In This Article
Stop sabotaging your career. Learn the 12 most common interview mistakes and the high-EQ phrases that actually land the offer.
Have you ever been in an interview and flubbed a question?
Been there. Done that.
I didn’t realize I was making accidental interview mistakes until I started interviewing other people. Then I realized there are some easy things to AVOID in an interview. Here’s what I’ve learned and want to share with you.
Even highly qualified candidates sabotage themselves with a single poorly chosen phrase, and the wrong words can shift an interviewer’s perception from “perfect fit” to “next candidate, please.”
I didn’t realise I was making accidental interview mistakes until I started doing the interviewing. Everything below includes the real things I have heard people say sitting across from me.
Why What You Say Matters More Than You Think
Research from the Journal of Applied Psychology shows that interviewers form strong impressions within the first few minutes of meeting a candidate. Those early impressions are heavily influenced by what comes out of your mouth.
Interviewers are assessing your emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and cultural fit alongside your skills and experience. A single careless comment can overshadow an otherwise stellar resume.
Are you ready for the cringe? Let’s break down the worst things you can say in an interview, and what to say instead.
1. “I Hate My Current Boss” (Or Anything Negative About Past Employers)
Badmouthing a former employer is one of the worst things to say in an interview. Even if your previous boss was genuinely terrible, speaking negatively about them raises immediate red flags.
There’s a phenomenon known as spontaneous trait transference: when you start talking negatively, the other person’s brain assigns those traits to YOU. So if you say words like HATE, BAD, or TERRIBLE, they start thinking it about you. Being angry also shows a side of yourself that makes a bad first impression.
Why it’s damaging:
- Interviewers wonder if you’ll say the same about them someday
- It signals poor professionalism and emotional regulation
- It shifts the conversation from your value to someone else’s flaws
What to say instead: “I’m looking for an environment where I can grow and contribute more meaningfully. I learned a lot in my previous role, and now I’m excited to apply those lessons in a new setting.” You can even keep it as simple as “it just wasn’t a great fit.” They’ll know something didn’t match up, and they’ll notice you were polite about it. Frame your answer around growth and stay future-oriented. It’s a job interview, not a confession.
Pro Tip: Practice the “sandwich” reframe. If asked directly about a difficult work relationship, briefly acknowledge the challenge, highlight what you learned, and pivot to what you’re looking for going forward.
2. “I Don’t Know Anything About Your Company”
Walking into an interview without researching the company tells the interviewer one thing: you don’t care enough to prepare. In a competitive job market, this is an instant disqualifier.
Why it’s damaging:
- It shows a lack of genuine interest in the role
- It suggests you may be applying everywhere without intention
- It wastes the interviewer’s time explaining basics you should already know
What to say instead: Reference something specific. “I was really impressed by your company’s recent initiative on [specific project]. It fits my passion for [relevant skill or interest], and it’s one of the reasons I was excited to apply.”
Action Step: Before every interview, spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Check their website, recent news articles, LinkedIn page, and Glassdoor reviews. Write down three specific things you can mention during the conversation.
3. “What Does This Company Actually Do?”
This is a close cousin of the previous point, but it deserves its own spotlight because it’s shockingly common. Asking what the company does signals zero preparation and can end an interview before it truly begins.
Why it’s damaging:
- It’s the most basic question you should already have answered
- It makes you appear lazy or disorganized
- It immediately lowers the interviewer’s confidence in your candidacy
What to say instead: Ask a more sophisticated question that shows you’ve done your homework: “I know your company focuses on [area of business]. I’d love to hear more about how this particular team contributes to that mission.”
4. “How Soon Can I Get Promoted?” or “When Do I Get a Raise?”
Ambition is great. But leading with questions about promotions, raises, or time off before you’ve even been offered the job makes you seem more interested in what you can get than what you can give.
Why it’s damaging:
- It suggests you’re already looking past the role you’re interviewing for
- It can sound entitled
- It shifts the focus from your contributions to your demands
What to say instead: “I’m really motivated by growth opportunities. Can you tell me about the typical career path for someone in this role?” This shows ambition without the entitlement.
5. “I’m a Perfectionist” (And Other Fake Weaknesses)
When an interviewer asks about your weaknesses, they’re testing your self-awareness. Disguising a strength as a weakness (“I just work too hard”) is a transparent tactic that most experienced interviewers see right through.
Why it’s damaging:
- It signals a lack of genuine self-reflection
- Interviewers have heard these clichés hundreds of times
- It misses an opportunity to demonstrate real emotional intelligence
What to say instead: Share a genuine area of growth and what you’re doing about it. “I’ve noticed that I sometimes spend too much time perfecting details on individual tasks. I’ve been working on this by setting time limits for myself and focusing on the bigger picture priorities first.”
According to research on vulnerability and trust, people who share authentic weaknesses are actually perceived as more competent and trustworthy.
6. “It’s on My Resume”
When I am in a hiring position I am scanning dozens, sometimes hundreds, of resumes. Either I genuinely don’t remember yours, or I am asking because I want to know whether you remember what is on it.
When an interviewer asks you to walk them through your experience, responding with “it’s on my resume” is dismissive and rude. Yes, they’ve likely read your resume. They want to hear you talk about it.
When I’m in a hiring position, I’m scanning dozens or even hundreds of resumes. Either I don’t remember yours, or I want to find out whether YOU remember what’s on it. Telling me to check the resume is a great way to break rapport.
Why it’s damaging:
- It shuts down conversation instead of building rapport
- It sounds arrogant or impatient
- It misses your chance to add context, personality, and narrative to your experience
What to say instead: Use the question as an opportunity to tell a compelling story. “Absolutely! In my most recent role at [Company], I was responsible for [key achievement]. One project I’m especially proud of is [specific example], where I [action] and achieved [result].”
7. “I Don’t Have Any Questions”
When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” saying no is one of the worst things to say in an interview. It signals disinterest and a lack of curiosity, two traits no employer wants.
Why it’s damaging:
- It suggests you’re not truly engaged in the opportunity
- It ends the interview on a flat note
- It removes your chance to evaluate whether the company is right for you
What to say instead: Always prepare at least three thoughtful questions. Great options include:
- “What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?”
- “What’s your favorite part about working here?”
- “How would you describe the team culture?”
One of my recent applicants asked me, “What is your personal passion project?” Since I love that question (and use it regularly at networking events), it showed me she had done her research on me, and it was a great way to leave the room on a high note. Avoid questions you could answer from the company website; the best ones aren’t publicly known.
Pro Tip: Write your questions down in a notebook and bring it to the interview. It shows preparation and genuine interest.
One of the questions I always ask applicants is “Do you have any other questions for me?” I love it, because any confusion they still have is now fixable. One recent applicant asked me, “What is your personal passion project?” It is a question I use constantly at networking events, and hearing it come back at me told me two things: she had done her research on me, and she knew how to run a conversation.
8. “I’ll Do Whatever, I Just Need a Job”
Desperation is not a selling point. While honesty is generally admirable, telling an interviewer that you’ll take anything communicates that you have no direction, no passion, and no particular reason to want this specific role.
Why it’s damaging:
- It makes the interviewer question your commitment to the position
- It suggests you’ll leave as soon as something better comes along
- It removes any sense of intentionality from your candidacy
What to say instead: “I’m specifically drawn to this role because [specific reason related to the job description or company mission]. My background in [relevant experience] makes me confident I can contribute meaningfully here.”
9. “Sorry, I’m So Nervous”
It’s completely normal to feel nervous during an interview. But repeatedly apologizing for your nerves draws attention to them and can make the interviewer uncomfortable.
Why it’s damaging:
- It puts the focus on your anxiety rather than your qualifications
- It can make the interviewer question your confidence in high-pressure situations
- It creates an awkward dynamic that’s hard to recover from
What to say instead: If you need to acknowledge it, try: “I’m really excited about this opportunity, so I want to make sure I communicate my thoughts clearly.” This reframes nervousness as enthusiasm.
Body Language Tip: If nerves are getting the best of you, try planting both feet flat on the floor, sitting up straight, and taking a slow breath before answering. Research shows that adopting confident body language can actually reduce feelings of anxiety.
10. “No, I’ve Never Had a Conflict at Work”
Behavioral interview questions like “Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker” are designed to assess your interpersonal skills. Claiming you’ve never experienced conflict isn’t believable, and it sidesteps the real question.
Why it’s damaging:
- Everyone has experienced workplace conflict; denying it seems dishonest
- It wastes an opportunity to show off your conflict resolution skills
- It suggests you may avoid difficult conversations rather than address them
What to say instead: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a real conflict and how you handled it professionally. “In a previous role, a colleague and I disagreed on the direction of a project. I scheduled a one-on-one conversation where we each shared our perspectives. We found a compromise that incorporated both of our ideas, and the project ended up exceeding our targets.”
11. “How Much Does This Job Pay?” (As Your First Question)
Compensation matters, of course it does. But leading with salary questions before discussing your qualifications or the role itself sends the wrong message.
Why it’s damaging:
- It suggests money is your only motivator
- It can feel transactional before any relationship has been built
- It puts the interviewer in an awkward position early in the process
What to say instead: Let the interviewer bring up compensation first. If they ask about your salary expectations, try: “I’m flexible and open to discussing compensation once we determine that this is a great mutual fit. Based on my research, I understand the range for this type of role is [range].”
12. “I Don’t Really Have Any Weaknesses”
Similar to the fake weakness problem, claiming you have no weaknesses at all is perhaps even worse. It signals a complete lack of self-awareness, which research consistently links to poor leadership and teamwork.
Why it’s damaging:
- Nobody is perfect, and claiming otherwise destroys credibility
- It suggests you’re not open to feedback or growth
- It makes the interviewer question your honesty across all your other answers
What to say instead: Be honest and growth-oriented. “One area I’m actively developing is [genuine skill]. I’ve been taking steps to improve by [specific action], and I’ve already seen progress in [measurable outcome].”
13. “You Can Get Rid of Me Anytime!”
Here’s one of the funniest things you should not say in an interview. I actually heard this from a candidate once, as we finished our interview. Right after we exchanged thanks, he turned to me and said, “Oh, by the way, I know I’m not the best, but you can totally get rid of me anytime if you want!”
Ouch. Way to shoot yourself in the foot.
What to say instead: Act like you belong. If that’s hard right now, practice some good ol’ self-love, or remind yourself why you’re a good fit for this company in the first place.
14. “I Don’t Have My Resume”
Imagine it: you sit down, your potential employer looks you straight in the eyes, and asks for your resume. Except you didn’t bring it.
I remember one of my earliest interviews. I only prepared one copy and had to play back-and-forth with the interviewer. Boy, was that embarrassing.
What to say instead: Bring two copies, one for your interviewer and one for you, even if you emailed it beforehand. If more than one person will be in the room, bring enough for everyone.
15. “What’s Your Name Again?”
The last thing you want to do is forget your interviewer’s name. Saying it back makes a real impact, and it’s even more impressive when the name is hard to pronounce.
What to say instead: Get your interviewer’s name beforehand and memorize it. If you’re meeting for the first time, repeat it back: “It’s a pleasure to meet you, XYZ!” If names are hard for you, you’re not alone. Our guide to how to remember names has the fix.
Quick Reference: Interview Phrases to Avoid
Here’s a summary of phrases to strike from your interview vocabulary:
| Don’t Say | Say Instead |
|---|---|
| “I hate my old boss” | “I’m looking for new growth opportunities” |
| “I don’t know anything about your company” | Reference specific company details |
| “It’s on my resume” | Expand with a compelling story |
| “I don’t have any questions” | Ask 2-3 thoughtful questions |
| “I’ll take anything” | Share specific reasons you want this role |
| “I’m a perfectionist” | Share a real weakness and your growth plan |
| “Sorry, I’m so nervous” | “I’m really excited about this opportunity” |
| “No, I’ve never had conflict” | Share a real example using the STAR method |
| “You can get rid of me anytime” | Say why you’re a good fit for the role |
| “I don’t have my resume” | Bring two printed copies |
| “What’s your name again?” | Learn the interviewer’s name in advance |
The Bigger Picture: It’s About Emotional Intelligence
If you look at this list closely, you’ll notice a pattern. The worst things to say in an interview all share a common thread: they reveal low emotional intelligence. Whether it’s a lack of self-awareness, poor social skills, or an inability to read the room, these phrases signal that a candidate may struggle with the interpersonal demands of the workplace.
The good news? Emotional intelligence is a skill you can develop. Here are three ways to sharpen yours before your next interview:
- Practice self-awareness. Record yourself doing a mock interview and watch it back. Notice your word choices, tone, and body language.
- Develop empathy. Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes. What are they looking for? What concerns might they have? Tailor your responses accordingly.
- Regulate your emotions. Develop a pre-interview routine that helps you manage stress, whether that’s deep breathing, visualization, or a quick walk around the block.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you never say in a job interview?
Avoid badmouthing previous employers, claiming you have no weaknesses, saying “it’s on my resume,” or asking about salary and promotions as your first questions. These responses signal low emotional intelligence, poor preparation, or a lack of genuine interest in the role. Focus instead on demonstrating self-awareness, preparation, and enthusiasm for the specific opportunity.
How do you recover from saying something wrong in an interview?
Take a brief pause, then calmly correct yourself. You might say, “Let me rephrase that. What I meant was…” Interviewers appreciate candidates who can self-correct gracefully. It actually demonstrates the kind of self-awareness and composure that employers value. Don’t dwell on the mistake or repeatedly apologize.
What are red flags for interviewers?
Interviewers watch for negativity about past employers, lack of specific examples, inability to discuss weaknesses honestly, no questions about the role or company, and signs of dishonesty or exaggeration. Body language red flags include avoiding eye contact, crossed arms, and fidgeting excessively. The biggest red flag is a lack of preparation, which suggests you won’t be diligent in the role either.
Is it OK to admit you’re nervous in an interview?
A brief, honest acknowledgment is fine, but don’t dwell on it. Instead of saying “Sorry, I’m so nervous,” reframe it positively: “I’m really excited about this opportunity.” This turns a potential negative into a signal of genuine enthusiasm. Then take a deep breath, plant your feet, and focus on your preparation.
Worst Things to Say in an Interview Takeaway
The number one way to interview success is to be prepared, then overprepared:
- Read the company’s website. Their About page, their blog, their latest news, their values.
- Prepare your answers. Know how to answer questions like “Tell me about yourself” so you know exactly what to say.
- Work on your delivery. Rehearse out loud rather than in your head, and watch it back once.
- Print two copies of your resume and learn your interviewer’s name before you walk in.
- Write down three questions you couldn’t have answered from the website.
And for what to do with your hands, your posture, and your face once you’re in the room, read our guide to body language in an interview.
