What To Say During An Interview (And What NOT To Say)

You’ve polished your resume, perfected your outfit, and researched the company. But when you walk into that interview room, the words that come out of your mouth will ultimately determine whether you get the job offer or the rejection email.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most candidates lose job opportunities not because they lack qualifications, but because they say the wrong things. Research shows that 47% of hiring managers would not offer a job to someone who didn’t demonstrate knowledge about the company, and one poorly chosen phrase can undo all your preparation.

The good news? Interview communication is a learnable skill. Knowing exactly what to say and what to avoid gives you a massive advantage over other candidates who wing it.

In this article, you’ll discover the specific phrases that make hiring managers lean forward with interest, the common statements that trigger immediate rejection, and how to navigate every stage of the interview with confidence. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for interview communication that positions you as the obvious choice for the role.

Let’s start with the critical opening moments that set the tone for everything that follows. For comprehensive preparation strategies, check out our complete guide on how to prepare for a job interview.

What To Say: Opening Strong in the First 5 Minutes

The Power of Your Initial Greeting

First impressions form within seven seconds of meeting someone, which means your opening words matter more than you think.

Start with a warm, professional greeting: “Thank you for meeting with me today. I’m excited to learn more about this opportunity.” This simple phrase accomplishes three things: it shows gratitude, demonstrates enthusiasm, and positions you as someone who values the interviewer’s time.

Interview Guys Tip: When the interviewer asks “How are you?” don’t just say “fine.” Use it as an opportunity to express genuine enthusiasm: “I’m doing great, thank you. I’ve been looking forward to this conversation.”

Demonstrating Company Knowledge Early

One of the fastest ways to differentiate yourself is proving you’ve done your homework. When answering “Why do you want this job?”, saying “I have researched your company and am attracted to your positive workplace culture and track record of success” shows you’re genuinely interested, not just looking for any paycheck.

Reference specific details: recent news, company initiatives, or industry positioning. For example: “I noticed your recent expansion into sustainable products, which aligns perfectly with my experience in green supply chain management.”

This level of specificity tells the interviewer you’re serious about this particular role, not just sending generic applications everywhere. You can find more strategies for answering this crucial question in our article about why you want to work for a company.

To help you prepare even further, we’ve created a resource with proven answers to the top questions interviewers are asking right now. Check out our interview answers cheat sheet:

What To Say: During the Interview Body

Connecting Your Skills to Their Needs

Generic statements like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m a team player” don’t move the needle. Better interview examples offer specific accomplishments from past jobs that back up your skills, demonstrating what you’re capable of and helping your interviewer imagine what you could do at their company.

Use this framework: “I’m a match for this job because [specific skill] helped me [concrete result] at my previous company. For example, when I [specific situation], I [action taken] which resulted in [quantifiable outcome].”

According to Indeed’s research on interview communication, candidates who connect their experience directly to job requirements make stronger impressions than those who simply list skills.

The Achievement Formula

When discussing your experience, always include measurable impact. Instead of saying “I improved communication in my department,” try: “I initiated weekly standup meetings that eliminated redundancies and improved overall morale, creating a more collaborative environment where people felt safe to share their points of view.”

Notice the difference? The second version paints a picture of leadership, problem-solving, and tangible results.

Interview Guys Tip: Before your interview, write down your three greatest achievements and be ready to discuss them when asked “What makes you stand out from other candidates?” This preparation prevents you from scrambling for examples in the moment.

Numbers make your achievements more credible. If you increased sales, by what percentage? If you improved efficiency, how much time did you save? If you led a team, how many people? Quantifiable results transform good answers into memorable ones. Our guide on resume achievement formulas can help you identify and articulate these metrics.

Showing Adaptability and Growth Mindset

Employers value candidates who can evolve with changing business needs. When appropriate, work in phrases like: “I’m adaptable and thrive when facing new challenges. In my last role, when our team structure changed unexpectedly, I quickly adjusted by taking on cross-functional responsibilities, which actually expanded my skill set in areas I hadn’t explored before.”

This type of statement shows you won’t crumble when things get difficult. You’re someone who sees change as opportunity rather than obstacle.

Asking Strategic Questions Throughout

When you ask simple follow-up questions during an interview, you show you’re fully engaged in the conversation rather than just waiting for your next opportunity to talk.

Try questions like:

• “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with?”

• “What does success look like in this role during the first 90 days?”

• “What are the biggest challenges this department is currently facing?”

These questions demonstrate strategic thinking and genuine curiosity about how you’ll contribute. They also give you valuable information to determine if this role actually fits your career goals. For more examples, explore our comprehensive list of questions to ask in your interview.

What To Say: Handling Difficult Questions

When You Don’t Know the Answer

Never say “I don’t know” and leave it there. Instead, use this approach: “That’s a great question. I’d like to take a moment to think about that thoughtfully. Could we revisit it in a few minutes?” or “I don’t have direct experience with that, but here’s how I would approach learning it based on similar challenges I’ve tackled.”

Using phrases like “That’s an interesting question” gives you moments to formulate an answer while showing respect for the interviewer. It’s far better than an awkward silence or a rambling non-answer.

The key is demonstrating your problem-solving process even when you don’t have the perfect answer ready.

Addressing Your Weaknesses

When asked about weaknesses, never say you don’t have any. This signals either lack of self-awareness or dishonesty, and interviewers have heard it all before.

Instead, give a real weakness framed with your improvement strategy: “I sometimes struggle with delegation because I’m detail-oriented. I’ve been working on this by setting clearer expectations upfront and trusting my team members to deliver, which has actually improved our overall productivity.”

This answer accomplishes several things. It shows self-awareness, demonstrates you’re actively working on improvement, and proves you can turn weaknesses into learning opportunities.

Avoid the tired clichés like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard.” The Balance’s interview guide confirms that hiring managers see through these transparent attempts to disguise strengths as weaknesses.

Discussing Career Goals

When asked “Where do you see yourself in five years?”, avoid saying you want the interviewer’s job. That creates unnecessary competition and makes you seem presumptuous.

Instead: “I have career goals focused on developing expertise in [relevant area]. I see this role as an opportunity to build those skills while contributing meaningfully to your team’s objectives. Long-term, I’m interested in growing within an organization where I can make an impact.”

This shows ambition without threatening anyone’s position. You’re interested in growth, not politics. Learn more strategies for answering this common question in our guide on where you see yourself in 5 years.

What NOT To Say: Common Interview Killers

Never Badmouth Previous Employers

Speaking negatively about past employers or coworkers comes off as unprofessional and raises immediate red flags. There’s a phenomenon called spontaneous trait transference where when you speak negatively, the interviewer’s brain actually assigns those negative traits to you.

Think about it: if you’re willing to trash-talk your previous boss to a stranger, what will you say about this company after you leave?

Instead of: “My last boss was terrible and didn’t support the team.”

Say: “I’m looking for an environment where collaboration and innovation are prioritized, which is why this role interests me.”

See the difference? You’re explaining what you want in positive terms rather than complaining about what you didn’t have.

Don’t Focus on What You Need

Instead of saying “I really need this job,” focus on why you’re interested in the job and the company. The interview is about what you can offer them, not what they can do for you.

Coming across as desperate puts you in a weak negotiating position and makes employers question why you’re so desperate. Are other companies rejecting you? Are you difficult to work with?

Avoid asking about salary, benefits, or vacation time in early rounds. Save compensation discussions for when they extend an offer or bring it up first. Premature questions about what you’ll get from the job signal you’re more interested in the perks than the work.

Stop Using Filler Words and Clichés

Excessive “um,” “ah,” “like,” and “you know” undermine your credibility. Practice speaking clearly and concisely before the interview, avoiding filler words that can make you appear nervous or unprepared.

Record yourself answering common interview questions and count how many times you use filler words. You’ll probably be surprised. Then practice replacing those pauses with brief silence, which actually sounds more confident than verbal fumbling.

Similarly, avoid tired phrases like “I’m a perfectionist” as a weakness, “I work too hard,” or “My greatest weakness is caring too much.” These come across as insincere attempts to disguise strengths as weaknesses, and hiring managers have heard them thousands of times.

Don’t Reference Your Resume Only

When asked about your experience, never say “It’s on my resume.” Interviewers already know what’s on your resume and want you to elaborate, while also evaluating your communication skills.

They’re testing whether you can tell a compelling story about your experience, connect dots between different roles, and articulate your value. Simply pointing to your resume suggests you can’t communicate effectively or aren’t interested in having a real conversation.

Take the opportunity to expand on the bullet points, explain context, and share results that didn’t fit on a one-page document.

Avoid Showing Desperation or Overconfidence

Two opposite extremes that both fail: appearing desperate (“I’ll take any role you have”) or arrogant (“I’m clearly the best candidate you’ll interview”).

According to hiring managers, 76% would reject a candidate who comes across as arrogant. But desperation is equally unattractive because it suggests you have no other options or don’t understand your own value.

Strike a balance by being confident in your abilities while remaining humble and curious about the opportunity. You believe you’d be a great fit, and you’re interested in learning whether they agree.

The Role of Body Language in Interview Communication

What Your Nonverbal Cues Say

Psychologist Albert Mehrabian’s research points to three crucial elements: spoken words account for only 7% of how others see us, tone of voice accounts for 38%, and body language accounts for 55%.

Your words might be perfect, but if your body language contradicts them, interviewers will trust the nonverbal signals.

If you say “I’m excited about this opportunity” while slouching with crossed arms and avoiding eye contact, the interviewer won’t believe you. Your body language is telling a different story than your words.

Essential Body Language Do’s

Maintain appropriate eye contact. The proper length of eye contact is around two to four seconds, which signals engagement and good listening skills. Too little seems evasive, like you’re hiding something. Too much feels intense and uncomfortable.

Try the 70/30 rule: maintain eye contact about 70% of the time and take natural breaks to avoid making it feel forced.

Sit with open posture. Sit with shoulders back and hands separated in an open body posture, which communicates engagement in the conversation. Crossed arms signal defensiveness or discomfort, even if you’re just cold.

CNBC’s research on interview body language confirms that open posture makes candidates appear more confident and approachable.

Use natural hand gestures. Controlled movements that emphasize points show confidence and engagement. But avoid fidgeting, pen clicking, or excessive hand movement that distracts from your message.

Some hand movement is good. It makes you seem animated and passionate. But nervous energy that manifests as tapping, bouncing, or constant adjusting signals anxiety.

Smile authentically. A genuine smile causes small wrinkles at the edges of your eyes, and most people can tell the difference between authentic and forced smiles. Don’t paste on a fake grin for the entire interview, but do smile when it’s natural: during introductions, when discussing exciting projects, or when something genuinely amuses you.

Body Language Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t slouch or lean too far back in your chair. Slouching suggests disinterest or lack of energy. Leaning too far back can seem overly casual, like you’re at home on your couch rather than in a professional setting.

Don’t look at your phone or watch during the interview. This is obvious but worth stating: your phone should be completely silent and out of sight. Even glancing at your watch suggests you’re eager for the interview to end.

Don’t fidget with clothing, hair, or jewelry. These nonverbal habits signal disinterest or nervousness, undermining even your best verbal responses. If you know you have nervous habits, practice keeping your hands still or holding a portfolio.

What To Say: Closing Strong

Express Genuine Interest

As the interview winds down, make your interest clear: “After learning more about this role and your team’s goals, I’m even more excited about this opportunity. I believe my experience with [specific skill] would allow me to contribute meaningfully from day one.”

This isn’t the time for false humility or playing hard to get. If you want the job, say so directly. Hiring managers appreciate candidates who are clear about their interest rather than making them guess.

You can also reference something specific from the conversation: “Your description of the upcoming product launch really resonated with me. I’d love to bring my project management experience to help make it successful.”

Ask About Next Steps

At the end of your interview, asking about next steps helps keep the conversation going and shows you’re interested in the position and actively pursuing it.

Try: “What are the next steps in your hiring process?” or “When should I expect to hear back regarding this position?”

This gives you a timeline for follow-up and shows you’re thinking ahead. It also prevents you from anxiously checking your email every hour wondering when you’ll hear back.

If they mention additional interview rounds, express your readiness: “I’m very interested in moving forward. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.”

The Thank You

Close with gratitude: “Thank you for your time today and for sharing insights about the role and company culture. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I might contribute to your team.”

This leaves a positive final impression. Even if the interview didn’t go perfectly, professional courtesy matters.

Interview Guys Tip: Send a thank you note no later than one day after your interview, reflecting on what you learned about the position. This simple step, often overlooked by other candidates, can be the difference-maker in close decisions. Learn how to craft the perfect message in our guide on thank you emails after interviews.

Putting It All Together

Interview communication is more than memorizing scripts. It’s about authentic connection, strategic word choice, and awareness of how you’re coming across both verbally and nonverbally.

The candidates who succeed are those who prepare thoughtfully, speak with confidence about their achievements, ask insightful questions, and avoid common verbal pitfalls that trigger rejection. They know when to speak and when to listen. They understand that every word matters, from the initial greeting to the final thank you.

Start practicing these communication strategies today. Record yourself answering common interview questions, get feedback from trusted friends, and refine your approach. The more comfortable you become with what to say and what not to say, the more naturally confident you’ll appear when it matters most.

Your next interview could be the one that changes your career trajectory. Make every word count.

To help you prepare even further, we’ve created a resource with proven answers to the top questions interviewers are asking right now. Check out our interview answers cheat sheet:

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