Avoid These 7 English Mistakes in Job Interviews

Job interviews are challenging — and even more so when English isn’t your first language. You’ve worked hard to prepare your answers, but small language slips can change how professional or confident you sound. This guide will help you avoid common English mistakes in job interviews so you can present your best self.

Common Interview Questions and How To Answer Them

English Mistakes in Job Interviews Effect First Impressions

Your English doesn’t have to be perfect, but the way you speak in an interview matters. Interviewers are listening for clarity, confidence, and communication skills. A few small adjustments can help you sound more prepared and capable — even if you’re nervous.

Job Interviews In English: Mistakes to Avoid

1. Speaking Too Formally or Too Casually

Mistake: Using overly formal phrases like “It is my utmost pleasure to partake in this opportunity,” or too casual like “Yeah, I’m just looking for something cool.”

Better: “Thank you for having me. I’m excited about this opportunity and ready to learn more.”

Balance is key. Use polite, professional English — but keep it natural.

2. Forgetting to Use the Past Tense for Past Experience

Mistake: “I work on a team where we build websites.” (if you’re talking about a previous job)

Better: “I worked on a team that built websites.”

In job interviews, especially when describing past roles, your verb tenses must match your timeline.

3. Overusing Fillers Like “Umm,” “You Know,” or “Like”

Mistake: “Umm, I’m like, really, umm… good with people?”

Better: “I’m good with people. I enjoy helping customers and solving problems.”

Pausing is better than filling space with unnecessary words. Slow down and think before you speak.

4. Memorizing and Reciting Answers Word-for-Word

Mistake: Saying the same script in a robotic tone.

Better: Practice ideas, not full sentences. Speak like you’re having a real conversation.

Interviewers can tell when you’re repeating a memorized answer. They want to hear you, not a script.

How to Easily Sound Natural in English Job Interviews

5. Saying “I Don’t Know” Without Trying

Mistake: “I don’t know.” (and stopping there)

Better: “I’m not sure, but here’s how I would approach it…”

You’re allowed to not know everything — just show how you’d figure things out.

6. Not Asking Any Questions at the End

Mistake: Saying nothing when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”

Better:

• “What do you enjoy most about working here?”
• “What are the next steps in the process?”

Not asking anything makes you look unprepared or uninterested. Always ask 1–2 questions.

7. Apologizing Too Much for Your English

Mistake: “Sorry, my English isn’t good.”

Better: Focus on communicating your message. It’s okay to make small mistakes. What matters most is your clarity, effort, and attitude.

You don’t need perfect English — just clear, confident communication.

How to Conduct a Successful Virtual Interview on Indeed

English Mistakes in Job Interviews Without Practice

Everyone makes mistakes in interviews — even native speakers. The key is learning from them and practicing better responses next time. You don’t need to speak perfect English to impress your interviewer. You just need to sound prepared, capable, and confident.

Final Tip to Avoid English Mistakes in Job Interviews

Prepare your answers, speak slowly, and focus on your message — not perfection. Learn from every interview and keep improving.

Want to practice and get feedback on your English interview skills? Sign up with Learn Laugh Speak and avoid these common English mistakes in job interviews for good.