What not to say in a job interview?

What NOT to Talk About in a Job Interview

In today’s oversharing culture, job interviews remain a space where less is more.

By Christina Brennan

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“Tell me about yourself.” It’s a seemingly innocuous request that will come up in pretty much every job interview. But beware — it’s actually a loaded question. While preparing for your next interview, make sure not just to prep answers that put your best foot forward, but also to take detailed inventory of what should not be a topic of conversation.

Even in smaller companies and the most casual workplaces, the golden rule is to keep any interview conversation strictly professional. What may seem like relationship-building on the interviewer’s part could actually be a test. For example, during an interview over a meal, even if the interviewer orders a drink, you should abstain. And, even if they start to open up about their personal lives, don’t take this an invitation to do the same.

Indeed, you never know what someone’s biases may be. You don’t want to offer up something that could be used against you. A lot of the time these are subconscious biases, so you may not pick up on the fact that something you said is working against you. Take control by avoiding the pitfalls outlined below.

Oversharing

Being yourself and working your personal brand is great. Oversharing personal information is not great when prompted, “Tell me about yourself.” In the era of live streaming and documenting our lives on social media, personal-professional lines are more easily blurred. Especially in industries where you leverage your personal brand in your role — like sales. You’ve likely set personal boundaries for what you share online. In that spirit, create personal boundaries for interviews by avoiding these topics:

Financial status

Letting on that you’re tight on cash can hurt you, especially in the negotiation phase. Talking about your financial goals like paying off debt or saving for a house are also not great topics for the first interview. They can lead to more personal questions and detract from the purpose, which is to talk about how you’re the best candidate for the role.

Also, there is no need to disclose how much you were compensated in previous roles. In nine states it’s now illegal to ask people their current salary, including in Oregon and California. For everyone else, if asked this question, consider this response: “I’m not comfortable sharing, but I look forward to receiving an offer if you find I’m the best fit.” Check out these tips for handling salary-related questions.

Relationship woes

Seems obvious, but sometimes we slip personal details into our stories without thinking about it. Perhaps you moved to a new city after a breakup or to get away from family drama. These small details can be big red flags for potential employers who are more focused than ever on building strong company cultures. When you’re asked, “Tell me about yourself,” the interviewer isn’t looking for your personal bio, but rather your professional one.

Legal situations

In 35 states and over 150 municipalities, it’s now illegal to ask about your past or current legal situations because of campaigns like Ban The Box, which aims to reduce the biases that come with conviction and arrest questions. Regardless, you shouldn’t volunteer this information in the interview phase, particularly early on when the interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself.” Other legal situations like lawsuits should not be mentioned either.

Religion

If you’re a person of faith, you should feel absolutely safe to express that in the workplace. If you require accommodations for your religion (prayer room, certain dates off, etc.), you would bring this up in the final interview stage. Otherwise, keep the conversation focused on professional achievements.

Political affiliation

Being politically engaged is very important. Unless you’re in politics or your primary volunteer experience is related, stay away from discussing your beliefs or affiliations. If you do have professional or volunteer experience, be sure to focus on the outcomes and lessons you learned that can be applied in the role you’re interviewing for, rather than advocating for a politician, party or issue.

Time-consuming hobbies or side-hustles

You may have the best time management skills and/or have completely automated your side hustle. However, bringing up a hobby or gig that sounds like it takes up your time (and your attention) can turn off potential employers. Your response to, “Tell me about yourself,” should highlight past entrepreneurial efforts and/or your entrepreneurial mindset without stealing the spotlight.

Family plans

While pregnancy or parenthood discrimination is illegal and interviewers can’t ask if you’re in a relationship or have kids, you may still find yourself weaving these personal details into a story or talking about your future. Unfortunately, expressing future family plans can still create red flags, especially for women.

Keep it positive and polite

You look the part and they obviously loved your resume and application, but are you inadvertently making the wrong impression? From negative comments to accidentally-offputting language, stay away from these common mistakes:

Complaints about former workplaces

This includes any gripes about personnel and policies. If you’re asked about why you left a role and it was disagreeable, avoid any negative language or complaining. Answer briefly and pivot by expressing what you hope to get out of your next role.

Also note, any complaining is a bad look — the weather, traffic, etc. You’ll appear to be someone who brings down the energy by focusing on the negative.

“As you can see on my resume.”

You will be asked to talk about things on your resume in greater detail. Saying, “It’s on my resume,” gives the impression that you’re arrogant and don’t know how to articulate your value. When the interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself,” it’s your chance to advocate for yourself where your resume may have failed to get the point across.

“I don’t know…”

If you’re asked for a fact that you truly don’t know, this may be acceptable. However, most questions are going to be about your performance, skills and goals — all things you should have thought about quite a bit before an interview. If you’re not sure because the question is unclear or it’s a scenario-based question, don’t be afraid to ask for clarity.

“I’m open to anything.”

Surely, you’ve got ambition and goals for your career. Even if you feel like you’d do whatever for a paycheck right now, do not express this in an interview. Be clear about what you’re looking for in your next role and your career, in general. You can end up being underpaid or in a position you hate.

Too soon!

After you’ve thoroughly answered, “Tell me about yourself,” you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions about what’s important to you. While these details may influence your ultimate decision, the first interview is not the time to ask these questions. As with any new relationship, you don’t want to come on too strong. The first meeting is about each party checking off certain qualifiers and getting to test the chemistry.

How much vacation and sick leave do you offer?

Your first conversation shouldn’t be about the days you won’t be working! Save this for a second-round interview or email follow-up. Generally, any benefits or compensation details should be discussed much later in the interview process. Many companies are also adding these details to their websites, so be sure to check there first.

Promotion-related questions

Understanding your opportunity for growth is vital, but this is the time to focus on highlighting your achievements. If you have ambitions of rising in the company quickly, you can express that without putting the cart before the horse and asking about how quickly they promote employees.

Would you like to see my references?

You wouldn’t introduce your friends and family on a first date, so don’t offer up your references in the first interview. Let them request your references later on in the process.

Clichés and buzzwords

“Tell me about yourself.” This is your chance to stand out! Don’t get lost in the crowd by stringing together buzzwords or using clichés that aren’t part of your regular vocabulary.

My greatest weakness is actually a strength

Another version of this is, “My greatest weakness is perfectionism.” The question about your greatest weakness is your opportunity to talk about an area of growth you’ve honed in on. Try telling a short anecdote about how you identified the weakness, steps you’ve taken to improve it, and progress you’ve made so far.

I think outside of the box

Buzzwords like “innovative” and “new spin” should also be avoided. Describe your fresh approach and the unique impact it had without using these terms.

Data-driven

Drop this buzzword and talk about how you used data to drive your decision-making. Give them something tangible that paints the picture of you being data-driven without saying it outright.

Jargon and acronyms

Unless you’re 100% sure it’s an industry standard (i.e. marketers know what SEO means), skip the jargon and acronyms. Another exception would be if any of these are part of the company’s mission statement or core values. Just don’t overdo it. The resume is where you plug keywords. Now’s your chance to use storytelling and details to paint the complete picture of what you have to offer.

Other common mistakes

Not asking questions

At the end of the meeting, the interviewer should ask if you have any questions. Unless you want to seem uninterested and unprepared, have a couple of queries at the ready.

Asking questions you should know the answers to

In the information age, this is a big no-no! Make sure your questions aren’t easily answered by reading through the company’s website or news mentions.

Getting off topic or telling irrelevant stories

Sometimes an interview is going so well you may find yourself conversing like you would in a casual conversation — letting ideas go unfinished and making way for tangents. Reign yourself back in and keep it professional!

Filler words

Like, so, yeah, um… Remember that taking a long pause to gather your thoughts is way better than stumbling through and inserting filler words. Overusing “like” can be especially harmful, as it comes off as immature.

Randomly placed achievements

You may feel the urge to tack on various achievements or certifications when answering a question. Be sure the examples you provide are relevant.

What if I let something slip?

If you catch yourself oversharing or a personal detail slips in, don’t sweat it! Don’t add to your nerves by obsessing over something you said. Notice it, learn from it, and move on. Also, don’t go into the interview focused on what you should avoid. Use this article as a guide while prepping. Then, focus your energy and attention on all the things you do want to include and show off during the interview. You’ll blow them away when they say, “Tell me about yourself.”

Christina Brennan is a Seattle-based comms strategist and presentation coach. She has coached and/or consulted over 200 entrepreneurs on communication strategy and presentation skills through 1:1 sessions, workshops, and online content, and also organizes with the WA Poor People’s Campaign.

10 Things You Should Avoid Saying in a Job Interview

Could the things you’re saying during job interviews be costing you offers? Knowing the right things to say requires practice and a little finesse. But accidentally saying the wrong thing is all too easy to do. Interviews are stressful, and it can be challenging to keep a cool head when your palms are sweating and your heart is beating double-time.

Taking the time to prepare can mean the difference between walking away from an interview with a sinking feeling and landing the sweet gig you’ve been hoping for. Study this list of the top ten things you should avoid saying during an interview and you’ll be less likely to make critical mistakes.

1 So, what does this job pay?

Sure, salary is a concern, but this is a question to save for later. Generally, you’ll address salary after you’ve received an offer of employment. If you have concerns that the wage might not be competitive, save them until you’ve been offered a second interview. Talking salary too early in the process will make it seem as though you’re more concerned about money than you are about the work itself.

2 I’ll do whatever.

Sure, you need a job, but interviews are not the time to let your desperation show. Employers want to know that you’re passionate about the work they’re considering hiring you to do. If you want to express that you’re open to different kinds of work, you might say, “I love working in [career specialty], but I’m also versatile and I enjoy learning new things. I’m open to exploring different roles.”

3 My last boss was a total _______.

So, your last boss really was a horrible micromanager who blamed you for everything that went wrong. Your potential new boss doesn’t need to hear it. Bad-mouthing your previous boss, manager, or even other coworkers will only raise red flags. A hiring manager isn’t likely to see your boss as the tyrant you’re making him out to be. It’s more likely she’ll see you as someone who might be difficult to work with.

4 Perfectionism is my biggest weakness.

Here’s the thing—you think you’re being clever when you tell a hiring manager that your one true weakness is that you want everything to be flawless. But what she’s hearing will sound more like “Oh, woe is me—I’m so fabulous that nothing short of perfection will do!” Not to mention, you’ll be spouting a cliché she’s probably heard dozens, if not hundreds of times before. Yes, you may be asked to address the question of your weaknesses, but there are better ways to answer.

5 I hate my job.

Maybe you do hate your job, but when you’re interviewing you need to play this fact close to the vest. Make diplomacy your watchword. If you need to address job challenges as part of the “Why are you leaving your current position?” question, frame them as positively as you can. Otherwise, you risk the hiring manager perceiving you as difficult to please, which also means that you might not be satisfied with what the position has to offer.

6 I was the company’s go-to person, with a proven track record for creating win-win scenarios.

Buzzwords and clichés don’t make you sound sharp or impressive; they make you seem as though you value flash over substance. Instead, come to the table with solid documentation of your successes. Facts and numbers say a lot more to a potential employer than telling him you “think outside the box.” In fact, saying that you “think outside the box” is more likely to indicate that you don’t.

7 What’s your policy on working from home?

Companies are getting more comfortable with the idea of employees working from home at least some of the time, but don’t ask about the possibility of telecommuting during the interview. If a work-from-home situation is what you need, you should apply for jobs with listings that specifically state that remote work is part of the offering.

8 Is the schedule flexible?

No one wants to hire someone who’s asking them to adjust to their schedule rather than the other way around. Once you have a job offer, it’s okay to ask for some scheduling leeway if you absolutely need it, but not before.

9 Tell me about what this company does.

If you want a job offer, you should have already done your homework, which means you should know what the company does. Instead of asking for a broad explanation of what the company’s all about, go to your interview armed with what you already know. Ask specific clarifying questions. For example: “On your blog, I read that customer service improvements are a major focus for [company] right now. Could you tell me more about how those new initiatives carry over to the sales team?”

10 No, I don’t have any questions.

When the hiring manager asks “Do you have any questions for me?” you should absolutely have some. Prepare thoughtful questions in advance. Hiring works both ways—the hiring manager wants to learn whether you’re a fit for the position, but she also wants to see that you care enough to assess whether the position is a fit for you. Otherwise, you just look desperate. If you’re at a loss for questions, here are fifty-one of them.

Top 10 Things Not to Say in a Job Interview

Unless you’re a CEO, celebrity, or head of state, you’re probably not used to having your every word weighed by others. Even if you’re somewhat anxious in social situations, you likely understand that occasionally misspeaking is unlikely to have major consequences.

One exception to this rule: job interviews. Why are interviews so prone to conversational pitfalls? In part, it’s because you’re aware of being judged. Also, you only have so much time to make a good first impression, and you’re trying to do so while also conveying your qualifications for the job and determining whether the role is a good fit for you.

Finally, there’s the fact that you’re competing with all the other people who are trying to land the job.

With so many candidates for just about every job opening, misspeaking makes it easier for the hiring manager to reject your candidacy.

You usually won’t get a second chance once you have made a mistake and said something inappropriate or something that will make the interviewer think twice about hiring you.

With that in mind, avoid the following.

Watch Now: Never Say These Things in a Job Interview

Top 10 Things Not to Say in a Job Interview

1. “How Much Does This Job Pay?” Don’t be the first to bring up salary, if you can help it. Mentioning pay can send the message that all you are after is money. This is an especially grave sin at the first meeting. There’s plenty of time to talk numbers later, when you’ve learned more about the role and can determine an appropriate salary range.
2. “My Boss Was Incompetent” (Or a Jerk, an Idiot or Anything Else Disparaging). Prospective employers will likely side with your current or previous supervisor and assume you will be difficult to manage. They may even worry that you’ll bad-mouth them at some future job interview.
3. Saying, “I’ll Have Your Job,” When Asked Where You See Yourself Five Years From Now. Displaying confidence is a good thing, but overly cocky statements will not endear you to interviewers. Remember that part of what hiring managers are assessing is whether you’ll fit well with the team: in other words, you want to come off like (and to be!) someone who’s pleasant to work with.
4. “I Hate My Job,” perhaps in response to a question like «Why are you applying for a new position?» A better approach is to emphasize why the new position is appealing and, when reflecting on your current job, to emphasize what you have learned and skills you have developed. As with disparaging comments, this type of negative attitude will be a red flag to hiring managers.
5. “You Look Great.” Avoid any comments that could be interpreted as flirtatious or otherwise inappropriate, no matter how stunning your interviewer appears.
6. “I’m Not Aware of Any Weaknesses,” When Asked to Share Some Shortcomings. Always be prepared to communicate some weaknesses: just make sure the quality is not central to the job. Sharing a historical weakness that you have worked toward improving can be an effective strategy. Rather than making you seem confident, claiming not to have weaknesses at all will make you appear boastful, delusional, and lacking self-awareness.
7. “Why Have Earnings Slumped at Your Company During the Past Two Quarters?” A better angle would be to stay clear of anything sounding negative. Rather, frame your question more neutrally. For example: «In your view, what are some of the biggest challenges that your company faces at this juncture?»
8. “Can I Work a Flexible Schedule?” or “How Much Vacation Would I Get?” Save these types of question until after you have been offered a position or the employer might question your motivation or work ethic. If these factors are important to you, you can try inquiring about the company culture, which will often prompt your interviewer to discuss the company’s work-from-home policy and vacation days.
9. “You’ll Regret It If You Don’t Hire Me: I’m the Most Qualified.” You can’t possibly know this unless you have met and evaluated all the other candidates. Overconfidence is a real turnoff to employers.
10. “I Don’t Have Any Questions for You.” Prepare some questions to ask that build upon your company research or something that your interviewer has shared with you. Another approach is to ask the interviewer a question about their experience with the organization, such as: “What do you enjoy most about working at ABC company?” Not having any questions at all will make you appear unprepared or uninterested.

How to Avoid Misspeaking During Your Interview

Knowing what not to say during an interview is important, and will help you avoid giving an answer that’s a turnoff to interviewers.

It’s also helpful to have a clear sense of what you do want to get across during the interview.

To that end, try practicing your responses to common interview questions. Brainstorm a list of questions to ask the interviewer, too. The more you prepare for the interview, the more confident you’ll feel during it.