Avoiding Interview Crutch Words

Crutch words can significantly impact your interview performance. These filler words, such as "like," "um," and "you know," can make you appear less confident and articulate.

Here are some strategies to help you eliminate them:

Before the Interview:

• Practice: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions. This will help you feel more prepared and reduce the need for filler words. If you don’t know the questions beforehand, don’t worry! Just practice by answering any question out loud to find times in your response where you may trip up.

• Record Yourself: Practice speaking out loud and record yourself. Listen for any crutch words you may use.

During the Interview:

• Pause: If you need to gather your thoughts, pause briefly instead of using a filler word. Editing is magic! We always tell interviewees to take their time answering, we will edit out any blank space.

• Focus on Your Message: Concentrate on what you want to say, rather than worrying about how to say it.

• Use Strong Language: Replace vague or hesitant language with more assertive terms. For example, instead of saying "I think," try "I believe."

• Be Mindful: Pay attention to your speech patterns during the interview. If you catch yourself using a crutch word, try to replace it with a more intentional phrase.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a confident and articulate candidate. Remember, it takes practice, but the effort is well worth it!