What to Say (and What Not to Say) in a Job Interview

What to say in a job interview!

The job interview is a decisive moment, a window of opportunity to show who you are, what you know how to do and how you can contribute to an organization.

However, getting the tone right, choosing the right words and avoiding slip-ups can be a challenge.

After all, what should you say in a job interview to stand out?

And, equally important, what should you avoid to not compromise your chances?

Continue reading and find out more:

What to say in a job interview

Mastering the art of interviewing requires more than repeating rehearsed answers.

It takes authenticity, preparation, and a clear understanding of what recruiters value.

Furthermore, knowing what not to say is just as crucial as knowing what to highlight.

++ How to get a job with no experience

With that in mind, we’ll explore strategies for crafting memorable answers, common mistakes to avoid, and how to intelligently answer frequently asked questions.

1. How to craft impactful interview responses

Present your achievements with context and results

When it comes to talking about your experiences, the key is to tell an engaging but objective story.

Instead of listing tasks you performed, focus on specific, measurable achievements.

For example, if you worked in marketing, don't just say, "I created advertising campaigns."

Instead, explain: “I developed a social media campaign that increased engagement by 35% in three months, generating 10,000 new followers.”

++ How to Stay Motivated During Your Job Search

This approach, known as the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, adds depth to your answers and demonstrates impact.

Additionally, contextualizing your accomplishments helps the interviewer understand the value you can bring. Imagine you’re applying for a project management position.

Instead of generically stating that “I’m organized,” describe how you led a team to deliver a critical project ahead of schedule, reducing costs by 15%.

This narrative not only reinforces your skills, but also creates an emotional connection with the interviewer, who can visualize your potential within the company.

Finally, avoid exaggeration. Experienced recruiters can tell when a candidate is inflating their results.

Be honest but strategic: choose examples that showcase your expertise and align with the company's values.

Ask yourself: How did my actions make a difference?

This reflection will guide your answers.

Align your answers with the company culture

Another fundamental aspect is to adapt your responses to the organization’s culture and objectives.

Before the interview, research the company's mission, values, and priorities.

++ LinkedIn or Indeed? Which Platform to Use to Find Jobs

For example, if the position is at a startup that values innovation, highlight times when you proposed creative ideas or solved problems in unconventional ways.

This demonstrates that you not only understand the environment, but are ready to integrate into it.

Also, use company language.

If the organization’s website emphasizes “collaboration” or “sustainability,” incorporate those terms naturally into your responses.

For example, when talking about a team project, mention how your collaborative approach led to exceptional results.

This connection creates a sense that you are already part of the team, even before you are hired.

However, balance is essential.

Avoid sounding forced or like you're just repeating what you read on the company's website.

Authenticity is a differentiator.

Show how your personal values connect with those of the organization, but without losing your essence.

After all, an interview is a two-way street: you are also evaluating whether the company is the right place for you.

Practical example: Responding about weaknesses

Suppose the interviewer asks, “What is your biggest weakness?” Instead of resorting to generic answers like, “I’m a perfectionist,” be honest but strategic. For example: “Early in my career, I struggled with delegating tasks because I wanted to make sure everything was done exactly how I envisioned it. I found that this limited the team’s effectiveness.”

So I started investing in clear communication and trusting my colleagues more, which resulted in projects being delivered 20% faster.”

This response shows self-awareness, learning and positive impact.

This approach not only defuses the question, but also turns a potential negative into a growth story.

Additionally, it reinforces your ability to adapt and improve, qualities that any employer values.

Strategy	What to do	What to avoid
Talk about achievements	Use the STAR method to structure responses with context, action, and results.	List generic tasks with no measurable impact.
Cultural alignment	Research the company and incorporate its values into your answers.	Using company terms in a forced or repetitive way.
Responding about weaknesses	Show self-knowledge and how you overcame challenges.	Using clichés like “I’m a perfectionist” or denying weaknesses.

2. What to say in a job interview

Don't criticize past employers or colleagues.

One of the biggest mistakes in an interview is to speak badly about previous professional experiences.

Even if you've had a difficult boss or worked in a toxic environment, turning that experience into criticism can come across as unprofessional.

Instead, focus on lessons learned.

For example, if you left a company because of a lack of growth opportunities, say, “I’ve been looking for new challenges to expand my skills, so I’m excited about this opportunity.”

Additionally, negative reviews can raise doubts about your ability to handle conflict or adapt to new environments.

Recruiters want candidates who demonstrate resilience and positivity.

So, even in delicate situations, reframe your experiences constructively.

For example, instead of “My boss didn’t value my work,” say, “I realized I needed an environment where I could contribute more strategically.”

Finally, remember that the corporate world is small.

The interviewer may know people from your former company or share common contacts.

Maintaining a professional tone protects your reputation and your chances in the interview.

Avoid generic or disinterested responses

Another common mistake is to respond vaguely or disinterestedly, as if the interview were just another bureaucratic step.

Phrases like “I want this job because I need to work” or “I don’t know, anything will do” convey a lack of motivation.

Instead, show enthusiasm and purpose.

For example, when explaining why you want the job, connect your skills and goals with the company's mission.

Furthermore, generic answers like “I’m good at working in a team” don’t impress.

Any candidate can say this. To stand out, be specific.

For example: “In my last project, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to launch a product in record time, which taught me how to align priorities quickly.”

This answer is concrete and memorable.

On the other hand, be careful not to be overconfident. Answers that sound arrogant, such as “I’m the best candidate you’ll find,” can turn off interviewers.

Humility, combined with confidence, is key. Show that you are capable, but also willing to learn and grow.

Practical example: Dealing with questions about leaving previous jobs

Imagine the interviewer asks, “Why did you leave your last job?”

Instead of saying “I didn’t get along with my manager,” say: “I felt it was time to look for an environment where I could apply my experience to more strategic projects, like the ones your company is developing.”

This answer is professional, focuses on the future and aligns your motivations with the vacancy.

This approach not only avoids a negative tone, but also positions you as someone who is proactive and makes decisions based on personal and professional growth.

Error	Impact	How to fix
Criticizing former employers	It seems unprofessional and could burn bridges.	Reframe negative experiences as lessons learned.
Generic answers	They don't differentiate you from other candidates.	Use specific examples and connect your answers to the job opening.
Overconfidence	It can come across as arrogant and turn off interviewers.	Combine confidence with humility and a willingness to learn.

3. How to answer frequently asked questions

“Tell me about yourself”: An opportunity to shine

The “tell me about yourself” question is almost ubiquitous in interviews, but many candidates waste it with long, irrelevant answers.

Think of it like an elevator pitch: you have 60 seconds to capture the interviewer's attention.

Structure your answer into three parts: past (your trajectory), present (your current skills) and future (why you want this job).

For example, start with: “I have a degree in business administration and have spent the last five years managing technology projects, where I have led teams to deliver innovative solutions.”

Then connect to the present: “Today, I master tools like Agile and I have a passion for optimizing processes.”

Finally, point to the future: “I’m excited about the possibility of bringing my experience to a company like yours that values innovation.”

This structure is clear, concise and aligned with the vacancy.

Also, personalize your response.

Avoid reciting your resume or telling your entire life story.

Focus on experiences that are relevant to the position and demonstrate your suitability for the role.

And you, have you ever thought about how to tell your story in a memorable way?

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”: Show ambition with realism

This question assesses your career vision and compatibility with the company.

Avoid vague answers like “I want to be successful” or overly ambitious ones like “I want to be the CEO.”

Instead, show ambition balanced with realism.

For example: “In the next five years, I want to establish myself as a data analysis expert, leading projects that directly impact the company’s results, while continuing to learn about new technologies.”

Also, connect your goals to those of the company.

If the organization values internal growth, mention your interest in taking on leadership roles in the future.

This shows that you see a future in the company, which is a differentiator in a market where turnover is high.

According to a Robert Half survey, 621% of employers prefer candidates who show an interest in growing within the organization.

Finally, be flexible.

Show that you have a plan, but are open to unexpected opportunities.

This combination of clarity and adaptability is highly valued.

Analogy: The interview as a game of chess

Think of a job interview as a game of chess. Each question is a move by the interviewer, and your answer is your move.

You need to anticipate intentions, plan your responses carefully, and at the same time remain natural.

One wrong move, such as a vague or negative answer, can weaken your position.

But a well-thought-out move, like a well-told story of conquest, can put you several steps ahead.

Just like in chess, victory comes from strategy, not luck.

Question	Strategy	Example response
Tell us about yourself	Structure it into past, present and future, focusing on relevance to the vacancy.	“I have a degree in engineering and spent three years optimizing industrial processes. Today, I am proficient in Lean Six Sigma and want to apply this to an innovative company like yours.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?	Show realistic ambition and align with company goals.	“I want to become a reference in digital marketing, leading campaigns that generate impact, while growing within your organization.”
What is your biggest weakness?	Be honest, but show how you overcame the challenge.	“I had difficulty speaking in public, but I took a course and now I lead presentations with confidence.”

4. What to say in a job interview: Frequently asked questions

Candidates often come into interviews with questions about how to approach certain topics or handle unexpected situations.

The table below answers the most common questions, offering practical and strategic guidance.

Doubt	Response	Practical tip
How to deal with salary questions?	Be diplomatic. Say, “I’m open to discussing salary, but I’d like to understand more about the role and responsibilities.”	Research the salary range for the position in advance so you can negotiate with confidence.
What to do if you don't know how to answer a question?	Admit it honestly and show curiosity: “I don’t have direct experience with this, but I’m excited to learn and have already studied the topic.”	Use the opportunity to highlight your desire to grow.
How to show interest in the vacancy?	Ask thoughtful questions at the end, like, “What are the biggest challenges of this position in the coming year?”	Show that you have researched the company and are genuinely interested.
Should I mention previous layoffs?	Be honest but brief: “I was laid off due to restructuring, but I took the opportunity to train in new areas.”	Focus on what you learned or how you prepared for new opportunities.

What to say in a job interview: Conclusion

Knowing what to say in a job interview is a skill that combines preparation, authenticity and strategy.

By clearly highlighting accomplishments, aligning your responses with company culture, and avoiding slip-ups like negative reviews or generic responses, you significantly increase your chances of impressing.

Additionally, addressing frequently asked questions with confidence and using engaging stories can turn a simple conversation into an opportunity to stand out.

Remember, the interview is more than a technical assessment; it’s a chance to show who you are and how you can contribute.

Just like in a game of chess, every move counts. Be prepared, be authentic, and play smart.

After all, your next big opportunity could be just a conversation away.