The Most Powerful Words to Use During

Your Interview
 Share
 Pin
 Share
 Email

 Image by Melissa Ling. © The Balance 2019

BY 
MADELEINE BURRY
 
Updated November 20, 2019

If you're wondering how much of a difference word choice can make, just consider
which of these two responses makes a better impression: "I helped brainstorm ideas for
campaigns" or "I generated ideas that were used in award-winning, successful
campaigns." 

Both answers are reasonable, but one conveys significant accomplishments, and the
other is a bit forgettable. 

Let's dig in to see why the second response is more powerful. To start, the word
"helped" (which is seen in the first response) is vague. To an interviewer, this could
mean that you presented a list of powerful ideas—but it could also signify that you were
a near-silent participant on a conference call to discuss the campaign. The second
option uses a more active verb—a person generating ideas is deeply involved in the
project. Plus, powerful adjectives are added; not only did you come up with ideas, but
they were good ones!
Your words during an interview convey an impression of you and your abilities. Make it
a positive one. As you practice for your next interview, keep word choice in mind. Here
are five broad types of words and phrases to integrate into your interview answers. 

Passion

Zero Creatives / Getty Images

One of the things interviewers try to uncover is if you're just going to show up and do the
job, or if you care about your work. Will you go above and beyond your job description,
or just tick off boxes?

People who are passionate and interested can further a company in unexpected,
positive ways. They're good for morale, and also for a company's bottom line. Using
these words and phrases shows that you aren't a clock-watcher and that you're highly
engaged with your work:

 Energized
 Enthusiastic
 Interested
 Love
 Motivated
 Priority
 Win

Tip: How to Answer "What Are You Passionate About?"

Responsibility

FangXiaNuo / Getty Images

During an interview, it's always good to demonstrate that you're responsible—you want
to show interviewers that if you're set to a task, you'll not only accomplish it, but you'll
complete it on time and meet the established standards. These words and phrases
convey responsibility:

 Accomplish
 Coordinate
 Detail-oriented
 Effective
 Efficient
 Maintained
 Met the deadline
 On time
 Organize
 Practical
 Prepare
 Provide
 Reorganize
 Responsible
 Results; Results-oriented
 Satisfied the client's requests
 Solution
 Support
 Team player

 Leadership

Leadership

Hero Images / Getty Images

Are you interviewing for a leadership role? If so, it's particularly important to use strong,
active verbs. Show how you've led teams and projects, and take ownership of any
results and accomplishments from throughout your career. Try using these words to
convey your leadership strengths: 

 Accelerate
 Accomplish
 Build
 Coordinate
 Deliver
 Develop
 I handled that by…
 Initiative
 Innovative
 Negotiated
 Plan
 Resolve
 Supervise

Industry Buzzwords and Jargon

Cecilie_Arcurs / Getty Images

Each industry comes with its own buzzwords. When you're outside of the field, this
jargon can be off-putting—like a secret code keeping you from following the
conversation. But if you're in the know, and the jargon is familiar, using it during
conversations is a bit like a secret handshake—it lets interviewers know you really get
the industry.

To use jargon, of course, you'll have to understand it, so if you're new to an industry or
field, read up on familiarize yourself with it. Follow people in the industry on Twitter,
connect with them on LinkedIn, and seek out relevant blogs and videos. 
Words Reflecting Company Values

Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Want to show a company you're a good fit? Mirror the words the company uses to
describe itself. Very likely, these same catchphrases are used frequently in internal
communications and company-wide meetings.

Even if interviewers don't consciously realize that you're reflecting their own words back,
it'll make a subtle, positive impression. Examine the language on the company's "About
Me" page on their website, on social media pages, and within the job advertisement.

You can also choose synonyms to avoid sounding too much like you've memorized the
company's own copy. This will help interviewers know that you understand what they're
looking for. 

How to Use Powerful Words During Job Interviews

Daniel Laflor / Getty Images

This isn't the SATs—no need to memorize a long list of words using flashcards! Instead,
as you practice your responses to common interview questions, keep an ear out for
your verb choices. Do "help" and "assist" keep coming up? Opt for more powerful verbs
instead. Choose strong descriptive words and phrases, too. A project can be a success
or it can be "award winning"; it can perform well or "result in 25% jump in sales." 

And keep in mind that the best words to use in your answer depends on what kind of
role you're after. If you're applying for a job as an assistant, for instance, you'll want to
incorporate lots of words that show you're responsible and get results (and focus less
on words that emphasize your leadership abilities).
Keep in mind that it's not only during interviews that word choice matter—opt
for powerful action words in your resume as well.