Stop saying these words in your interview

How you present yourself in an interview is just as important as what’s on your resumé. Some words and phrases might sound positive, but they can actually work against you. They are often overused, vague, or unintentionally downplay your strengths. Chances are, the hiring manager has heard them many times, so your answers risk sounding generic and less impactful. 

Beware of using words that downplay your abilities 

Many job seekers feel uncomfortable talking about their skills. “Even senior leaders can worry about sounding boastful,” says Ku Sim Ling, Human Resources Expert, affectionately known as AuntyHR. She notes that in trying to sound humble, strong candidates often hide their achievements. 

“An interview is not the time to play small,” she says. “It’s your chance to articulate your strengths, the impact you’ve made, and the value you can bring. Be specific, use measurable outcomes, and choose words that reflect confidence and clarity. Specifics show confidence; vagueness sounds insecure.” 

Words to avoid 

We 
Collaboration is important, but interviewers first want to understand your personal contribution. Lead with “I” to explain your role, actions, and impact. Afterwards, you can acknowledge your team or stakeholders. 

Just
Statements like “I just assisted with the project” or “I only worked there for a year” can make meaningful contributions seem small. Instead, describe your responsibilities clearly. If your exposure was limited, focus on what you accomplished and how you plan to grow. This shows transparency and a forward-looking mindset.

Obviously  
Never assume the interviewer knows something about your background. Using “obviously” can come across as dismissive. Keep your explanations straightforward and professional. 

Habits that could weaken your message 

Sentence fillers (um, literally, like, you know… and even “lah”) 
When you’re nervous, it’s natural to use fillers. Malaysians often add “lah,” “lor,” “mah,” or end sentences with “kan?” AuntyHR says these are fine in casual conversation, but overusing them in an interview can make you seem unprepared or unprofessional. 
 
“Record yourself or practise with a friend to spot these habits. A thoughtful pause often sounds more confident than filling silence with ‘um… you know…’” she adds. 

Focusing too much on the past 
“It’s fine to mention context, like the resources you had at a previous job or challenges before a big project, but don’t linger there,” AuntyHR advises. “Always show how that experience prepares you for new challenges and the value you can bring, so you don’t come across as stuck in the past.” 

Statements that risk seeming self-centered 
It’s natural to want personal benefits, like learning new skills, flexible hours, or working from home, but focusing only on yourself can fall flat. “When you mention these, frame them in terms of how they help you contribute better,” AuntyHR advises. “Show curiosity about specific areas, explain how you’ll develop your skills and improve your performance, and link that growth to the value you’ll bring to the company.” 

Overused words 

Some terms come up so often in interviews that they can irritate panels or make you seem unfocused on what the role really requires, AuntyHR says: 

Workaholic 
Saying you’re a workaholic can make it seem like you’re all work and no balance. AuntyHR advises, “Instead of using the label, show how you manage priorities effectively and deliver results while maintaining balance.” 

Perfectionist
Claiming perfectionism is overused and can even suggest inefficiency. She adds, “Rather than using the word, explain how you set high standards and know when a task is complete, so you can focus on what really matters.” 

Toxic
Describing a previous workplace as toxic can make you seem negative or like you avoid accountability. AuntyHR notes, “It’s fine to say you’re exploring new opportunities, but there’s no need to go into past conflicts. Focus on what you learned or what you’re looking forward to in your next role.” 

“These overused words can come across as inauthentic,” she concludes. “It’s better to keep your language positive and forward-looking, that tends to land better with interviewers.” 

Do: Prepare examples to showcase your strengths 

AuntyHR suggests preparing and memorising your key achievements.“ Having your top accomplishments clear in your mind makes it easier to communicate confidently under pressure.” 

She advises to use strong, specific action verbs to show exactly what you did. For example: 

• I identified 
• I developed 
• I proposed 
• I implemented 

She stresses, “It’s not enough to just say words like ‘motivated’ or ‘detail-oriented’; you must demonstrate them with examples.” 

Some common strengths and how to be more specific: 

Motivated by a challenge – Highlight a situation where you overcame something complicated, like a last-minute project or tight deadlines. 
(e.g., “I identified potential risks in the project timeline, developed a backup plan, and implemented new processes to keep the team on track and meet the deadline.”) 

Detail-oriented – Show you notice important details that make a difference. 
(e.g., “I identified inconsistencies in supplier invoices, proposed corrections, and implemented a double-check system to prevent errors in the future.”) 

Team player / Collaborative – Give examples of how you helped or supported colleagues to achieve a shared goal. 
(e.g., “I developed a new team schedule, implemented a quick knowledge-sharing session, and coordinated support for colleagues learning a new system.”) 

AuntyHR also recommends the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Actions, Result) to structure your answers and communicate clearly. “This shows your contribution and the impact of your work,” she adds. 

Putting it all together with STAR: 

Situation: “During a festive sales period, our store had to adapt quickly to a new inventory system, which many team members hadn’t used before.” 

Task: “I needed everyone to feel confident using the system so we could maintain smooth operations and meet our sales targets.” 

Action: “I organised hands-on training sessions, created quick-reference guides, and paired experienced staff with those needing extra support.”  

Result: “The team handled the busy period efficiently, customers were served promptly, and no orders were delayed.” 

“This example shows how you can demonstrate being motivated by a challenge, detail-oriented, and a team player, all in one answer,” AuntyHR says. “It helps employers visualise how you work and whether you can handle future challenges.” 

AuntyHR reminds job seekers, “Reaching the interview stage is already a strong achievement. Taking time to prepare your words carefully ensures your strengths come through clearly and confidently. Be specific. Be honest. Back up your claims. And remember, every answer is a chance to show the value you’ll bring. With preparation and practice, you can walk into that interview ready to give your best.”