When answering interview questions, some people revert to interview phrases and answers that they think are right. But a job interview is about interviewers understanding you and getting to know you as a person, how you work and how you would fit in. Saying overused and generic statements does not help. It hurts.
Some examples of interview phrases to avoid:
I’m hard working
Duh. You’re not going to say you are pretty lazy, are you? Interviewers consider everyone who works or wants to work there – aka those in an interview – hard-working. It is not a differentiator. It is table stakes.
Be more specific when discussing your work ethic with interview phrases. In what ways are you hard-working? Which projects have you worked hard on? What has been the result of your hard work?
I’m a team player
This is a vague interview phrase, an unsubstantiated claim, which does not indicate that it is true.
Provide examples, aka proof, of when you have been a team player. If the job requires working on projects alone, concentrate on how you can work well independently. Describe how you have done this.
I’m very loyal to the companies I work for
You would say that, wouldn’t you? Oh, and why are you looking for a new job? Loyalty, though usually respected, often takes time to demonstrate and prove. Demonstrating your loyalty in a job interview is difficult and typically unsuccessful.
I will go beyond my duties at work.
This can be seen, understandably, as a hollow statement. Often, you are applying for a job that clearly describes the responsibilities.
Explain to your interviewer how you will be able to carry out these tasks well and suggest that you are willing to contribute to other tasks or would be interested in receiving training to broaden your abilities.
I’m perfect for this job.
For one, it is probably untrue for all interviews. It is unlikely that you will ever find a job that is utterly perfect for you.
Instead, explain how you feel you would fit in with the company’s style and ethos and what makes you qualified to carry out the role’s duties.
Want to win at interviews and get that job?
Choose from the interview courses available here or buy Filtered OUT The Workbook on Amazon here.
First link is here https://filteredout.co.uk/interview-coaching/
FOW link is here https://amzn.to/3T41NUW
