Don’t say: “I don’t have questions”
Why: That’s a big missed opportunity – and a red flag in terms of your curiosity
Say: “What would success look like in the first 6 months of this
Don’t say: “I’m looking for any job right now”
Why: Seems desperate, rather than genuinely interested
Say: “I’m looking to use XYZ strengths, and I’m excited about how this role aligns”
Don’t say: “I hated my last boss”
Why: Never bash a former boss to a future boss
Say: “I learned a lot in my previous job, especially about X, but I’m excited tor a new challenge now.”
Don’t say: “I don’t know much about your company”
Why: Suggests a lack of preparation and interest in the role
Say: “I’ve researched the company and I’m particularly impressed with X- I’d love to hear your perspective on it”
Don’t say: “How much does this job pay?”
Why: You can get this answered without sounding like you care more about pay than the role itself
Say: “I’m excited about this, and l’d love to understand the comp range to ensure it fits my expectations”
Don’t say: “I don’t have weaknesses”
Why: This seems arrogant and like you lack self-awareness
Say: “I’ve been working to improve on X recently, and after taking Y steps I’ve grown substantially”
Don’t say: “I’m not great at time management”
Why: On the flip side, don’t just say weaknesses without also showing growth
Say: “Time management has been a focus for me – I now use X tools to stay
organized and hit deadlines”
Don’t say: “I know I’m underqualified, but…”
Why: Don’t undercut yourself – focus on your strengths
Say: “I’m excited to use my experience to lean into the challenges of this role and learn and grow quickly”
Don’t say: “I was fired from my previous role”
Why: Fair or not, being fired carries a stigma
Say: “My previous role ended unexpectedly, but it gave me the chance to reflect and strengthen my Skills in X”
Don’t say: “I don’t really have career goals”
Why: Most employers prefer to see a degree of hunger to learn and grow
Say: “My short-term goal is to excel in this role, and long-term, I aim to grow in X areas”
Don’t say: “When can I get promoted?”
Why: In contrast to the last one, blatant climbing isn’t ideal either
Say: “What does career growth look like, and how are employees supported in reaching their potential?”
