking through short situations you’ve faced, what action you took, and what outcome you achieved.
3. Ask meaningful questions throughout: Don’t wait until the end to show curiosity—sprinkle in well-timed questions that connect directly to the topic being discussed.
4. Stay professional with everyone you meet: Whether it’s a receptionist or an assistant, treat every person you encounter with the same courtesy you’d show the interviewer.
5. Highlight how you adapt and grow: Instead of just sharing what you’ve done, explain how you quickly adjust to new environments and learn unfamiliar tools or tasks.
6. Take a second to think before answering: When asked a complex question, it’s okay to pause briefly—this shows composure and that you’re considering your answer carefully.
7. Keep proof ready to support your claims: Have a mental shortlist of achievements, metrics, or results that you can mention to back up what you’re saying if asked.
8. Pay attention to the environment: Look around during your visit—details like team behavior, workspace setup, or tone of communication can give you insight into company values.
9. Send a purposeful follow-up message: After the interview, thank the interviewer and mention a specific detail or topic you enjoyed—this leaves a stronger impression than a generic note.
10. Show genuine engagement, not just readiness to reply: Use small signals like nodding or paraphrasing a point to show you’re tuned in and genuinely involved in the conversation.
11. Practice in front of a camera: Record yourself answering questions so you can improve your tone, posture, and pacing before the real interview.
12. Set up your video space carefully: For virtual interviews, test lighting, sound, and background ahead of time so nothing distracts from your presence and responses.
13. Accept small gestures with appreciation: If offered a drink, say yes with a thank you—it creates a brief moment to relax and builds a polite, friendly tone.
14. Clarify the question if needed: If a question is unclear, don’t guess—ask them to rephrase or give an example. It’s better to understand fully than to answer blindly.
15. Keep your answers concise and focused: Avoid rambling by sticking to the point. Focus on quality over quantity to keep the interviewer engaged.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you present yourself as poised, prepared, and positive. Focus on speaking clearly and genuinely about your strengths, and prepare respectful questions about the role. Use the alternatives above to replace any tempting missteps. By sidestepping bad phrases like “I don’t know”, “It’s on my resume”, or salary-first questions, and by fixing your body language (eye contact, posture, timeliness), you’ll leave interviewers with confidence in your fit for the job. Good luck!
