6 Things That Can Make You Sound Unqualified for a Job

6 Things That Can Make You Sound Unqualified for a Job6 Things That Can Make You Sound Unqualified for a JobIf theres one impression you dont want to make in a job interview, its that youre unqualified for a job and undeserving. Your goal should be to present yourself as a no-brainer fit for that open position, after all.But, unfortunately, your nerves can get the best of you- which means some different phrases and questions sometimes have a way of creeping into your vocabulary and undermining those qualifications that youve worked so hard to highlight.Like what?Here are six common things that can make you sound unqualified for a job1. So, what does this company do?This one might seem ridiculous. But, believe it or not, people ask it in a vain attempt to express interest in the company and demonstrate engagement in the hiring process. Of course, you should already be intimately familiar with the company through your prior research of the employer and position that youve applied for.Y our Better Alternative In my research, I found that Company is heavily involved in thing. How do you see this position contributing to that?2. I couldnt believe you called me for an interviewPerhaps the interviewer just told you that there were hundreds of applicants for this position. Or, maybe youre just trying to portray your level of enthusiasm about this particular job. Either way, expressing disbelief about how you landed in that interview seat is never something you want to do. Remember, youre a qualified professional who deserves the opportunity to prove yourself- so act like it.Your Better Alternative Im really happy to have the opportunity to talk with you about how I can add value to this kollektiv3. Thats a good questionJob interviews can be anxiety-inducing at best, and this is a nervous tick that a lot of people have when theyre in the thick of those uncomfortable exchanges. Before you know it, youre prefacing every single one of your responses with this totally unnece ssary (and- lets be hosnest- totally false) compliment for your interviewer.Your Better Alternative Nothing at all Just jump right in with your response to the question that was asked.4. I know Im not exactly what youre looking for, butThese sorts of qualifiers are tempting to lean on, especially if the hiring manager brings up a requirement or area of expertise that youre less familiar with. Sure, maybe you dont check all of the boxes for that position. But, the good news is that you were called in for an interview anyway. So, rather than wasting time cranking up that spotlight on your flaws, turn the conversation back around to focus on your qualifications instead.Your Better Alternative While you might consider some of my experience untraditional, I know I can really add value with my expertise in area and area.5. Like I said beforeBetween your application, the phone screening, and then rounds of interviews, the hiring process can abflug to feel repetitive. But, a statement like this one can shame the interviewer. Remember, he or she is talking to far more candidates than just you, and likely cant remember all of the details of any previous conversations or answers. Think of it this way getting to return to that subject grants you even further opportunity to expand on your qualifications and prove your value.Your Better Alternative If you need to say anything at all, stay more positive with something like, Im happy to expand on that more.6. I can start immediately.When an employer asks how soon youd be able to step in, its tempting to be as accommodating as possible and say that you can start right away. And, in some cases, theres no problem with that. But, what if youre currently employed? The hiring manager knows that, which means he or she is also aware that you should provide notice at your existing job. Its the very reason that your interviewer is asking about a potential start date.If you say you can start immediately, it shows that you arent planning on providing any sort of notice, which can actually serve to make you look unprofessional and inconsiderate.Your Better Alternative I could start on date. Does that work with your timeline?Your goal in a job interview is to come off as polished, professional, and qualified as possible- which means youll want to stay far, far away from these six common statements. Cut them out from your vocabulary, and youre sure to make an even better (and more memorable) impression on that hiring manager.