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7 Seemingly Harmless Phrases You Should Never, Ever Say in an Interview

Updated 6/19/2020
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Think twice before you compliment your interviewer's skirt.

There are plenty of things you should say upon walking into an interview for your dream company. Your knowledge of what the company does (after all, you did spend hours researching everything about it), your expertly crafted elevator pitch (here’s a simple formula), and why you, above every other candidate, should get hired.

While these are things you should never leave out in interviews, there are, at the same time, a handful of phrases you should never say. Seemingly harmless comments such as complimenting your interviewer’s outfit or talking about an illness could seriously hurt your chances of getting the job, according to Kathryn Tuggle of Fox Business.

Take a look at this infographic to see which phrases you should avoid at all costs—and what to say instead.


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A board member of Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs, Kat is either hosting inspiring founders or trekking across cities (Silicon Valley and London, anyone?) to discover the hottest startups. And, when she’s not putting together large-group gatherings for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Kat is planning food excursions to discover the best Taiwanese beef noodle soup in NYC. The only thing she loves almost as much as crafting content as an Editorial Intern at The Muse is studying content as an English Major at Columbia University. Say hi on Twitter @katxmoon.
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7 Seemingly Harmless Phrases You Should Never, Ever Say in an Interview | The Muse | The Muse