Saying "honestly" during interview...

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
U

unleash500

Full Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2008
Messages
248
Reaction score
25
Members do not see this ad.
I have a bad habit where I frequently say " honestly" during interviews despite being told how it makes it seem like everything else you said was a lie.


I just said it in my last interview zz. As soon as I said it, I noticed the interview write something down. Am I being overly paranoid and neurotic?

What are your thoughts on saying "honestly"?
 
unleash500 said:
I have a bad habit where I frequently say " honestly" during interviews despite being told how it makes it seem like everything else you said was a lie.


I just said it in my last interview zz. As soon as I said it, I noticed the interview write something down. Am I being overly paranoid and neurotic?

What are your thoughts on saying "honestly"?
Click to expand...

If you are worried about how honestly sounds you could always say frankly instead. 🙂
 
Well, in formal speech/articulation, you should avoid saying "honestly" or "frankly" or "let me be honest with you" for the reason you listed.

It's not good rhetorics, just like any other verbal pauses like "uh" or "like." So, it's definitely good practice to try to work it out of your speech. But, it's unlikely that the interviewer is actually writing that particular phrase down. So, in that, you are being overtly paranoid. But, it is reasonable to try to improve your speech skills.
 
Honestly... I honestly agree with avoid this during an interview.

Avoid saying like, um, I feel like...


I used to say... I feel like that's a good idea... I did so much feeling in that phase of undergrad...
 
pkwraith said:
Well, in formal speech/articulation, you should avoid saying "honestly" or "frankly" or "let me be honest with you" for the reason you listed.

It's not good rhetorics, just like any other verbal pauses like "uh" or "like." So, it's definitely good practice to try to work it out of your speech. But, it's unlikely that the interviewer is actually writing that particular phrase down. So, in that, you are being overtly paranoid. But, it is reasonable to try to improve your speech skills.
Click to expand...
I agree that it's not the best form, but I would never consider it to imply a lack of sincerity elsewhere. :shrug: To me it's just a filler phrase people use when they want to emphasize their sincerity, but I can see how it might be perceived differently.
 
gettheleadout said:
I agree that it's not the best form, but I would never consider it to imply a lack of sincerity elsewhere. :shrug: To me it's just a filler phrase people use when they want to emphasize their sincerity, but I can see how it might be perceived differently.
Click to expand...

Filler phrases like "honestly" are not appropriate for any occasions where you are demonstrating communication skills.

When one preface a sentence with "honestly", what is he implying? That sentence is in earnest, but nothing else was? The assumption is that you're being honest the entire time. Phrases like that detract from the conversation, when there's dozens of more appropriate qualifiers available in the English language that can serve much better.

People say many things in colloquial speech all the time. For occasions like interviews, one should really think about what they are saying, and strive for the most effective communication tools.
 
aSagacious said:
Go white!
Click to expand...

a-see-what-you-did-there-11.jpg
 
I cannot stand when people say 'you know' a lot. NO, I don't know! I've no idea! Please tell me. XD

I don't (or try not to) say anything redundant, but instead I pause. So wherever I would put an um/like/you know I just pause. It's just as awkward...
 
pkwraith said:
Filler phrases like "honestly" are not appropriate for any occasions where you are demonstrating communication skills.

When one preface a sentence with "honestly", what is he implying? That sentence is in earnest, but nothing else was? The assumption is that you're being honest the entire time. Phrases like that detract from the conversation, when there's dozens of more appropriate qualifiers available in the English language that can serve much better.

People say many things in colloquial speech all the time. For occasions like interviews, one should really think about what they are saying, and strive for the most effective communication tools.
Click to expand...

sigh.. and I said that I am a reapplicant who has worked on his communication skills since last cycle haha....
 
Camy99 said:
I cannot stand when people say 'you know' a lot. NO, I don't know! I've no idea! Please tell me. XD

I don't (or try not to) say anything redundant, but instead I pause. So wherever I would put an um/like/you know I just pause. It's just as awkward...
Click to expand...

You know "you know" is a very common phrase, you know. 😎
 
It's a nervous tic. I used to say "um" quite a bit. Then I taught computer classes. In the interview they counted the number of times I said "um." Since then, every time I want to say "um," I pause to collect my thoughts. It actually is very helpful. The pause comes off as though I'm doing on purpose, for effect. Give it a shot.
 
pkwraith said:
Filler phrases like "honestly" are not appropriate for any occasions where you are demonstrating communication skills.

When one preface a sentence with "honestly", what is he implying? That sentence is in earnest, but nothing else was? The assumption is that you're being honest the entire time. Phrases like that detract from the conversation, when there's dozens of more appropriate qualifiers available in the English language that can serve much better.

People say many things in colloquial speech all the time. For occasions like interviews, one should really think about what they are saying, and strive for the most effective communication tools.
Click to expand...
I totally agree with the bolded, I was just commenting on the term in general. I still wouldn't personally jump to the conclusion that saying "honestly, ..." implies that one wasn't being honest the whole time. I do agree that you shouldn't use it in an interview regardless, simply because it is a formal conversation and should be treated as such.
 
"Honestly" is not bad filler, assuming you use it in a syntactically appropriate manner. It IS filler, but some filler is worse than others. As someone who has sat on the other side of the interview desk, an "honestly" is more appreciated than other filler terms...
 
aSagacious said:
I *explitive* HATE when people say 'I feel like'... probably my biggest pet peeve.
Click to expand...

Camy99 said:
I cannot stand when people say 'you know' a lot. NO, I don't know! I've no idea! Please tell me. XD

I don't (or try not to) say anything redundant, but instead I pause. So wherever I would put an um/like/you know I just pause. It's just as awkward...
Click to expand...


I honestly feel like I will be a good doctor, you know? 😛
 
Last edited:
gettheleadout said:
I agree that it's not the best form, but I would never consider it to imply a lack of sincerity elsewhere. :shrug: To me it's just a filler phrase people use when they want to emphasize their sincerity, but I can see how it might be perceived differently.
Click to expand...
Agree with this. Some people over-analyze things.
 
I say "I feel like..." and "honestly" all the time. I blame the Rachel Zoe Project.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

o_OfroggyO_o
interviews during spring
Replies
8
Views
2K
Goro
Goro
W
Interview Honesty
Replies
4
Views
1K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
I
Taking notes during virtual MMI prep in Kira?
Replies
9
Views
866
engenir
E
E
New Job During Application Cycle
Replies
2
Views
708
LindaAccepted
LindaAccepted
E
Is it a bad idea to travel abroad during interview season (Jan-Feb)?
Replies
12
Views
2K
GoSpursGo
GoSpursGo
Top