4 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview

“I hate my job!” and “I don’t have any questions,” top our list of things you definitely shouldn’t say in a job interview.

Today’s supply chain and logistics professionals have all kinds of varied and exciting career opportunities. And increasingly, job hopping is becoming the norm: a 2016 study by LinkedIn found that “over the last 20 years, the number of companies people worked for in the five years after they graduated has nearly doubled.”

All these opportunities mean it’s probably time for you to brush up your interview skills. There’s an art to giving a good job interview. Making a meaningful connection with the person behind the desk, and confidently communicating your unique skill set is not as easy as it looks.

Check out these 4 things you should never say in a job interview — and what to say instead:

4 things not to say in a job interview

1) “I’m nervous.”

It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many interviewees are too candid about their butterflies. You don’t want your potential employer to question your ability to act with confidence and decisiveness, no matter what pressures you’re under.

Instead, say: “I’m excited to be here!” Nerves and excitement are two sides of the same coin, and you’ll do yourself a favor by steering into the more positive emotional state.

2) Any lie

We’ve all heard it: “Everybody stretches the truth in a job interview.” Well, as tempting as it is to inflate your abilities or experiences, lying in an interview can come back to bite you in big ways.

Instead, tell the truth! It may not be as impressive, but it will save you from potential embarrassment and a severely damaged reputation.

3) “I hate my job!”

Nobody wants to hire a disgruntled worker. It should be obvious that anyone interviewing for a new job is ready for something different from their current role, so there’s no need to emphasize it.

Instead say, “I’ve enjoyed my work, but I’m looking to take on some new challenges.” Your interviewer is likely to be evaluating your emotional intelligence and maturity — explaining why you’re seeking a new position emphasizes just those traits.

4) “I don’t have any questions.”

Again, it may seem obvious, but not having prepared intelligent questions about the role or company you’re interviewing for is a clear red flag to any interviewer.

Instead, go the extra mile! Put in the time and intellectual curiosity to come up with at least two intelligent questions. It’s not just about impressing the person behind the desk. You’re informing yourself and gaining insight into whether this is the right position for you.