12 Things You Should Not Say In a Job Interview

two person interview Job interviews give you a chance to show the company how well you match what they’re looking for. Your answers should help paint a picture of you being a positive addition to their work team and office life. But there are also certain things you should not say in a job interview.

While some of the examples I use may seem a bit exaggerated, they represent the kinds of real answers I’ve heard in interviews. This post will explain why they miss the mark. And where to aim your answers instead.

What not to say in a job interview

“I’m lazy so I find the fastest way to solve a problem.”

While the job seeker wants to use humor to show they’re creative, an interviewer will remember “I’m lazy.” Stay away from funny answers. Instead leave an impression of someone who digs in and doesn’t give up until they solve the problem. [Use an example from your work history to help cement the idea.]

“My biggest weakness is working too hard.”

This answer is so old and tired you may actually get a smile from the interviewer. But not an appreciative one. If you can’t be more creative than that, they will soon tire of you and cut the interview short. Here’s a post to help:

⇒ Job Interviews: What’s Your Greatest Weakness?

“I’m excited about the 4 weeks vacation.”

The company wants someone who’s looking to work and do a good job. If your mind is already on time away, that’s not a good sign for your future dedication to / excitement about the job. [Of course we all think about vacation. But keep it to yourself. Once again, something NOT to say in a job interview.]

“I love that the office is so close to my house!”

Again, you’re looking to leave a good impression about how well you’ll fit into the company and all the ways you fit THEIR needs. This is your need. [Although having you nearby does mean they can more easily call you into the office for emergencies.]

“I don’t know much about your company, but I learn quickly.”

Back to leaving an impression of being lazy, you want to take the time and effort to research the company. A lot. Since getting hired is especially important to a jobseeker, this answer will give them the idea that once hired you won’t go the extra mile.

“I left my last job because I had an awful boss / coworkers.”

As the interview progresses you want to build a positive, effective, pleasant-to-work-with picture of yourself. You don’t want the picture you leave them with to be about you as a complainer, blaming others. [The same way you may one day complain about them.]

⇒ 10 Impressions You Leave After a Job Interview

“This seems like a good job for me now.”

Using “now” shows you’re already thinking of leaving or at least making this a stopover job. Whether answering “tell us something about yourself” or “why this job” remember they want to know why you’re right for THEM. And that you plan to stay and grow with them. That answer is off-putting and bland.

⇒ Interview Question: How Does This Job Fit Your Goals?

“Five years from now? Running my own company!”

If they ask you where you see yourself in five years, again don’t leap to your next job or career. Keep your answers on point … seeing yourself somewhere in THIS company and doing well / fitting in well. Here’s one way to handle your answer:

⇒ Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?

“This company has problems. I can fix them.”

No you can’t. Not unless they hire you. And with a presumptuous, self-inflated statement like that odds are you won’t get hired. It’s good to show confidence, but try not to insult a company (telling them they have problems in an interview) or seem overbearing.

One possible exception: If problems are well known and you have specific, well-documented skills, there may be a boss who likes your moxie. But, even so, say it a way that makes you seem a bit less full of yourself and still get your point across.

“I love computer games, traveling & hiking.”

When an interviewer asks you to tell them about yourself, they might enjoy hearing about a hobby AFTER you tell them things that help them see you in the job. But too much focus on your outside life may make them worry you’ll be dashing off to what you really enjoy doing. Or playing at your desk. [If interviewer has the same hobby, then it’s fine to chat it up a bit.]

⇒ Interviews: How To Handle Tell Me About Yourself

“Rules are for dummies. Creative people break rules.”

While there is some truth to that, just like the first point about being lazy, this won’t sit well. Companies, even the most creative ones, have rules. And they prefer to tell you which rules they prefer you not to break. Best to leave strong opinions like this out of interviews. Not something to say in a job interview!

“How soon can I expect a raise? The salary is low.”

Ah. It’s tempting to bring up the salary early on, especially if not as high as you’d wish. But best to leave this topic for negotiations if they actually make you an offer. First do your best to get to the part where they bring up the salary. [If they bring it up early on, then o course discuss. Just leave yourself some wiggle room so you don’t end things too soon.]