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It's interview day. You want to make a strong impression, choose the right interview outfit, demonstrate your skills, and prove that you’re the best fit for the role. However, as the nerves set in, they start to interfere with your responses. You find yourself rushing to say something, anything. Unfortunately, your body language and what you say in a job interview matter just as much as a good CV.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a school leaver, or a seasoned professional, we’re here to help you with tips on what to avoid saying, so you can confidently land the job.
In this article, we cover:
Key things to avoid revealing during a job interview
Examples of strong and weak responses across various industries
Effective and ineffective ways to answer common interview questions
Frequent mistakes made by entry-level candidates
Want to get more interviews? Your ideal job is just a well-written CV away!
Things to avoid saying in a job interview
Preparing for a job interview means recognising how you phrase your answers can greatly influence the result. Certain things are better left unsaid, or at least carefully considered, before expressing them during an interview.
Negative comments about past employers
“The company faced challenges, but I grew through them.”
“The company was toxic.”
Overemphasis on benefits
“What does career progression typically look like in this role?”
“How soon can I get a promotion?”
Overconfidence
“I believe my experience is a strong match for this role.”
“I can do this job better than anyone else.”
Vague answers
“Based on my experience, I would suggest…”
“I’m not sure.”
Slang language
“I’m skilled at managing multiple priorities effectively.”
“I can multitask like crazy.”
Personal problems or desperation
“I value your company’s work-life balance culture.”
“I have family problems, so I need flexibility.”
Inappropriate or premature questions
“How does the team collaborate remotely?”
“How often can I work from home?
Pro tip
Understanding a company's values and culture is essential, but the way you phrase your questions can make a big difference. Instead of improvising, take the time to prepare thoughtful questions and answers. Being intentional and prepared ensures you address important topics effectively, leaving a positive impression during your interview.
10 examples of what not to say for different industries and roles
Every industry has its own unspoken rules about what to say, and what not to say, during a job interview. While some sectors prioritise specific expressions of expertise, personality, or skills more than others, it's crucial to tailor your responses to the particular role you're seeking.
Below, you'll find common pitfalls to avoid in various roles, alongside effective examples to guide your responses.
Tech - Software Developer
"I don’t really keep up with new tech trends.”
“I focus on continuous learning and recently completed a course on cloud architecture.”
Complete guide: Software developer CV example.
Healthcare - Nurse
“I don’t like dealing with difficult patients."
“I’ve learned to practise patience and empathy when working with challenging cases.”
Complete guide: Nurse CV example.
Finance - Accountant
“I’m not the best with deadlines.”
“I’ve built strong time-management systems to ensure accuracy and timeliness.”
Complete guide: Accountant CV example.
Sales - Business Development
“I’m very ambitious, so I always want to make as much commission as possible.”
“I’m motivated by building long-term client relationships that drive company growth.”
Complete guide: Business development CV example.
Education - Teacher
“Kids these days are so difficult. It’s hard to figure out how to inspire them anymore.”
“I enjoy finding creative ways to engage students and inspire participation.”
Complete guide: Teacher CV example.
Marketing - Marketing Manager
“I like working on creative parts, though I’m less drawn to the analytical side.”
“I enjoy both creative storytelling and analysing data to refine campaigns.”
Complete guide: Marketing CV example.
Hospitality - Receptionist
“Guests can be really annoying, and dealing with them it’s frustrating.”
“I’ve developed strong conflict-resolution skills to ensure guest satisfaction.”
Complete guide: Hospitality CV example.
Retail - Customer Service
“I get bored easily if it’s slow.”
“I use downtime to reorganise, restock, and stay proactive.”
Complete guide: Customer service CV example.
Human Resources - Recruiter
“I don’t enjoy dealing with employee complaints.”
“I value creating solutions that improve workplace morale and engagement.”
Complete guide: Human Resources CV example.
Construction - Project Manager
“I sometimes cut corners to save time.”
“I prioritise safety and efficiency by planning ahead and coordinating teams effectively.”
Complete guide: Project Manager CV example.
Pro tip
Practising your responses with a clear focus on the specific role you’re applying for is paramount. This approach not only gives you a competitive edge but also positions you as a compelling and confident candidate.
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What not to say when telling about yourself in an interview
When faced with the “tell me about yourself” interview question, it’s important to avoid describing your personality or skills in a way that could hurt your chances of advancing to the next round. To help you succeed, here are frequent mistakes to steer clear of and strategies to address them effectively.
“I’m excited about this role because it aligns with my skills in digital marketing.”
“I’m just looking for any job right now.”
“I’m looking to grow in the financial industry, and this position offers the right opportunities.”
“I don’t really know what I want to do in the future."
“While I’m still building experience, I’ve developed interpersonal and communication skills through internships, coursework, projects, and volunteer work, and I’m excited to apply them in this role.”
“I don’t have much experience, but I always figure it out.”
“I’ve always been motivated by problem-solving, and in my last role I developed strong analytical skills that I’m eager to apply here.”
“I’m just a hard worker and a people person.”
“My background in project management has taught me how to organise teams and deliver results, and I’m excited to bring that experience to your company.”
“I’m not really sure what makes me stand out.”
Pro tip
When creating your responses, aim for confidence without arrogance. Support every adjective and claim with evidence and context. Maintain humility while recognising your worth, and avoid relying on clichés to convey your message.
What not to say when describing your weaknesses
The "strengths and weaknesses" interview question can be challenging, often leaving room for potential missteps in your response. Check out our optimised versions of the most common answers.
| Bad examples | Good examples |
|---|---|
| “I don’t know which weaknesses I have.” | “Public speaking used to be a challenge, but I’ve been practising through team presentations.” |
| “I’m a perfectionist.” | “Sometimes I take on too many tasks at once, but I’m learning to prioritise and delegate.” |
| “I prefer working alone” | “In the past, I preferred working independently, but I’ve been building my collaboration skills by contributing to group projects and seeking feedback from teammates.” |
| “I’m terrible with deadlines.” | “I’ve improved my time management by using digital tools and breaking projects into smaller milestones.” |
| “I’m not good with technology.” | “I used to struggle with new software, but I’ve been taking online courses and now feel confident learning new systems quickly.” |
Pro tip
The best approach to answering this question is to present yourself as someone self-aware, who acknowledges their imperfections but is actively working to improve and grow. Focus on an area where you can develop further, rather than highlighting a real weakness that could hurt your chances of being hired.
What not to say when asking questions to the employer
As the interview wraps up, the employer will likely ask if you have any questions or concerns. This is your chance to make an impression. Don’t stay silent or miss the opportunity. Instead, consider asking thoughtful questions to the employer to leave a lasting impact.
| Bad examples | Good examples |
|---|---|
| “So, what does your company do?” | “What qualities help employees succeed in this role?” |
| “How soon can I take a vacation?” | “How does this position contribute to the company’s long-term goals?” |
| “Is it easy to get promoted here?” | “What does success look like in the first 90 days?” |
| “Do I have to work overtime?” | “Can you describe the typical workflow and team dynamics?” |
| “Will I get my own office?” | “How does the team I’d be joining collaborate on key projects?” |
10 things you should not say in an exit interview
Parting ways with a company is a pivotal moment, and maintaining professionalism is very important. After all, you never know what future career opportunities may arise. With that in mind, here are a few things you should avoid saying during an exit interview.
“I faced some challenges, but I appreciate the opportunities I had to learn and grow.”
“This place was not the best. I didn’t like working here.”
“I think management styles vary, and I would have liked more regular feedback and coaching.”
“I did not get along with my manager.”
“Compensation was one factor, and I found another opportunity that better matches my skills and market value.”
“I’m leaving because the pay is awful.”
“Team collaboration could be improved with clearer communication and role expectations.”
“The team was hard to work with.”
“I think stronger strategic planning and clearer priorities would benefit future projects.”
"This company is struggling with a clear sense of direction."
“I just couldn’t wait to start a new job.”
“I’m moving on to pursue new challenges and experiences.”
“Retention could improve if there were more opportunities for career development and advancement.”
“You’ll never be able to keep good employees here.”
“I’m looking for a role that’s more aligned with my long-term career goals.”
"This job was beneath me.”
“The workload was demanding, and I think balancing resources could help employees succeed.”
“The workload was insane, and I was completely burnt out.”
“The company has potential, and I think continued focus on innovation and employee engagement will be key for success.”
“This company will never succeed.”
Good interview essentials
First impressions matter. How you speak in the first moments of an interview sets the tone for the entire conversation.
Negativity can cost you. Avoid criticising past employers, colleagues, or experiences; frame challenges as growth opportunities instead.
Balance confidence with humility. Employers value self-assurance, but they also want candidates who are self-aware and open to learning.
Preparation shows professionalism. Research the company, practise common questions, and have specific examples ready.
Ask smart, thoughtful questions. Focus on company culture, expectations, and avoid premature queries.
Next steps?
Struggling to land interviews? It might be time to revisit your professional documents. A modern CV and a good cover letter can significantly boost your chances. Need help? Our CV and Cover Letter Writing Service takes the stress out of the process. And if you’re looking to sharpen your interview skills, check out our detailed guide on the STAR interview technique to help you stand out.
FAQs
What is the biggest red flag to hear when being interviewed?
The biggest red flag is speaking negatively about past employers or colleagues. If a candidate says things like “My last boss was terrible” or “That company was toxic”, it signals a lack of professionalism, poor discretion, and potential difficulties with teamwork. Employers want someone who can handle challenges constructively, not someone who blames or criticises others.
For more insights, read our article on job hopping and how it can hurt or help your career.
What is the 10-second rule in an interview?
The 10-second rule refers to the idea that interviewers form a first impression within the first 10 seconds of meeting you.
This impression is shaped by:
Your body language (smile, eye contact, handshake)
Your tone of voice and confidence in greeting
Your overall appearance and professionalism.
While the rest of the interview matters, those first moments set the tone, so arriving prepared, polished, and enthusiastic is paramount.
Explore our article on landing the job as an introvert for a complete guide to interview success.
What are five interview killers?
The top five “interview killers” that can quickly ruin your chances are:
Arriving late: Demonstrates unreliability and a lack of respect for time.
Poor preparation: Not knowing about the company, role, or industry.
Speaking negatively: Badmouthing past employers or focusing on complaints.
Arrogance: Claiming to be perfect or dismissing weaknesses.
Lack of enthusiasm: Showing disinterest, low energy, or treating the role as “just a job.”
Avoiding and replacing these pitfalls with preparation, positivity, and professionalism can increase your chances of landing that dream role.
Need guidance? Read our article on how to use AI to prepare for a job interview.
How not to say "um" in an interview?
It’s very common to use filler words when you need time to think while answering a question. It’s a natural way of verbalising your thought process. However, to improve your communication skills, follow these tips:
Practise speaking slowly and clearly.
Take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering.
Avoid relying too much on words like "um" or "uh", and overused buzzwords that don’t add value to your responses.
Focus on delivering concise, thoughtful answers that highlight your skills and experience effectively.
With practice, you can replace those fillers with pauses that feel confident and intentional!
Can one bad answer ruin an interview?
It depends on the answer and how well your competitors did on the interview. Experts often suggest practising common interview questions by interviewing for various roles before approaching your dream job.
Most interviewers evaluate the conversation, rather than fixate on a single response. A weak answer can be overlooked if you perform strongly in other areas, especially if you recover gracefully. The key is to stay composed, acknowledge if you misunderstood, and then pivot to a more thoughtful response. What often matters more is your attitude, problem-solving approach, and ability to handle pressure.
Can you mess up an interview and still get the job?
Yes. Many candidates walk out thinking they “messed up,” only to receive an offer later. Interviewers know nerves play a role, and they often prioritise skills, cultural fit, and growth potential over perfect delivery. If you stumble, showing resilience, enthusiasm, and self-awareness can actually leave a positive impression. Employers tend to value your ability to recover and adapt more than the perfection of your answers.
Check out this guide on how to bounce back from job rejection.
