
A job interview is your chance to make a great impression on potential employers. What you say can either boost your chances of landing the job or ruin them completely. While it’s important to be honest and confident, there are some things you should never say during an interview. Here are six phrases that could cost you the job and what to say instead.
1. “I don’t know.”

Employers are looking for candidates who are resourceful and confident, even when faced with uncertainty. Saying “I don’t know” outright can make you seem unprepared or unwilling to think critically.
What to say instead: If you don’t know the answer to a question, respond with something like, “That’s a great question. I don’t have that information at the moment, but I’d be happy to look into it and follow up.”
2. “I hated my last job.”

Even if your last job was a nightmare, speaking negatively about it makes you look unprofessional and difficult to work with. Employers may worry that you’ll badmouth their company in the future.
What to say instead: Focus on what you learned from your previous role. You could say, “While my last job had some challenges, I gained valuable experience in [mention skills or lessons] that I’m eager to bring to this role.”
3. “What does this company do?”

Asking this question signals that you haven’t done your research, which can be a major red flag for employers. Companies want candidates who are genuinely interested in the role and the organization.
What to say instead: Before the interview, research the company’s mission, values, and recent news. If you want to learn more, ask a specific question like, “I read about your company’s recent expansion into new markets—can you tell me more about what that means for this department?”
4. “I don’t have any weaknesses.”

Everyone has weaknesses, and claiming you don’t can make you come across as arrogant or lacking self-awareness. Employers want candidates who are open to growth and improvement.
What to say instead: Choose a real but manageable weakness and explain how you’re working to improve it. For example, “I tend to be a perfectionist, which sometimes slows me down, but I’ve been working on balancing attention to detail with efficiency.”
5. “How much does this job pay?”

While salary is important, bringing it up too early can make you seem more focused on money than on the role itself. Let the employer initiate the salary discussion at the appropriate time.
What to say instead: If the interviewer brings up salary, you can say, “I’m open to discussing a competitive salary that aligns with my experience and the industry standards.”
6. “I don’t have any questions.”

Not asking questions makes you seem uninterested in the role. Employers appreciate candidates who show curiosity and enthusiasm.
What to say instead: Always prepare thoughtful questions. You could ask, “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with?” or “What do you see as the biggest challenge for someone in this role?”
Conclusion
Your words can make or break your job interview. By avoiding these six common mistakes and framing your responses wisely, you can make a positive impression and increase your chances of landing the job. Prepare well, stay professional, and show enthusiasm for the role—your next job could be just an interview away!