What Not to Say in an Interview (And What to Say Instead)

When attending a job interview, how you perform can make the difference between whether you land your dream role or miss out. While most candidates focus on preparing the “right” answers, fewer stop to consider the phrases, habits and language that may work against them. Even seemingly small comments can influence how an employer perceives your confidence, professionalism and suitability for the role.

Saying the wrong thing — or saying the right thing in the wrong way — can quietly undermine an otherwise strong application. So, what are some of the things you should avoid saying in a job interview?

What not to say in an interview

Words that downplay your abilities

Many candidates downplay their abilities in a job interview for fear of appearing boastful or arrogant. However, an interview is your opportunity to clearly articulate your strengths and achievements. Confidence, when supported by evidence, is not arrogance — it is professionalism.

“We”

It is common to describe workplace achievements in terms of “we” rather than “I”. While teamwork is important, interviewers want to understand your personal contribution. Be clear about what you specifically did, the actions you took and the results you achieved.

“Just”

Using the word “just” can unintentionally minimise your experience or suggest a lack of confidence. For example, saying “I just assisted with the project” reduces the value of your contribution.

“Only”

Similarly, the word “only” can give the impression that your experience is limited. Instead of saying “I only managed a small team”, focus on the responsibility and outcomes involved.

“Obviously”

In most cases, you will not have met your interviewer before, so avoid assuming anything is obvious. What may seem straightforward to you may not be to them. Clear, respectful communication is always preferable.

Overused words

While some candidates describe themselves as a “workaholic”, many employers today value balance, sustainability and wellbeing in the workplace. Presenting yourself as someone who works excessively long hours may raise concerns about burnout or time management.

Similarly, labelling yourself a “perfectionist” is often seen as a cliché. Employers may interpret this as a sign that you struggle to prioritise or spend too long on tasks. Instead of relying on overused labels, focus on specific strengths and provide examples that demonstrate your work ethic and attention to detail.

Terms you can’t back up

When highlighting your strengths in an interview, it is essential to support your claims with clear examples. Broad statements alone are rarely convincing.

If you describe yourself as resilient or motivated by a challenge, be prepared to outline a specific situation where you overcame obstacles and achieved a positive outcome. If you say you are a team player, provide a concrete example of how you contributed to a team’s success.

Employers are looking for evidence, not labels. Demonstrating your skills through real examples will always be more persuasive than simply stating them

Filler words

It is natural to use occasional filler words such as “um”, “yeah” or “you know”, particularly when you are thinking through your response. However, using them too frequently can make you appear unprepared, uncertain or lacking confidence.
Pausing briefly to gather your thoughts is far more effective than filling silence with unnecessary words. Practising your answers in advance can help you speak more clearly and confidently during the interview.

Knowing what not to say is just as important as knowing how to present yourself confidently. Even small language habits can influence how an interviewer perceives your professionalism, credibility and suitability for the role. Preparing carefully, refining your examples and practising your responses can significantly improve your performance. If you feel unsure about how to structure your answers or present your strengths effectively, professional interview coaching can provide tailored guidance and practical strategies to help you prepare for your next interview with confidence.

If you are looking for support with your job application or interview preparation, Selection Criteria Writers can help. We offer professional resume writing services, LinkedIn profile writing and interview coaching designed to position you strongly at every stage of the recruitment process.

Article References

Seek (3 February 2026) ‘Stop saying these 9 things in your interview’ Seek, accessed 23 February 2026.