7 words that make you sound super braggy in an interview

There’s a fine line between bragging and being confident, and it’s very easy to cross that line. To avoid sounding like a bragger, savvy job candidates should avoid these seven words in interviews.

1. Humble

We get it, you’re humble, but you don’t need to go around telling people how humble you are. Using this word can have the opposite effect and make you sound like you’re bragging. This study from APA PsychNet found that invoking the “humblebrag” is an ineffective way to present yourself.

The best strategy is to show people you are humble rather than telling them. This is done through talking about a project you managed but were successful because of your team’s efforts. Use stories and examples that show your humility while accomplishing something great at the same time.

2. Independent

While well-intentioned, telling the hiring manager that you’re independent may not be the best idea. It can come across as being self-centered, and you don’t need help from others.

You may mean it as not needing your handheld through projects, and you don’t need to be micromanaged. However, the manager hears you may not be a friendly person, and you don’t work well with others.

3. Likable

Using the term “likable” to describe yourself will come across as extremely awkward. Being described as likable is a word that other people should use to describe you, not you. Additionally, this is a subjective word because, more than likely, there’s at least one other person in this world who doesn’t like you — and that’s ok.

Instead of describing yourself as a likable person, use the strategy to show the recruiter you get along with others rather than tell them. For example, describing a situation where you could get two disagreeing parties to put aside their differences and work together can showcase your likable qualities without you spelling it out for them. 

If you want to come across as being likable, this study from Berkeley will show you how to improve your chances.

4. Intelligent

While you may think you are more intelligent than everyone else in the room, others may not share your opinion. Telling the hiring manager you’re intelligent just sounds boastful at best and is a quick way to come off negatively.

Rather than using a subjective word like “intelligent,” describe a scenario where you were able to solve a problem that others struggled to overcome. Words such as “analytical” or “logical” are much more appropriate to use when you describe yourself, especially when you back it up with facts.

5. Successful

Being successful is a result of a job well done and meeting goals that are personal or professional. But, when you look at it from an objective angle, what exactly does it mean to be successful. Are you as successful as Elon Musk or Bill Gates? If not, how do you define success?

Rather than widely describing yourself as successful, focus on a specific event where you achieved the desired result or exceeded expectations. It’s perfectly acceptable to say you’re great at finding solutions to networking issues (if you are) because that describes a specific skill set. Avoid blindly calling yourself successful.

6. Generous

This falls in the same category as humble. Generous people don’t go around telling other people how helpful they are. If they do, it’s usually because they did it for the attention rather than out of a giving heart. 

However, suppose you would like your generosity made evident to the hiring manager. In that case, you can let them know you enjoy working in a team environment and then describe a time where you helped others or worked with a charity to further a mission. 

7. Obsessive

You may think that describing yourself as obsessive and passionate about your job, but the word obsessive comes across with a negative connotation. Obsessive can even make it sound like you’re a little bit crazy. 

Again, rather than using catchphrases or words to describe yourself in an interview, describe yourself and your accomplishments and let the recruiters formulate these phrases and words in their minds. 

If you really are obsessive and have OCD, this qualitative study in the US National Library of Medicine discusses separating obsessive-compulsive disorder from the self.

Final thoughts

Keep in mind that it’s not always what you say when it comes to interviews, but how you say it that matters. Using catchphrases rarely will help you in an interview and can have the opposite effect on the reviewer. 

Use stories and anecdotes to describe yourself and let the interviewer form descriptive words about you rather than sounding super braggy.