Job interviews evoke a mixed feeling. There is excitement of starting off something new very soon and growing professionally, but you are also anxious about what the future looks like, it can be nerve-wracking and stressful. The preparation, research, negotiations, and anticipation can be taxing. So, if you are someone who frets about job interviews and are unsure about how to conduct yourself, what must you say and not say at these interviews, Her Circle brings to you a short guide on words you should avoid while giving one.
1. No
Avoid the word ‘No’ at an interview. While there is nothing wrong with the word, it gives a negative impression to the interviewer. Instead, turn it into a positive or a neutral statement. If you mitigate your answer with a ‘possibly’, ‘maybe’, ‘depending on’, you'll position yourself more positively and keep yourself in the running.
If the employer asks your availability on weekends, instead of turning it down upfront and saying ‘No, I will not be available on weekends’, you can say ‘Depending on the gravity of the situation, I will try to be there as per my availability'
2. Hate
No matter what, never say ‘hate’ as it is too strong a word and has a tone of finality to it, making you look uncompromising and unprofessional. Its negative connotation will make you look arrogant and less approachable. In fact, it may even end your chances of getting selected. You can alternatively use words like ‘unsatisfactory’, ‘dissatisfied’, and ‘not up to the mark’. The point is to change sentences to make it sound less negative.
3. Perfectionist
There was a time when ‘I am a perfectionist’ was a clever way to evade the question about your weakness. However, most employers know it and will dismiss it. In fact, they may also feel that you are not being original, and are trying to play them.
4. Over usage of the word ‘I’
We know that interviews are all about showcasing the best of yourself and your skills, but make sure you do not get stuck with ‘I’. In this day and age, most of our work is collaborative and team work. Try coming up with a smart way of narrating your individualistic achievement that have impacted the company’s growth. Your organization wants someone who acknowledges team’s work.
5. Fired
Always avoid the word ‘fired’ if you were asked to leave from the previous organization. Instead, you can use the term ‘let go. There may be multiple reasons why you were asked to leave, so explain the reason diplomatically. Frame it in a way that conveys what you learnt from the experience, thereby creating a positive outcome from a grave situation.
6. Basically
While there is no issue with the word, it diminishes your accomplishments. It suggests that you do not take your work or your achievements seriously. So, skip the word and get to the point. Give an overview and explain your work in detail, highlighting the most important aspects of your tasks and success.
7. Err/ Umm
Subconsciously, we often take such breaks in conversation. These words show that you are either unsure of what you are saying or are not confident. And you do not want your employer to think so. This also distracts the potential employer from what you are saying, resulting in a loss of interest and confidence.
8. Any negatives or ultimatums - Can’t, Won’t
Any negatives will only decrease your chances of getting selected. Instead, replace the negatives with something that can be negotiated like ‘maybe’, ‘probably’, ‘shall see’. These words will make you seem more adjusting and accepting of the change. That’s a quality most employers appreciate and look for in a candidate.
9. Slang
While many slangs have become a part of and are acceptable in our everyday parlance, it is advisable to avoid them in interviews, since you don’t know how the interviewer will perceive you and your language. You do not want it to be the reason for your rejection. To make sure you do not use slang, take a pause and think before you speak. It will also make you come across as introspective.
10. Overused words like – dedicated, motivated, team player, synergy, hardworking
These words have been overused, especially in an interview setup. Using them can also give the impression that you don’t have much to say about yourself, and instead, are resorting to clichéd tricks. These qualities won’t help differentiate you from others, because everyone is dedicated and hardworking and wants to excel at work.