No matter how skilled or experienced you are, there’s no getting away from the fact that first impressions can make or break your chances in a job interview. Yes, your resume is important, but once you’ve already made it to the interview stage, the way you present yourself in person (or over video) matters a lot.
So, let’s take a look at some of the worst words you could use in a job interview.
“Honestly”
You might think that this would be a good word for conveying your sincerity, but in reality, it can create unintended doubt. Saying “honestly” suggests that whatever you said before may not have been as truthful. Even if you mean no harm, it can make your answers feel less trustworthy.
“Like”
A lot of people find it difficult to say a single sentence without slipping in this annoying little filler word, but in an interview, it can make you sound less confident or uncertain. It distracts from your message and makes you seem unpolished. If you catch yourself relying on it too much, take a pause to collect your thoughts before continuing. Silence is better than filling space with unnecessary words.
“Um” or “Uh”
Similarly, filler words like “um” or “uh” can make you sound unsure of yourself. While it’s natural to need a moment to gather your thoughts, try to avoid these verbal crutches. They often slip in when people are nervous or feel the need to keep talking without a break.
A brief pause will always come across as more thoughtful and professional than a string of “ums.” So, if you feel one coming, take a second to breathe and reset. Practicing your answers beforehand can help reduce the need for these pauses, making you feel more prepared and confident during the actual interview.
“Stuff”
When you use vague terms like “stuff” or “things”, you’ll make yourself sound less detail-oriented. When explaining your skills or accomplishments, be specific. Replace “stuff” with clear, descriptive words that paint a picture of your experiences. For example, instead of saying, “I handled a lot of stuff related to scheduling,” try, “I managed the team’s scheduling and coordinated project deadlines across departments.” The more detail you provide, the more memorable your responses will be.
“Kinda” or “Sorta”
Words like “kinda” or “sorta” make your statements sound weak and uncertain. If you “kinda” led a project, it sounds like you weren’t fully responsible. Choose language that reflects confidence and ownership of your experiences.
Even if you played a supporting role, focus on the tasks you did manage directly. Saying “I contributed to the development of the project strategy” carries more weight than “I kinda helped with the project.”
“Whatever”
Few words can shut down a conversation faster than “whatever.” It comes across as dismissive, uninterested, or even disrespectful. In a professional setting, you want to project enthusiasm and engagement. If you’re not sure how to respond to a question, it’s better to ask for clarification or express a thoughtful perspective.
“Perfect”
While “perfect” might seem like a positive word, it can give the impression that you’re inflexible or have unrealistic expectations. No job or project is ever perfect, and suggesting otherwise may make you seem naive. Focusing on improvement, growth, or effectiveness is often more relatable and realistic.
“Just”
This one might not seem like a big deal, but the word “just” can minimize the importance of what you’re saying. For example, saying, “I just managed the team’s calendar,” downplays your contribution. Drop the “just” and take ownership of your responsibilities. Every task has value, and it’s important to highlight your role with confidence.
Even small tasks can reflect strong organizational skills or leadership abilities when framed correctly. Avoiding “just” allows you to fully acknowledge the impact of your work without unnecessary modesty.
“I Guess”
When you say “I guess,” it can make you sound unsure or hesitant. Interviewers are looking for candidates who are decisive and self-assured. If you’re uncertain about an answer, take a moment to think before responding rather than filling the silence with “I guess.”
“No Problem”
This might sound like a weird one, but the thing is that while it’s polite, the phrase “no problem” can unintentionally suggest that something could have been a problem. It might seem casual, but in an interview setting, it can subtly diminish the value of your work or willingness to help. Instead, use more positive language like “my pleasure” or “I’d be happy to.”
These alternatives convey enthusiasm and professionalism, reinforcing that you approach tasks with a positive attitude. The goal is to leave the interviewer with the impression that you’re eager to contribute, not that you’re brushing off requests as trivial.
“I Don’t Know”
It’s completely normal to not have all the answers, but directly saying “I don’t know” can make you seem unprepared or disengaged. Interviewers understand that candidates aren’t expected to be experts in everything, but how you handle uncertainty can speak volumes.
“Literally”
The word “literally” tends to get overused in everyday language, often in situations where it’s not needed or not exactly accurate. In interviews, it can make you sound less precise and sometimes even exaggerative.
For example, saying, “I literally worked 24/7 on that project,” can make your response sound less credible. Instead, focus on facts and let your experiences speak for themselves. Swap “literally” for descriptive, specific language that highlights the intensity of your efforts without unnecessary embellishments.
“Always” or “Never”
Extreme words like “always” and “never” can raise eyebrows, even if you’re just trying to emphasize a point. Rarely is anything absolute, and using language that sounds rigid might make the interviewer question your ability to adapt. For instance, saying “I never miss a deadline” might sound good, but it could also come across as unrealistic. It’s better to frame your point with words like “consistently” or “frequently,” which convey reliability without sounding too definitive.
“Can’t”
Negativity can sneak into conversations in subtle ways, and “can’t” is one of those words that can stand out more than you’d expect. Even if you’re discussing a skill you haven’t mastered yet, framing it in a positive light makes a better impression.
“Cheap”
If you’re discussing budgeting or cost-saving measures, the word “cheap” can make your efforts sound low-quality or poorly planned. In professional environments, there’s a difference between saving money and cutting corners. Words like “cost-effective” or “budget-conscious” show that you’re mindful of finances without implying a compromise in quality.
“Bored”
Even if boredom was the reason you left a previous job or wanted to switch careers, it’s not something you want to bring up in an interview. Saying you were bored makes it sound like you weren’t engaged, motivated, or willing to seek out new challenges. Instead, reframe the experience in a way that highlights your desire for growth.