Cheryl Robinson Contributor Dr. Cheryl Robinson covers areas of leadership, pivoting and careers.
Pivoting in your career is stressful, especially preparing for a job interview. Each question is designed to test your abilities and personality and determine whether you fit the role. Among this pressure, certain phrases can unintentionally derail the conversation, leaving a negative impression on the interviewer. While interviews are a two-way exchange, your words play a significant role in shaping the narrative.
Some common phrases might seem harmless or honest, but they can lead to misinterpretation. Instead of leaving your interviewer with doubts about your skills or attitude, it’s crucial to recognize these pitfalls and reframe them into positive, professional responses. 33% of recruiters know if they’ll hire someone within the first 90 seconds of an interview.
Below are 3 common mistakes—and how to turn them into opportunities to impress!
Phrase One “I don’t have any weaknesses.” 😲
On the surface, this might seem like the perfect answer to the dreaded “What’s your biggest weakness?” question. However, claiming you have no weaknesses can come across as arrogant or lacking self-awareness. Every professional, no matter how accomplished, has areas for growth. Employers ask this question to assess your ability to reflect on your performance and work toward improvement.
Reframe It- Instead of denying weaknesses, acknowledge an area for development and emphasize the steps you’re taking to address it: “One area I’m continually working on is improving my public speaking skills. I’ve joined some local clubs to practice and gain confidence in presenting to large groups. I’m proud of my progress and am eager to keep improving.”
This response highlights three key traits: self-awareness, proactive problem-solving and a growth mindset. By showing you recognize challenges and take actionable steps to overcome them, you position yourself as a candidate who values personal and professional development.
Phrase Two “I just really need a job.” 🫤
It’s natural to feel a sense of urgency when searching for a new role, especially if you’re between jobs or dealing with financial pressures. However, stating this outright can make you seem desperate or unfocused. Employers are looking for genuinely interested candidates in the position and the company, not just someone seeking any available opportunity.
Reframe It- Show enthusiasm for the position and align your goals with the company’s mission: “I was drawn to this role because it combines my passion for [specific field or skill] with the opportunity to contribute to [company goal/mission]. I’m excited about the chance to grow here and add value to the team.”
This approach demonstrates that you’ve done your homework, understand the company’s objectives and are motivated to make a meaningful impact. It reframes the conversation to highlight your alignment with the company’s needs rather than focusing on your circumstances.
Phrase Three “I didn’t like my last boss or team.” 😒
When asked about previous roles, venting about a difficult manager or toxic work environment is tempting. However, speaking negatively about past employers can (will) raise red flags for interviewers. They may wonder if you’re difficult to work with or prone to creating conflict. Criticizing a former boss or team suggests a lack of professionalism and maturity. It can also make the interviewer question your ability to handle challenges constructively.
Reframe It- Instead of focusing on the negatives, frame the experience as a learning opportunity: “I had the opportunity to work with a variety of leadership styles in my last role, and while there were some differences in approach, I learned how to adapt and collaborate effectively to meet our goals. It taught me the importance of communication and understanding different perspectives.”
This response shifts the focus to what you gained from the experience, showcasing your ability to navigate challenges with a positive, solution-oriented attitude. It also highlights your adaptability and willingness to learn from diverse work environments.
Why Reframing Matters ☺️ Every question in an interview is an opportunity to tell your story and demonstrate your value. While certain phrases can inadvertently derail the conversation, reframing them allows you to turn potential pitfalls into moments of strength:
•It demonstrates emotional intelligence. 👍 •It keeps the focus on value.👍 •It builds trust and rapport. 👍
Interviews are as much about what you say as how you say it. You’ll leave your interviewer with a lasting impression of your potential by approaching these situations with self-awareness and professionalism.
Can you think of other phrases you are aware of that might detail your chances in an interview? Share them below & let's see how they can be positively reframed.
How much will I get paid? Is not a question you should ask during an Interview.
While it’s natural to want to know about compensation, asking about pay during the interview will generally leave the hiring manager with a poor impression of you.
Hopefully, before you applied, you researched the pay scale for the position you’re pursuing. You can find information about the specific company through sites such as Payscale or Glassdoor.
Detailed salary negotiations should be approached in the hiring process after you’re offered the job. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
How much will I get paid? Is not a question you should ask during an Interview.
While it’s natural to want to know about compensation, asking about pay during the interview will generally leave the hiring manager with a poor impression of you.
Hopefully, before you applied, you researched the pay scale for the position you’re pursuing. You can find information about the specific company through sites such as Payscale or Glassdoor.
Detailed salary negotiations should be approached in the hiring process after you’re offered the job. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
"Interview Tip"
Can I work remotely?
If the job description doesn’t explicitly state you could work from home, it’s unlikely that you can and asking can negatively affect your chances of getting the job.
If it is not talked about during the interview process you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to take the role if it’s not set up to support remote work.
If you want it to be remote, I would suggest you bring it up after the final offer is made and you are negotiating the terms of your employment. You can also wait until you’ve been employed for a few months to propose a hybrid or remote work option to your manager. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
"Interview Tip"
Can I work remotely?
If the job description doesn’t explicitly state you could work from home, it’s unlikely that you can and asking can negatively affect your chances of getting the job.
If it is not talked about during the interview process you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to take the role if it’s not set up to support remote work.
If you want it to be remote, I would suggest you bring it up after the final offer is made and you are negotiating the terms of your employment. You can also wait until you’ve been employed for a few months to propose a hybrid or remote work option to your manager. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
"Interview Tip"
During the course of an interview it is important to talk about your cultural and organizational fit. Weave it into the conversation where appropriate. Explain how you would be a great fit in the new job.
Establishing your fit doesn’t mean talking up your skills, but convincing the panel you are the right person to join the company.
Make it clear you know what the company does well, offer examples of where you’ve worked well in teams before, and explain how you could contribute to the organization’s mission, goals and achievements. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
"Interview Tip"
During the course of an interview it is important to talk about your cultural and organizational fit. Weave it into the conversation where appropriate. Explain how you would be a great fit in the new job.
Establishing your fit doesn’t mean talking up your skills, but convincing the panel you are the right person to join the company.
Make it clear you know what the company does well, offer examples of where you’ve worked well in teams before, and explain how you could contribute to the organization’s mission, goals and achievements. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
"Interview Tip"
Please do your homework and don't ignore recent company news. Don’t be the only candidate to go into an interview with no idea that the company just completed a major merger or released an anticipated product. Appropriately interjecting recent company news into your conversation with the interviewer makes you stand out.
Make sure you’re aware of any major achievements or challenges to avoid coming across as disinterested. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
"Interview Tip"
Please do your homework and don't ignore recent company news. Don’t be the only candidate to go into an interview with no idea that the company just completed a major merger or released an anticipated product. Appropriately interjecting recent company news into your conversation with the interviewer makes you stand out.
Make sure you’re aware of any major achievements or challenges to avoid coming across as disinterested. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Interview Red Flags
If you feel like you know things are disorganized in the hiring process, or you're getting conflicting information from different people, things like that are all indications of maybe a dysfunctional culture that are going to only be exacerbated if you are hired.
Did you pick up any bad vibes from your interviewer?
Do they seem overly complementary?
Does the hiring manager seem dismissive?
... and other signs!
Trust your gut on those red flags. This may not be the company you want to work for. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups