A job interview is an important step in securing a position, playing a critical role in the job obtaining process.


Under the immense pressure, nervousness, stress, and anxiety that often accompany interviews, individuals may unintentionally say or do things that are inappropriate, potentially damaging their chances of success.

This can happen despite being fully qualified and deserving of the job.

To prevent these risks, we will discuss 5 things you should never say in a job interview. Let’s delve deeper to understand each of these points

Avoid lying or exaggerating about your qualifications

In job interviews, individuals often feel pressured to exaggerate or lie about their qualifications and skills under pressure or simply in order to impress the interviewer. However, this can lead to challenges, if they’re unable to perform as claimed once they have the job. It’s essential to be completely honest and transparent about your experience, qualifications, and skills during the interview process to avoid potential trouble or allegations later on. This approach ensures credibility and sets a foundation for success in the role. Additionally, you can demonstrate your willingness to learn and convey it to the interviewer by mentioning statements like “I’m committed to keep learning and growing professionally, and I’m excited about getting the chance to learn more about what’s important for this job.”

Avoid solely focusing on salary

Avoid statements like, “I’m specifically looking for a job that offers a higher salary than my current position.” Such direct statements on salary might depict that you’re primarily motivated by money and not genuinely interested in the job itself. Instead, start by expressing your sincere enthusiasm and gratitude towards the opportunity to contribute to the company’s success and your desire for personal and professional growth. Then, politely, discuss your salary expectations, ensuring they align with your experience and the responsibilities of the role. This approach demonstrates that while money is an important factor, your main focus lies in making a meaningful impact and growing within the company.

​Avoid speaking negatively about past employers or colleagues

In a job interview, statements like “Let me tell you about the drama that happened between my coworkers at my last job” are a big no. Discussing workplace conflicts and drama, or talking poorly about your boss and colleagues from previous jobs reflects negatively on your professionalism, attitude, and ability to work well with others. Instead, focus on highlighting positive experiences and lessons learned from past challenges, demonstrating a positive attitude and professionalism.

Avoid being too casual or familiar

It’s essential to be confident and composed during the interview. However, it’s equally important to avoid being overly familiar, casual, or using inappropriate language. Maintaining a professional attitude throughout the interview is of immense importance. Additionally, ensure you have good posture, maintain eye contact, and present yourself confidently to demonstrate professionalism effectively.

Avoid being overly negative or self-deprecating

It’s undoubtedly important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. However, consistently speaking negatively about yourself and using self-deprecating statements can portray you as an underconfident individual with self-esteem issues. Excessive self-doubt and negativity can disqualify you as a suitable and credible candidate for the role in the company. Instead, you can subtly acknowledge your weaknesses that may impact work efficiency but focus on statements like “I recognize the need to improve and am dedicated to growing my skills to do my best”, which demonstrate your willingness and motivation to improve by effectively working on them.