10 Things You Should NEVER Say in a Job Interview (Unless You Want to Stay Unemployed Forever)

Published May 6, 2025

So, you’ve polished your resume, ironed your best shirt, and practiced your “I’m a team player” smile in the mirror. You’re ready to nail that job interview, right? Wrong. One rogue sentence, one ill-timed quip, or one accidental overshare, and you’re toast. The job market is a battlefield, and your mouth is a loaded weapon. To save you from self-sabotage, here’s a 1000+ word guide to the absolute worst things you can say in a job interview—complete with a healthy dose of humor to cushion the blow of your inevitable cringe.

1. “My Last Boss Was a Total Nightmare”

Picture this: You’re sitting across from your potential new boss, and they ask, “Why did you leave your last job?” You lean in, eyes narrowed, and unleash a tirade about how your former manager was Satan incarnate. Congratulations! You’ve just painted yourself as the office gossip who’ll be whining about this boss in six months. Employers don’t want to hire someone who’s already got one foot out the door, ready to badmouth the company on Glassdoor.

What to say instead: “I’m looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow.” Vague? Yes. Professional? Absolutely. Keep the drama for your group chat.

2. “I’m Not Really Into This Whole ‘Work’ Thing”

Honesty is great, but there’s a time and place, and a job interview ain’t it. Admitting you’d rather be binge-watching The Great British Bake Off than crunching numbers is a one-way ticket to the unemployment line. Even if you’re applying for a gig that’s less “passion project” and more “paycheck provider,” don’t let the interviewer know you’re already counting down to 5 PM on your first day.

What to say instead: “I’m excited to contribute to the team and learn more about [insert job function here].” Fake it ‘til you make it, folks.

3. “How Much Vacation Time Do I Get?”

Look, we all dream of sipping piña coladas on a beach somewhere, but asking about vacation time before you’ve even been offered the job is like asking for a prenup on a first date. It screams, “I’m already planning my escape.” The interviewer will assume you’re more interested in clocking out than clocking in.

What to say instead: Save the vacation talk for after you get the offer. For now, focus on questions like, “What does success look like in this role?” It shows you’re thinking about the job, not the Bahamas.

4. “I’m Only Here Because My Mom Made Me Apply”

True story: A friend once heard a candidate say this in an interview. The room went so silent you could hear the recruiter’s dreams of an easy hire shatter. Even if your parents, your parole officer, or your goldfish pressured you into applying, don’t admit it. Employers want someone who’s genuinely interested, not someone who’s just checking a box to get Mom off their back.

What to say instead: “I was drawn to this role because of [insert something specific about the company or job].” Bonus points if you actually read the company’s website.

5. “I Don’t Know Anything About This Company”

Nothing says “I’m unprepared” like admitting you didn’t bother to Google the company you’re begging to hire you. In the age of the internet, ignorance is a choice, and it’s a choice that’ll get you shown the door. Interviewers expect you to know at least the basics—like what the company does, who its clients are, or whether it’s publicly traded or not.

What to say instead: “I was impressed by [insert specific company achievement, value, or product].” Even if you only skimmed their “About Us” page five minutes before the interview, fake it like you’re a lifelong fan.

6. “I’m Planning to Start My Own Business Soon”

Ambition is awesome, but telling your interviewer you’re already plotting your exit strategy is a bold move—and not the good kind. They’re not hiring you to fund your startup dreams or to train you just so you can bounce in six months. Keep your entrepreneurial aspirations under wraps until you’re signing the lease on your own office space.

What to say instead: “I’m excited to grow within this role and contribute to the company’s long-term goals.” Long-term commitment vibes, even if you’re secretly sketching logos for your side hustle.

7. “Can You Not Contact My Last Employer?”

This one’s a red flag so big it could double as a circus tent. If you’re dodging references, the interviewer will assume you either got fired for stealing office supplies or left a trail of chaos in your wake. Even if your last job ended badly, don’t make it sound like you’re hiding a body.

What to say instead: If you’re worried about a bad reference, address it tactfully after the offer stage. For now, just say, “I’d be happy to provide references upon request.” Then pray they don’t request them.

8. “I’m Not Great With Deadlines”

Deadlines are the backbone of most jobs, so admitting you treat them like loose suggestions is career suicide. It’s like telling a chef you’re allergic to knives. Even if you’re a chronic procrastinator, don’t advertise it. Employers want someone who can deliver, not someone who’ll be emailing “Can we push this back?” at 11:59 PM.

What to say instead: “I thrive in fast-paced environments and prioritize time management.” Then go buy a planner and actually use it.

9. “What’s the Salary? I Need to Know ASAP”

Money talks, but not in the first interview. Asking about salary before you’ve even discussed the role’s responsibilities makes you look like you’re only in it for the paycheck. And while, let’s be real, we all need to eat, you don’t want to give off gold-digger vibes. Wait for the employer to bring up compensation or save it for the offer stage.

What to say instead: “I’m more focused on finding the right fit, but I’d be happy to discuss compensation when the time comes.” Smooth, professional, and not remotely desperate.

10. “I Don’t Have Any Questions”

When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” saying “Nope, I’m good” is the equivalent of flipping the table and walking out. It signals you’re either uninterested or unprepared—both dealbreakers. Always have a few questions ready to show you’re engaged and curious about the role.

What to say instead: “What’s the team’s biggest priority right now?” or “How does the company support professional development?” These show you’re thinking about the job beyond just getting hired.

Bonus Blunder: The Overshare

This deserves its own category because it’s a wild card. Maybe you mention your recent breakup, your pet iguana’s digestive issues, or your side gig as a part-time astrologer. Whatever it is, if it’s not relevant to the job, keep it locked in the vault. Interviewers don’t need to know your life story, and they definitely don’t need to know about the time you “accidentally” took a company laptop home for a month.

What to say instead: Literally anything job-related. Stick to your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role. Save the soap opera for Netflix.

Final Thoughts: Silence Is Golden

The job interview is a tightrope walk, and every word counts. The good news? Avoiding these verbal landmines is half the battle. Do your homework, practice your answers, and when in doubt, smile and nod. You’ve got this—unless you tell them you’re only there because your cat needs expensive surgery, in which case, good luck.

Now go forth, ace that interview, and don’t forget to mute your phone so your “Baby Shark” ringtone doesn’t ruin everything.

Your Opinion? Let us know!

We’re here to help you enhance your life with AI.