13 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview

The job interview. It‘s the crucial final step to landing your dream role, the chance to finally showcase your qualifications in person. But it‘s also a minefield of potential verbal slipups that could detonate your chances.

I still cringe remembering an interview from my early 20s when nerves got the best of me. Sweaty-palmed and dry-mouthed, I opened with "Sorry, I‘m super nervous!" The interviewer‘s polite smile tightened. Things went downhill from there as I stumbled through my overly rehearsed answers. Needless to say, I didn‘t get the job.

What I learned from that experience is that what you don‘t say in an interview can be just as important as what you do say. Certain phrases can raise red flags or undermine the confident, capable impression you‘re trying to make. To boost your chances of nailing your next interview, here are 13 things to avoid blurting out, and what to say instead.

Why Interviews Make Us So Nervous

First, let‘s acknowledge that pre-interview jitters are incredibly common. In fact, a whopping 93% of candidates have experienced anxiety related to job interviews, according to a survey by recruiting software company JazzHR.

It‘s understandable. There‘s a lot on the line in an interview. It‘s a high stakes situation that could profoundly impact your career trajectory and financial future. You know you‘re being evaluated and judged, which can put your fight-or-flight response into overdrive. Many people worry about their mind going blank, stumbling over answers, or simply not measuring up to other candidates.

A lack of preparation can heighten anxiety even more. If you haven‘t thoroughly researched the company or practiced answers to likely questions, you may feel like you‘re walking a tightrope without a net.

The physical symptoms of nervousness—racing heart, shaky voice, sweaty palms—can be overwhelming. You may be tempted to blurt out an apologetic "I‘m so nervous!"

The Problem with Saying "I‘m Really Nervous"

Resist that urge. While nervousness is a very normal human response, announcing it in an interview can work against you. Here‘s why:

1. It makes you appear less confident. The subtext of "I‘m really nervous" is "I‘m not sure I‘m good enough for this role." You‘re planting seeds of doubt about your capabilities.

2. It takes the focus off your qualifications. You have limited time in an interview to convey how you would add value to the organization. Talking about your nervous mental state wastes precious minutes better spent discussing your strengths.

3. It can make the interviewer uncomfortable. The hiring manager‘s job is to assess your fitness for the role, not to offer emotional support. Putting them in the position of having to reassure you adds awkwardness.

4. It suggests you don‘t handle pressure well. If you fall to pieces in the interview, the employer may reasonably wonder how you‘ll hold up under the everyday stresses of the job.

Rather than verbally vomiting your anxiety all over the conference room table, aim to project an air of calm self-assurance.

What to Say Instead of "I‘m Nervous"

If nerves threaten to get the best of you, try these alternatives to "I‘m really nervous":

• "I‘m excited for the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and learn more about the role."
• "While I may have some natural nerves, I‘m truly enthusiastic about the position."
• "I‘ve been looking forward to sharing how my experience aligns with the responsibilities of this job."
• "This role really energizes me because…"

See the difference? The focus stays on your positive feelings about the position and your relevant strengths. You‘re not denying nervousness, but you‘re reframing it as eagerness and directing that energy productively.

Conveying Confidence Through Body Language

What if nerves make your voice shaky or cause you to trip over your words? Again, don‘t draw attention to it with a comment like "Sorry, I‘m just so nervous."

Instead, take a deep breath. Pause for a sip of water. Give yourself a beat to collect your thoughts and get back on track. A moment of silence is less awkward than babbling.

You can also use your body language to reinforce an impression of poise when your insides are aswirl with anxiety:

• Sit up straight with your shoulders back. Good posture signals you‘re engaged and attentive.
• Make warm eye contact, smiling genuinely to create a sense of connection.
• Keep your hands relaxed, perhaps loosely clasped on the table. Avoid nervous gestures like fidgeting or cracking your knuckles.
• Lean in slightly when the interviewer is speaking to show you‘re actively listening.

Preparing to Reduce Interview Nerves

One of the best ways to quell anxiety is to prepare thoroughly. Here are some tips:

1. Research the company extensively. Read their website, blog, social media feeds and recent news coverage. Browse the LinkedIn profiles of employees with similar roles. The more you know, the more confident you‘ll feel discussing the organization.

2. Practice answering common interview questions out loud until your responses feel natural. Have specific examples ready to back up your main points.

3. Role play interviews with a friend, family member or coach. Ask for feedback on both your answers and demeanor.

4. Do a dry run traveling to the interview location a day or two ahead so you know exactly where you‘re going and how long it takes. Minimizing unknowns reduces stress.

5. Engage in relaxation techniques in the days leading up to and the morning of the interview. That could include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation or light exercise to release nervous energy.

Other Things to Never Say in an Interview

In addition to "I‘m really nervous," here are some other phrases to avoid in job interviews:

1. "What exactly does your company do?"
   This shows you didn‘t do even basic research. Instead, demonstrate knowledge of the organization with a comment like "I was impressed to learn that your company expanded into X new markets last year."

2. "I don‘t really have any weaknesses."
   Everyone has growth areas. Claiming otherwise comes across as arrogant or lacking self-awareness. Instead, share a skill you‘re actively working to improve: "I‘m challenging myself to get more comfortable with public speaking by joining Toastmasters."

3. "My last boss/coworkers were awful."
   Badmouthing past colleagues raises red flags about your professionalism and ability to work well with others. Focus on what you learned from challenging situations: "In my last role, I honed my ability to collaborate cross-functionally to achieve shared goals."

4. "How much vacation time do I get?" or "What‘s the salary for this role?"
   Wait until you have an offer to discuss benefits and compensation. In the interview, keep the focus on the value you would bring to the position.

5. "Do you do background checks?"
   This implies you have something worrisome to hide. If a past issue could come up, be upfront and share what you learned from the experience.

Key Takeaways for Nailing Your Next Interview

In summary, acing an interview is as much about what you don‘t say as what you do. Nerves are a natural response to a high stakes evaluative situation, but resist the urge to verbally express your anxiety.

Instead, redirect that nervous energy into excitement about the role and organization. Prepare thoroughly by researching the company and practicing answers to common questions so you can speak to your qualifications with confidence. Demonstrate engagement and enthusiasm through positive body language, and avoid phrases that could raise doubt or detract from your professional image.

With conscious effort to avoid interview pitfalls and position yourself as a poised, capable candidate, you‘ll substantially boost your odds of getting hired. Focus on the value you‘ll bring to the organization, not on any fleeting nervous feelings, and you‘ll make the impression of someone well equipped to tackle the role.