7 Things to Never Say in Interviews - What to Say Instead
scale.jobs
February 4, 2026
The job interview is the most critical step in the job application process. It’s where hiring managers assess not only your skills and experiences but also how well you present yourself and fit into their organization. However, even the most qualified candidates can fail to land a job simply because of a poorly chosen response during their interview.
If you’ve been struggling to convert interviews into offers, this guide will help. Based on insights from the video "7 Things to Never Say in Interviews - What to Say Instead", we’ll delve into common mistakes candidates make, why they hurt your chances, and how to reframe your responses to leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.
Introduction: Words Matter in Job Interviews
Job interviews are more than a Q&A session - they’re an opportunity to showcase your value, personality, and readiness for the role. But words matter, and certain statements can unintentionally send the wrong message. A dismissive response can come off as unprepared, while oversharing can make you seem unprofessional.
This article will walk you through seven things you should never say in an interview, why they’re harmful, and exactly what to say instead to impress hiring managers and significantly improve your odds of getting hired.
1. Mistake: Dismissing the "Tell Me About Yourself" Question
What Candidates Say:
"Everything you need to know about me is on my resume. What else would you like to know?"
Why It Fails:
This response signals frustration or indifference toward the question, making it seem like you’re uninterested in selling yourself. Even if the information is on your resume, the interviewer is looking for a concise, engaging summary of your skills, experiences, and personality.
What to Say Instead:
Use the "SEAT" framework: Skills, Experience, Achievements, and Traits.
"Thank you for the opportunity. I bring skills that meet the role’s demands, including [specific skills]. My experience leading projects and collaborating across teams has prepared me to hit the ground running. I’m a high achiever; in my last role, I was commended for [specific achievement]. If hired, I’ll bring value by taking ownership of challenges and continuously improving my expertise."
2. Mistake: Admitting Nerves When Asked About Strengths
What Candidates Say:
"Oh, I don’t know - I’m so nervous."
Why It Fails:
While nerves are natural, calling them out can make you appear unconfident or unprepared. Confidence is key in interviews, as it reassures hiring managers of your ability to handle the demands of the job.
What to Say Instead:
Focus on your work ethic and passion.
"I apologize if I seem a little nervous. I’m very passionate about what I do and have a strong work ethic. If hired, I’ll commit to excelling in this role by learning quickly, taking feedback constructively, and ensuring I deliver consistently high-quality work."
3. Mistake: Speaking Negatively About Your Current Employer
What Candidates Say:
"I want to leave because my current workplace is toxic, and my boss is incompetent."
Why It Fails:
Speaking negatively about your current job can make you seem unprofessional or difficult to work with. Employers may fear you’ll bring the same negativity to their team or talk poorly about them in the future.
What to Say Instead:
Frame your response positively and focus on growth.
"I’m seeking a fresh challenge with a company like yours, where my skills can be fully utilized. While I’ve had great experiences with my current employer, I’m ready for the next chapter in my career and excited to contribute to your team’s success."
4. Mistake: Not Researching the Company
What Candidates Say:
"I’m not sure what your company does. Can you explain?"
Why It Fails:
Failing to research the organization shows a lack of preparation and genuine interest in the role. Companies want candidates who are enthusiastic and informed.
What to Say Instead:
Prepare a thoughtful response that demonstrates your research.
"I’ve researched your company extensively. You’re a market leader known for [specific strength, e.g., innovative products or excellent customer service]. I also admire your commitment to [specific value or initiative]. I’m excited about the chance to contribute to your continued success."
5. Mistake: Claiming to Be a Perfectionist When Asked About Weaknesses
What Candidates Say:
"I don’t have any weaknesses - I’m a perfectionist."
Why It Fails:
This response comes across as disingenuous or lacking in self-awareness. Employers know perfectionism can sometimes hinder productivity and aren’t looking for "flawless" candidates - they want to see how you handle and improve upon your weaknesses.
What to Say Instead:
Acknowledge a real weakness and explain how you’re addressing it.
"One of my weaknesses is that I sometimes struggle to say no, which can lead to overcommitment. However, I’ve been working on assessing my capacity before taking on additional tasks to ensure I deliver high-quality work."
6. Mistake: Overemphasizing Desperation When Asked Why You Want the Job
What Candidates Say:
"I’m desperate for this job - I have bills to pay and a family to support."
Why It Fails:
While it’s understandable to need a job, expressing desperation can overshadow your qualifications and make you appear less confident. Employers want candidates who are enthusiastic about the role itself, not just the paycheck.
What to Say Instead:
Frame your response around your passion for the role and company.
"I’m passionate about this role because it aligns with my skills and interests. I want to spend my career doing work that excites me and contributes to tangible results. I’m especially drawn to your company’s reputation for [specific value or achievement, e.g., innovation or team culture]."
7. Mistake: Expressing Plans to Leave the Company in 5 Years
What Candidates Say:
"In 5 years, I want to start my own business."
Why It Fails:
Employers invest significant resources in hiring and training employees, so they’re looking for candidates who are committed to staying long-term. Mentioning plans to leave can make you seem like a short-term hire.
What to Say Instead:
Show your commitment to growth within the company.
"In 5 years, I see myself still contributing to your company, ideally in this role with added responsibilities or in a promoted position. I aim to deepen my expertise, take on challenging projects, and help mentor new team members, ensuring I bring continued value to the organization."
8. Mistake: Not Asking Questions at the End
What Candidates Say:
"No, I don’t have any questions - you covered everything."
Why It Fails:
Not asking questions is a missed opportunity to demonstrate curiosity and engagement. It may also suggest a lack of preparation or interest in the role.
What to Say Instead:
Ask thoughtful questions that show you’re interested in how you can contribute to the company’s goals.
- "What’s the best thing about working for this company?"
- "What challenges is the team currently facing, and how could I help address them in this role?"
- "What advice would you give to someone who wants to excel in this position?"
Key Takeaways
- Be Prepared: Research the company, and practice structured, positive responses to common interview questions.
- Stay Positive: Avoid criticizing past employers or appearing desperate - focus on what excites you about the role and how you’ll contribute.
- Acknowledgment Is Strength: Admitting weaknesses shows self-awareness, but always follow up with how you’re working to improve.
- Ask Questions: Use the opportunity to engage with the interviewer and understand how you can add value.
- Be Confident: Nervousness is natural, but show passion for the role and highlight accomplishments to reinforce your capabilities.
By avoiding these common pitfalls and implementing these strategies, you’ll position yourself as a prepared, confident, and valuable candidate ready to thrive in any role.
Source: "7 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER SAY IN AN INTERVIEW (If You Want the Job!) 100% PASS GUARANTEE!" - CareerVidz, YouTube, Jul 31, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O91PhalaU6Y
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