In my seven years of recruiting experience, I’ve placed candidates at major companies like Google, Facebook and Microsoft. And I can tell you that it’s not what you say in an interview that will get you a job — but how you make the interviewer feel.
Hiring managers will talk to you and many other candidates just a few times before quickly needing to make a decision. So they often have to rely on their gut. I always remind people to be mindful of the image they project, because that’s what hiring managers will remember.
Here are seven interview phrases that destroy your chances of landing a job, and what to say instead.
1. “I’ll do anything.”
While this might come off as flexible and eager, it can also seem desperate or lacking in focus.
Recruiters want candidates to know themselves well enough to establish a clear sense of what they can offer and how that aligns with the specific needs of the position — not someone who is willing to jump at any opportunity.
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Say this instead: “I’m passionate about [specific role/task] and believe I could excel there, but I’m also open to other roles where I can contribute effectively.”
2. “What does your company do?”
Even if a company reached out to you, it’s basic interview etiquette to do some kind of research on the business. This response suggests a lack of preparation and initiative.
Say this instead: “From my understanding, your company focuses on [what you know]. Can you share more about the current initiatives in [specific department]?”
3. “I don’t have any weaknesses.”
Saying this implies a lack of self-awareness or reluctance to be self-reflective.
No one wants to work with someone who thinks they’re perfect, and interviewers have a responsibility to their team to not hire candidates who have a negative effect on morale.
Say this instead: “A challenge I’ve faced is [specific weakness], but I’m actively working on it by [strategy/measure].”
4. “I…
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