Landing an interview is only half the battle—what you say in those few critical minutes can make or break your career prospects. Suzy Welch, best-selling author and CEO of Becoming You Media, warns that many smart, capable candidates sabotage themselves by giving what she calls “sudden death answers.”

In a column for CNBC, Welch recalled an MBA student who kept failing interviews despite being sharp, genuine, and hardworking. The reason became clear when she asked him the standard question: “What are your long-term goals?” His reply —“I want to start my own business”—was enough to alarm potential employers. “That’s like telling the company you plan to leave before you’ve even joined,” Welch said.

She outlined three such answers that can quietly destroy your chances:

 ‘I value work-life balance and self-care’

While universally desirable, Welch says presenting this as your top priority can make you seem less driven. Hiring managers want candidates who demonstrate passion, productivity, and alignment with company goals. Instead of leading with self-care, she suggests reframing: “I care about well-being, but I’m most driven by growth, excellence, and being part of a high-performing team.”

 ‘I want to start my own business’

Though ambitious, this answer signals an eventual exit plan. Companies invest years before new hires deliver real returns, so a candidate with one foot already out the door feels like a risky bet. Welch recommends emphasizing leadership ambition within the company instead: “My career goal is to rise to a leadership position and manifest my ambition right here at your company.”

 ‘I was let go as part of my company’s recent layoffs’

Layoffs happen, but saying this without context may raise doubts about why you weren’t retained. Welch advises offering clear context and a forward-looking perspective, such as: “My company exited a business line, which eliminated my role. That experience taught me the importance of constantly upgrading my skills in a changing business environment.”

With competition for jobs fiercer than ever, Welch says every word in an interview matters. Her ultimate advice: “If you’re unsure about an answer, ask yourself—does this show that I want to be here and grow here? If not, rethink it.”