Mastering Your Next Interview: It's Best To Avoid These Phrases
Whether you are going for your first or fifth interview, interviews remain nerve-wracking occasions, and most people are all too familiar with the butterflies when going into an interview. It’s important to prepare what to say, and equally so, what not to say. As the saying goes, first impressions last, and by being well prepared, you can ensure that you come across as a professional and qualified candidate who is able to highlight your skills and personality.
As actuarial recruitment experts with a wealth of experience, we understand the nuances of the interview process and the impact that the right words can have on your chances of success. As such, we have compiled a list of phrases that people often say in an interview that are best avoided. There are of course many more, and we invite you to comment on any others that you’ve heard and how you think they could be improved on.
(1) Best To Avoid: "I'm feeling really nervous."
How about: “I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”
It's normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed before a job interview. The first way to reduce this feeling is to be well prepared and to tell yourself that you’re looking forward to it. Reframe the narrative and try to remain calm and poised to create a strong first impression.
(2) Best To Avoid: “Does that answer the question?”
How about: “Would you like me to elaborate further on that, or is that sufficient?”
This highlights the subtle difference between a passive-aggressive approach, where you could be perceived as being challenging or defensive, and a more open approach. Show the panellists that you are happy to move to the next question, but that you are also willing to provide further details.
(3) Best To Avoid: “I don’t know”, or “I don’t have an answer for that at the moment.”
How about: “Would you mind if we come back to that one, please?”
We all get caught off guard from time to time. You probably have an answer, but you just haven’t had a chance to think it through enough. This approach shows that you want to answer the question; it looks even more positive if you are the one who refers back to the question later on in the interview.
If you genuinely don’t have an answer by the time the question is asked again, be honest about it, talk about how you would approach the process of finding the answer, and state your willingness to learn more about the specific topic.
(4) Best To Avoid: “I don’t like my manager, etc.” or “I don’t enjoy doing A, B or C in my current role.”
How about: “I’m excited about the opportunities and possibilities of A, B or C that this role offers.”
Focus on the positives that come with new opportunities. One of the common interview questions you can expect during your job interview is about your current or previous employers and jobs. It's vital to answer this question with a positive attitude, if you wish to increase your chances of landing the job. Saying any negative things about your previous boss or speaking ill of the company highlights your inability to remain professional in difficult situations, regardless of your reasons for leaving.
(5) Best To Avoid: "I don't have any weaknesses."
How about: "I think I’m a strong candidate for this role, with a good skillset. However, I’m always looking for opportunities to improve and to keep up to date. One area that I've been working on is … to improve / enhance …"
It can be tempting to say that you don't have any weaknesses to make yourself stand out, but this rarely impresses. No person is without flaw and saying otherwise either reveals dishonesty or a lack of self-awareness. It also doesn't offer much insight into who you are as an individual.
We all have areas in which we could improve, and it may create a better impression if you are humble enough to recognise them and to look for those areas in which you can improve.
If you genuinely believe that you don’t have any weaknesses, consider exploring wider areas pertaining to your field or reading books by experts from your industry.
(6) Best To Avoid: "I'm a perfectionist."
How about: "I am a detail-oriented and precise person. However, I understand the importance of balancing perfectionism with efficiency to meet deadlines and to deliver continued high-quality work."
As Actuaries, we particularly like to be as accurate and perfect as possible but saying that you are perfect is also not advisable, as it can again be seen as a sign of arrogance or a lack of self-awareness.
Although it is important to get across that your standards are high, it is also important to recognise and admit that it can be a balancing act at times.
(7) Best To Avoid: “It’s on my resume.”
How about: “I would be glad to elaborate on A, B, C.”
If the interviewer asks you a question regarding your skills, experience or education, they probably want you to explain it further and in thorough detail. See it as an opportunity to showcase your communication and social skills.
If the interviewer asks you about a certain skill, use the opportunity to tell a story that highlights your skills.
Refusal to elaborate on your resume may create the impression that you are reluctant to engage, which may be perceived as an implication that the interviewer has not done their homework.
(8) Best To Avoid: “What does your company do?”
How about: “I am interested in hearing more about A, B, C about your company that I read about …”
Always do proper research before going into an interview. This includes working through the job specifications (if there are any shared beforehand), and visiting the company’s website to understand their values, mission and culture. You want the interviewer to know that you are excited enough about the opportunity to have done your research. Use this information to ask more detailed questions about the company. (More about asking questions in the next point.)
(9) Best To Avoid: “No, I don’t have any questions.”
How about: “I have a couple of questions about your company / the role …”
Hiring managers usually ask candidates whether they have questions before concluding the interview. You should always use this opportunity to show that you are invested in the role. Have two or three strong questions prepared. It allows you to get additional information about the company and the position and it shows the hiring manager that you have done your due diligence.
(10) Best To Avoid: “I need my work schedule to be…”
How about: “I am flexible and can adjust according to the requirements of the job, but I prefer working remotely.” Or “What does a typical day look like for an employee in this position?"
It's normal to have work preferences, but this doesn't mean you should make demands during your interview. Saying that you can only work certain hours or want a specific work schedule can come across as entitled, decreasing your chances of getting the role.
There are of course many more examples that could be included in this article. Knowing that you are well prepared for those tricky questions and that you have considered the above scenarios can help to boost your confidence and help you to perform better in the interview.
At SA3, we know that the process of finding a new role can be daunting and we really want to help you. We want you to remember us for making your life easier. We know that good recruitment is more than just submitting a strong resume, and we also provide interview preparation services. Give us a call and put us to the test.
