Walking into a job interview can feel like navigating a minefield. You’ve spent hours perfecting your application, perhaps using an AI CV builder to ensure your credentials shine, but the verbal exchange is where the real decision is made. While we often focus on what we should say, knowing what to keep to yourself is equally critical for landing the role.

Certain phrases act as instant red flags for hiring managers, signaling a lack of professionalism, preparation, or emotional intelligence. To help you navigate your next career move with confidence, we have identified five things you should never mention in a job interview and how to pivot toward a more successful answer.

1. Negative Comments About Previous Employers

It can be tempting to vent about a toxic culture or a difficult manager, especially if that is the primary reason you are looking for a new role. However, speaking poorly about your previous company or colleagues is one of the fastest ways to get disqualified. When an interviewer asks about your past experiences, they aren't just looking for history; they are assessing your character.

If you complain about your old job, the hiring team will naturally assume you will eventually say the same things about them. Instead of focusing on the past, bridge your answer to the future. If you are asked why you are leaving, focus on growth. You might say, "I’ve enjoyed the professional relationships I built at my last firm, but I’m now looking for greater opportunities and more responsibility in a fast-paced environment." For more help on this specific challenge, see our guide on how to explain why you left your last job effectively.

"The way you talk about your past employer tells the interviewer exactly how you will talk about them in six months."

2. Expressing Desperation for "Any" Job

The job market can be tough, and the need for a paycheck is a powerful motivator. However, telling an interviewer "I’ll do anything" or "I don't care what the role is" is a major red flag. Employers want to hire someone who is passionate about this specific position, not just someone looking for a temporary landing pad.

When you show desperation, you inadvertently signal that you might leave the moment a better "anything" comes along. Instead, anchor your value to the specific job description. Use an ATS checker to ensure your skills align with the role beforehand so you can walk in with the confidence that you are the right fit, not just a willing body. Focus on the value you bring rather than the need you have.

3. Overusing Empty Buzzwords Without Context

Are you a "self-starter," a "quick learner," or "results-oriented"? While these sound like great traits, they have become empty buzzwords in the eyes of recruiters. When you use these labels without evidence, they lose their meaning. It is always better to show than to tell.

How to Provide Context

• Instead of "Leader": Describe a specific team you built or a project you managed successfully.
• Instead of "Results-Oriented": Mention a project you finished 15% under budget or ahead of a tight deadline.
• Instead of "Quick Learner": Explain how you mastered a new software or industry regulation within your first month.

Let your actions provide the label for the interviewer. This approach is a core part of the STAR method for behavioral interviews, which helps you provide concrete examples of your skills.

4. The Dead-End "I Don't Know"

Interviewers often ask "stress questions" or technical scenarios to see how you handle pressure. Responding with a simple "I don't know" and stopping there effectively shuts down the conversation. It suggests a lack of resourcefulness.

If you aren't familiar with a specific skill or scenario, use the "bridge" technique. You can say, "I haven't handled that exact situation yet, but I have managed [similar situation], and here is how I would apply those fundamentals to solve the problem you're describing." This shows you can connect the dots and think critically. If you're truly stumped, it's okay to ask to circle back to the question later, but use this move sparingly to maintain your unstoppable interview confidence.

5. Asking "What Does Your Company Do?"

This is perhaps the ultimate deal-breaker. In an era where information is available at our fingertips, asking what a company does shows a complete lack of research and interest. You should never walk into an interview without knowing the company's mission, recent projects, and current challenges.

Instead of basic questions, use your research to ask strategic ones. Ask about their goals for the next fiscal year or how the team handles rapid growth. This shifts the dynamic, showing you are already thinking like a member of the team. For a professional start, ensure your application materials are as polished as your research. You can convert any document or LinkedIn profile into a modern, professional CV in seconds to make the right first impression.

Final Thoughts on Interview Preparation

Success in an interview is 50% what you know and 50% how you communicate it. By avoiding these five pitfalls, you position yourself as a high-value, professional candidate. Remember to pair your strong verbal performance with a resume that passes the bots; checking your ATS-friendly resume format is a vital step before you even step into the room. With the right preparation and the right tools, the job offer is yours for the taking.