11 phrases unconsciously tripping you up in your job interview

So you’ve done all your research, you’ve ironed your favourite outfit and you’ve planned your travel, but when it comes to the interview it doesn’t seem to click. When you’re in the interview, certain words and phrases may be unconsciously tripping you up more than you think, putting certain negative thoughts in the hiring managers mind that they just can’t shake.

One important thing to remember is that the interview is still always a formal scenario. Even if you’ve found yourself in a much more relaxed start-up style environment, it’s crucial to remain professional, clear and positive. Of course interviews are an opportunity to get your personality across to a new employer, but don’t let this be at the expense of displaying your ability to do the job.

“Need”/”Want”

It might seem a bit strange, but the focus of the interview is not really about what you want, particularly at a junior level. By all means use the interview to assess your potential employer and whether they’re the right company for you, but they will be looking out for how you’re going to benefit the company, not what you want to get out of the arrangement.

Talking about your needs or wants during the process will make you come across as potentially ineffective and arrogant, as well as high-maintenance, rather than someone who is keen to get stuck in and start adding value to the business.

“Fine” / “Nice”

Wherever possible, try to avoid vague, middle of the road terms when answering questions and try to focus on yes or no answers with clear and enthusiastic reasoning. Don’t associate yourself with the average and the hiring manager won’t either.

“My Old Boss Was…”

Great, awful, indifferent? Whatever it was, don’t bring it up! It rarely works to shift the focus to your previous employment, and particularly if your feedback is negative it’s likely to make you look bitter or petty.

Of course the hiring manager might bring up your previous employment but use this as an opportunity to shift the focus onto things that the new company do that you admire that might be different from where you’ve worked before.

“Like…So…Obviously”

Avoid these placeholders at all costs. Overusing them can make you seem a lot younger and less intelligent than you actually are, as well as making you seem unsure and lacking commitment. If an answer doesn’t come to you immediately, don’t be afraid to pause, consider your answer and ensure that when you do start to speak, it will be with clear and authoritative.

“I’m Pretty Nervous”

This is one of the cases in an interview where honesty might not be the best policy. It might feel like you’re revealing a certain elephant in the room and breaking the ice, but it might bring up doubts for employers over you communication skills and ability to deal with other people in a professional way. Even if they do spot your nerves, the chances are they’ll be more impressed by you trying to dismiss and battle through it.

“Actually”

Using the word ‘actually’ in answer to a question can be employed as an accidental placeholder, but it can unconsciously put distance between yourself and the interviewer. It can evoke a holier than thou attitude that might put you in the hiring manager’s ‘arrogant’ category.

“I”

Okay, this one needs some explaining. Of course you shouldn’t completely avoid using personal pronouns in your interview, it’d be pretty much impossible and over-thinking it could ruin the natural flow of your answers.

However, do consider trying to decrease how much you use it, as again it can shift the focus on to yourself as opposed to the advantages of the company. Also, research suggests that over-use of personal pronouns can make someone appear more inexperienced and far below the person they’re speaking to.

“Amazing / Great”

If the interviewer spends some time explaining the company’s practices, or some recent achievements, try to go beyond simply telling them how great you think that is. Use this as an opportunity to demonstrate that you understand the company and their ambitions by pointing to a reason why it’s impressive.

“Just”

People often use this during an interview to take the edge of certain answers they’re unsure about. You’re much better to be confident in the answers your giving, and over-using ‘just’ can make you appear unwilling to commit and uncertain.

“Perfectionist / Obsessed”

If the interviewer asks you for a weakness, please leave these two words at home; the chances are that anyone who needs to say they’re a perfectionist probably isn’t. Hiring managers have heard it all before and will see through your answer in seconds. Besides it might not necessarily be a positive. You might think you’re displaying your hard-working nature and attention to detail but sometimes these terms can carry connotations of being indecisive and someone who wastes time on unnecessary tasks.

“Hate”

This term’s far too strong for an interview, and immediately generates a negative atmosphere. Moreover, it can come across as too personal and informal, and might show you up as someone who offers criticisms and not solutions.

Matt Arnerich works as a content writer for graduate recruitment agency Inspiring Interns. If you’re looking for your first job after university, take a look at their graduate jobs listings and graduate careers advice.

Do you have any advice to add? Let us know below.

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