The job market is a cut-throat arena and making a good impression during interviews is pivotal. Here are a few line you should avoid at all costs. Trust us, we’re saving your life.

1. “My last company was awful.”
Even if you’ve been through hell at your old job, badmouthing a past employer is a huge no-no. No one wants to hire a bitter and disgruntled person with a chip on their shoulders. You’re there to start fresh so it’s important to be positive, relaxed and never appear to hold a grudge.
2. “I’m so nervous.”
Of course you’re nervous, but why give it away? Interviewers are well aware that this is a stressful situation, it’s your job to show them that it’s not getting the better of you. Who wants to hire someone who can’t even keep it together during an interview? What does that say about your future performance? This is a classic case where honesty ISN’T the best policy.

3. “I’d prefer not to answer that.”
You never want to look as if you have something to hide or like someone who simply lacks the relevant knowledge for the position. Don’t take the fifth unless you’re faced with a question you deem illegal or inappropriate.

4. “I don’t know.”
This is just as bad as not answering. There’s a pretty big chance you’ll come across a question you don’t know the answer to. That’s fine. But you can’t let the person in front of you know that you’re flabbergasted. A creative way to handle this is to complement the interview on a terrific question, repeat at out loud as if you’re contemplating or even ask for a quick minute to think it over. Whatever you do, make it seem that you’re engaging with the question. Not avoiding it.

5. “Perfectionism is my biggest flaw.”
Talk about cliché! This is something you interviewer has probably heard a million times before. And’ of course, we all know it’s not true. Saying this will not only make sound unoriginal, it also gives the person in front of you no insight into who you really are.

6. “I an ‘outside the box’ thinker.”
Slogans are just as bad as clichés! Saying you think outside the box means nothing. It’s just an overused phrase which tell the interviewer nothing about your skills or experience. Bring real life examples and stories to the table. Let past actions do the talking.

7. Do you mind if I get this?”
Umm…No! You will not get this because answering a call or a text during an interview is not only rude, it also makes it look like you have no interest in getting this job.

8. “Shall we talk money?”
Unless you’re in the very last stages of your recruiting process, don’t bring up the salary. Potential employers need to know that you’re in it for more than just the money. No one expects you to work for free, but if you’re not on board with the mission, the vision and the values, you’re not going to get the job.

9. “How many vacation days do I get?”
Trying to figure out what’s in it for you before potential employers can assess what’s in it for them will not end with you getting the job. You’re there impress them, not the other way around. A good boss will want to keep you happy if he sees you as valuable to his company. But you have to prove you’re worth it before making demands.

10. “No. I don’t have any questions.”
Probably the most fatal mistake one can make in an interview. An interview is not an interrogation, if you don’t ask questions about the company, the position, the vision, future plans and much more, you’ll end up looking like someone who just doesn’t want it bad enough. Turn it into a conversation, you’re there to get to know them too.

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