4 interview responses hiring managers see right through

When you’re interviewing for a new job, it’s only natural that you want to put your best foot forward. However, the last thing a hiring manager wants

to be fed during an interview is a line. If you’re preparing for an interview, avoid using any of the answers below that are filled with nothing but hot air.

“I’m a perfectionist”

(and other nonanswers)

When a recruiter asks you about your greatest weakness, they don’t want to hear about how you’re a “perfectionist.” Interviewers will see right through a response like that. And, telling them you don’t have any weaknesses implies that you lack self-awareness. Use this opportunity to describe the steps you’ve taken to overcome a shortcoming or improve a skill that didn’t come naturally to you.

“I get along with everyone”

Employers will often ask behavioral questions that require a candidate to describe how they have or would resolve a conflict. Don’t try to finagle your way out of the conversation by claiming you simply get along with everyone. Use the STAR Method (situation, task, actions, results) to explain a time where you found yourself at odds with a colleague or customer. Then describe the actions you took to resolve the issue and the overall outcome.

“I’ve always dreamed of

landing a job like this”

If the job you’re interviewing for isn’t your dream job, don’t make up some cockamamie story about how you’ve always wanted this role.

Instead, focus on finding some aspect of the opportunity that genuinely appeals to you, whether it’s the

opportunity to learn a new skill, gain experience in an industry that interests you, or work for a company whose culture you find appealing.

“It was all me”

According to a TopInterview survey, the two worst traits a candidate can possess are arrogance and dishonesty. While it can be tempting to embellish your achievements or take full credit for a team project during an interview, this strategy usually backfires. Instead of committing the worst interview offense, talk about the role you actually played in achieving a group goal.