Can We Please Be Honest in Job Interviews Without Ruining Our Chances?

If you've ever sat in a job interview and wished you could just blurt out the real reason you're leaving your current job, trust me, you're not alone.

As a woman who’s been on both sides of the interview table, I get it.

I’ve been the interviewee trying to polish up a not-so-pretty situation.

I’ve also been the hiring manager wishing candidates would just be real with me.

It’s a weird dance, right?

You want to be honest. You want to show up as your full self.

But you also don’t want to come off as negative or risky.

I’ve learned there’s a fine line between being real and being unfiltered.

It’s all about being honest and professional.

What to say and what not to say in a job interview, especially as we navigate the landscape in 2025.

What I Wish I Could Say as an Interviewee

Honestly, I wish I could just say:

• “I’m leaving because I’m burned out and not feeling supported.”

• “I want a healthier culture where people are treated like human beings.”

• “There’s no room for growth and I’m tired of being overlooked.”
  

But I know better.

That kind of honesty, even though it’s real, can be interpreted as bitterness, blame, or drama.

And unfortunately, that can cost you the job—even if you’re the most qualified person in the room.

Instead, I’ve learned to reframe it.

Keep it honest but professional.

Something like:

• “I’m looking for a role where I can grow and feel more aligned with the company’s values.”

• “I’m excited to find a team that encourages collaboration and development.”
  

See the difference? It’s still truthful.

Just not heavy with frustration or finger-pointing.

What I Appreciate as an Interviewer

When I’m interviewing someone, I actually do want to know why you’re leaving your last job.

You don’t need to sugarcoat it for me, i want honesty.

But how you communicate your answer matters.

I respect honesty, but I also want to see how you handle tough situations with grace and maturity.

That tells me a lot about your character.

Here’s what works well in interviews and what doesn’t.

What to Say in a Job Interview (The Good Stuff That Actually Helps)

1. Show You’re Genuinely Interested

Let them know why you’re excited about the job.

Maybe the work sounds meaningful to you, or it lines up with what you enjoy doing or want to learn more about.

Talk about how this role fits into where you see yourself going.

Example: “I’ve always loved helping people solve problems, and this role feels like a great fit for that. I also like that your company is growing—there’s room to learn and grow with it.”

2. Use Stories to Share Experience (STAR Method)

When they ask, “Tell me about a time when…” don’t just list facts. Use a simple story structure:

• Situation: What was going on?

• Task: What did you need to do?

• Action: What steps did you take?

• Result: How did it turn out?
  

This keeps your answers clear and shows what you’re capable of in real-life situations.

Example: “At my last job, a big client had a problem with their order (situation). I had to figure out a fix quickly (task). I contacted the warehouse, tracked down the issue, and offered the client a solution that same day (action). The client was happy, and they stayed with us long-term (result).”

3. Highlight the Right Skills

Talk about the skills you bring to the table that match what the company needs.

Don’t just say you’re “hardworking” or “a team player”—give quick examples to back it up.

Example: “This job needs someone who can stay organized and meet deadlines. In my last role, I managed scheduling for a whole department, and we never missed a deadline all year.”

4. Stay Positive, Even If Your Last Job Wasn’t Great

If you’re leaving a job that wasn’t the best, don’t badmouth anyone.

Focus on the future—what you’re excited to do next—not what you’re trying to get away from.

Example: “I’ve learned a lot in my current role, but I’m ready for something that challenges me more and lets me grow my skills.”

5. Ask Smart Questions

At the end, when they ask, “Do you have any questions?” don’t say no!

Asking a few thoughtful questions shows you care and that you’re serious about making sure the job is right for you too.

Example:

• “What does a typical day look like in this role?”

• “What qualities help someone succeed here?”

• “What are the biggest goals for the team this year?”
  

6. Be Real and Own Your Story

It’s totally okay to admit if you’re a little nervous. You’re human!

And if you’ve made mistakes in the past, don’t hide them.

Be honest and talk about what you learned and how you’ve grown.

Example: “I used to struggle with time management, but I’ve learned to use a planner and set reminders. It’s made a big difference in staying on top of things.”

Remember, interviews are conversations—not tests.

Be confident, be yourself, and think of it as a chance for both sides to get to know each other.

What to Avoid (Please, Just Don’t)

• Badmouthing past employers: Even if you’re totally justified, it never looks good to the interviewer. It looks like you lack emotional intelligence, or you have trouble handling conflict or pressure. This could make them think you may bring a negative attitude into their workplace.

• Jumping into salary talk too early: Don't talk about salary on your resume or cover letter. Don't mention it in the first few minutes of your first interview or when you're still unsure about the role or if you even want it.

• Generic answers: “I’m a perfectionist” or “I care too much” won’t impress anyone. If you want the job, don’t play it safe with vague or overused answers. Be specific. Be honest. Be you. That’s what makes you memorable and hirable.

• Talking too much about yourself: Focus on how you can help them. If you continue to talk about yourself you might lose the listener. You'll risk oversharing irrelevant personal details. You may come across as unfocused. You’ll sound self-centered rather than collaborative.  Long answers can reduce your credibility.

• Lying or exaggerating: If it doesn’t feel true, it probably won’t come across well either. Hiring managers can often spot when something feels “off.” A little lie or stretching the truth might seem harmless, but it can come back to bite you, especially if you’re asked to go into detail or if references don’t back you up.

• Being overly casual: Read the room. Keep it professional. An interview isn’t a coffee chat, even if it feels friendly. Speaking too informally, using slang, or dressing too casually can make you seem unprofessional or like you're not taking the opportunity seriously.

• Saying “I have no questions”: This feels like you’re not invested. This can signal disinterest, unpreparedness, or a lack of initiative. Interviewers want to see that you’re genuinely curious about the role and the company.

• Neglecting virtual interview basics: If it’s remote, double-check your computer, lighting, 15 minutes before your scheduled interview. Virtual interviews are still professional meetings. Poor lighting, background noise, a messy room, or tech issues can distract the interviewer and hurt your credibility.

• Always dress the part: Whether the interview is in person or virtual, always make sure to look professional and put together (hair makeup, outfit, etc)

The job market in 2025 is different, but some things haven’t changed.

Employers still want someone capable, engaged, and positive.

They don’t expect perfection, but they do appreciate honesty with emotional intelligence.

So yes, be yourself. Just make sure it’s your best professional self.

Practice the hard questions.

Tell the truth in a way that builds connection, not confusion.

That’s the sweet spot.

I’d love to hear from you.

Have you ever struggled with how honest to be in an interview?

What do you wish you could say, and how did you end up framing it?

Sharing your insights could really help other women navigate this tricky part of career life.