Guides · Interview don'ts ·
What not to say in an interview, and what to say instead
Aisha gave a good interview, apart from one sentence. Asked about her weakness, she smiled and said:
"Honestly? I'm a perfectionist."
What the interviewer heard: She's either avoiding the question or doesn't know herself. It was the only line they remembered.
One phrase can undo ten good answers. Here are the ones that do it most often.
Which phrases hurt you most?
| Don't say | Why it hurts | Say instead |
|---|---|---|
| "I'm a perfectionist." | Sounds like dodging the question. | A real weakness and what you're doing about it. |
| "My last boss was terrible." | They'll picture you saying it about them. | "I want more ownership of my work." |
| "I'm flexible on salary." | Forces them to guess, usually low. | A researched range. |
| "I don't have any questions." | Sounds like low interest. | One question about the team or the role. |
| "What does your company do?" | Shows you didn't look. | One specific fact about them. |
| "I'll do anything." | Sounds like no direction. | The one thing you want to do here. |
| "Sorry, this is probably wrong, but..." | Undercuts your answer before you give it. | Just give the answer. |
| "I don't know." (and stop) | Ends the conversation. | "I haven't done that, but here's how I'd approach it." |
| "How much holiday do I get?" (first call) | Puts perks before the job. | Save it for the offer stage. |
| "I just need a job." | Says this one isn't special. | Why this role, specifically. |
Why do these phrases land so badly?
Because each one answers a question they didn't ask. "I'm flexible" tells them you haven't researched. "I'll do anything" tells them you don't know what you want. Interviewers are listening for these signals, even when the rest of the answer is fine. None of these phrases is fatal on its own. Two or three in one call usually are.
What should you say instead?
Swap each phrase for something specific. Two examples.
Instead of "I'm a perfectionist":
"I used to say yes to every request, and my own work slipped. Now I check my week's priorities before I agree to anything new, and I haven't missed a deadline since."
There's more in the weakness guide.
Instead of "I don't know" on its own:
"I haven't used that system, but I learned a similar one in two weeks at my last job. I'd start by shadowing someone who uses it daily."
What about filler words?
A few are fine. Constant ones aren't. "Like", "basically" and "to be honest" make you sound less sure. "To be honest" also hints you weren't before.
Pause instead. A one-second silence sounds more confident than any filler. Practising out loud is the quickest way to hear your own.
Quick answers
What should you never say in a job interview?
Avoid criticising past employers, "I don't have any questions", "I'm flexible" on salary, and "What does your company do?". Each one signals a problem the interviewer will note.
Is it bad to say "I'm a perfectionist" in an interview?
Yes. It sounds like you're avoiding the question. Give a real weakness, a short example, and what you're doing to improve it.
Can I say "I don't know" in an interview?
Yes, if you follow it with how you'd find out or approach it. "I don't know" on its own ends the conversation.
Should I ask about holiday or benefits in the first interview?
Wait until later rounds or the offer stage, unless the interviewer raises it first. Early on, focus your questions on the role and team.
Is it OK to say "to be honest" in an interview?
Try to avoid it. It can suggest your other answers weren't honest. Just say the honest thing.
Thanks for letting us know.