Avoid these 6 common phrases when looking for a new job

If you’re looking for a job, a quick google will give you plenty of sample elevator pitches, résumés, cover letters, answers to interview questions.

But beware! Some of these examples include language that won’t help you project the confidence you’ll want to show at each stage in your search. Even if you craft your own language, you may sound less confident than you want to (or need) to.

So look closely at the words you use to make sure you come across as a confident candidate. Edit out the following expressions that make you sound less qualified:

1. I WANTED TO REACH OUT TO YOU

This familiar phrase appears at the beginning of many job search emails. The candidate may be writing to a networking contact, a recruiter, or hiring manager. What’s wrong with this expression?

The first thing is that the job seeker uses the past tense (“wanted”) rather than the present tense (“want”). It’s as though the candidate has changed her mind and no longer wants to reach out. Or she is afraid to show that she is actually reaching out. Using the past tense, according to Wharton professor Jonah Berger, is always less persuasive than the present tense.

“I wanted to” is weak in another way. The verb “want” is weak. It describes intention, rather than action. It’s as though the job seeker does not show commitment to what she is actually doing. In the same vein, avoid intentional verbs like “wish” “think,” “feel,” and “hope.” A good way to begin a letter is “I am reaching out to you because . . .”

2. I AM A MANAGER

Saying you are a manager is weaker than saying what you have done in that role. This holds true for any role: Don’t talk about the role you were given; talk about what you accomplished in that role.

Use verbs instead of nouns. For example, instead of saying “In my current role, I serve as an IT manager,” say “As an IT specialist, I oversee a team that delivers results for our global clients.”

Even better, provide numbers: “As an IT specialist, I oversee a team that has delivered four new infrastructure programs for our global clients.” Then describe the impact these programs have had.

3. I’M LOOKING FOR A JOB

This phrase presents a weak impression of you.

Naturally you’re looking for a job, or you wouldn’t be communicating with a prospective employer or recruiter. But saying so sounds like you’ve been looking and can’t find anything. A similar impression is created if you say, “I’ve been searching.” Both phrases have an undertone of frustration.

No employer wants a job seeker who has been poring over a pile of job ads. Even though you have been on the prowl for the right job, don’t emphasize that. Every employer wants to think that a job seeker has targeted that particular firm. Cut this phrase out of your script.

4. I AM INTERESTED IN THE ROLE 

Saying you are interested in an advertised role will fall flat. It just doesn’t inspire. Separate yourself from the pack of job seekers by inspiring your reader with language that conveys your passion for the advertised position. Include words like “love,” “excited,” “enthusiastic,” “committed,” and “believe.”

For example, say “I love the idea of helping your firm build its brand.” Or “I am excited about this position, which would enable me to build upon my extensive background in HR leadership.”

5. I ADMIRE YOUR COMPANY

This phrase is often used by job candidates. It’s great to say you admire the company you’re interviewing with, but don’t stop there. If you do, it sounds like a generic compliment you might offer to any firm.

Explain why you admire this company. Perhaps you admire the firm because it has a great reputation for customer relations, or is a leader in its industry, or has a welcoming culture. Be specific about what you admire. 

You’ll need to do some serious research to show why you admire the hiring company, but that research will reflect well on you as a strong candidate.

6.  I’M NOT SURE

Job candidates may be tempted to undercut themselves when they admit to some uncertainty about their background or their readiness for the job. But resist the temptation to undercut yourself.

Don’t say “Although I’ve been out of the job market for three years . . .” or “Even though I have no experience with international banking . . .” Such expressions will weaken the impression you are creating.

Furthermore, don’t express any negatives about your understanding of the role you are applying for. Saying “I’m not sure how this role would support the team,” or “I’m not sure I could accept that salary,” makes you sound unsure.  Instead, keep your uncertainties to yourself and if you’re unsure of something, say “I am excited to learn how this role will help the team” or “I will give consideration to that salary, and get back to you.”