An interview’s tone can be changed with the mere usage of one or more words. Certain words set the scene; and, unfortunately, using the wrong vocabulary can make the difference between you getting the job or being cut from the application process altogether.
Remember interview candidates are first judged by their answers, but an interviewer will also “read between the lines” in order to get an idea of personality.
While you’re articulating your responses to job interview questions, try your best to avoid the following words. They can sound superficial, generic or rude – even if you’re not meaning to come across that way. Take a look at these job interview tips for alternatives to these over-used words:
1. Amazing
You’re amazing, I’m amazing, isn’t everything a-maz-ing? You see the point – it’s an overused adjective that can be replaced with more unique words and phrases. Try to alter your responses to say what you actually mean. For example, instead of saying that the job seems “amazing” to you, replace it with something that sounds a little more meaningful like: This is “an opportunity suited to my skills and knowledge.”2. Actually
If you think about it, saying “actually” is, in fact, correcting a person. This isn’t something you want to come across as doing within an interview, even if that’s not what you meant to do. Saying this word can put the person you’re speaking with on the defensive, even subconsciously.3. Basically
We often use this word as a prelude while we’re thinking of our follow-up, but it can come across as a way to diminish your accomplishments and reduces your worth.4. Benefits (Perks, Vacation Time, PTO, etc.)
This is an instance where you don’t want to put the cart before the horse, so to speak. An interview isn’t an appropriate time to bring up words like benefits, perks, compensation or any other similar word. It makes you come across as someone that’s only interested in the perks, not in the actual work involved. You can discuss details like that once you have a job offer, not before you even have a position.5. Curse/swear words
While this should be a given, sometimes people get nervous or, even too comfortable within an interview and let one slip. Steer clear of any four-letter words (even if they use them) because you never know what an interviewer’s reaction will be to your usage. You and the boss can swear up a storm at the company holiday party– once you have a job there. Seriously, it’s not worth risking while you’re still in the interview stages.6. Dedicated
Rather than simply saying you’re “dedicated,” make it your goal to demonstrate how dedicated you are with examples of your accomplishments. Try to show dedication, rather than claiming it without basis. It’s pretty much guaranteed that one or, more likely, all of the potential candidates will use this word, which renders this a meaningless cliché.7. Fired
This is a word you never want to be associated with, especially in an interview setting. No matter what context, don’t use this word because hiring managers know it’s one of the biggest red flags out there. If you must communicate that you were fired, use terms like “laid off” or “let go” instead. Avoid this specific word at all costs - unless you’re talking about a story where you actually caught fire trying to rescue a kitten from a burning building. In that case, proceed. Who wouldn’t want to hire a hero?8. Hate
Obviously, this is a negative word. But, say you’re describing what you disliked at your old job (be careful of doing this all together). Saying you “dislike” something doesn’t come across quite as negatively since “hate” is a much stronger action. Remember, you don’t hate anyone or any job you’ve ever had (even if you feel like you do). It comes across as immature and petty and those are qualities you’d hate to give the impression you possess.9. Just
If you’re not on the defensive (and you shouldn’t be in an interview setting) don’t use this word, because that’s how it comes across. You may be concerned you’re coming across a certain way, but inserting “just” as a filler word isn’t the answer.10. Kinda
Not only is this NOT a word, but even conversationally, makes you come across as uncertain of your answer. If you mean “yes,” say yes – or if you mean “no,” say no, with an explanation of how your skills can relate to the given task. You want to come across as a confident, capable applicant and don’t want an interviewer to have to guess whether or not you can handle making decisions.11. Learn
Steer clear of saying that you’re applying to the job to “learn,” because you want to be seen as the only applicant that can handle the position and tasks at hand. While the ability to grow and learn are good things employees possess, you want to be viewed as someone who can get the job done – today, not after a learning period.Did you know that now you can find part-time jobs on Fastweb?
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