Interviewing is stressful, even if you’re a seasoned job searcher or beginning your career search. Despite plenty of resources online on improving your interview, candidates make common mistakes. We’ll share common interview missteps and offer actionable ways to avoid them. Even strong candidates lose offers because of these avoidable missteps.
Mistake #1: Poor preparation beyond the resume
Candidates consistently attempt to rely on memorizing their resume to get them through interview questions. Likewise, candidates will skip researching the company, role, or interviewer before the interview. Without better preparation, you might be signaling a lack of interest or motivation. And without proper research, your answers could sound generic or misaligned.
Avoid these issues by putting together a cheat sheet of the company’s mission, products, competitors, and recent news. Keep this nearby to refer to during the interview so you don’t get stumped. Before the interview, review the job description line by line to have a good understanding of it. Using this research, prepare your work examples that align with the company’s mission or with the role requirements.
Mistake #2: Talking too much – or too little
Finding the right balance of what to expand on and what not to in an interview takes discretion. Many candidates provide rambling answers without any structure or short and vague responses. This can hurt candidates as interviewers could struggle to extract key information. Candidates also risk coming across as unfocused or disengaged.
Using structured frameworks, such as the STAR method, is a great way to keep your answers focused. Accompanied by practicing concise storytelling, you’ll be able to get your point across within a limited time. Don’t be afraid to pause and check if the interview wants more detail, either.
Mistake #3: Failing to communicate impact
Candidates often make the mistake of describing their responsibilities instead of the results they produced. Or, candidates will avoid sharing metrics or concrete outcomes when asked about their experience. These mistakes can make accomplishments feel interchangeable and can weaken your perceived value.
Whenever possible, quantify results into understandable metrics. Emphasize challenges, actions taken, and outcomes when asked about work on projects or processes. By doing this, you can translate achievements into business impacts.
Mistake #4: Poor nonverbal and virtual interview etiquette
With many early-round virtual interviews, many candidates discredit the impact of nonverbal communication. Closed body language and weak eye contact are signs of poor nonverbal communication. Also, distracting backgrounds or technical issues can be a detriment to candidates. Our nonverbal body language affect first impressions. These virtual missteps can suggest a lack of professionalism.
Before your interview, practice a confident posture and eye contact in the mirror. Test your microphone, speakers, and camera to ensure everything is functioning. Finally, choose a neutral, distraction-free environment to take your interview in.
Mistake #5: Not asking thoughtful questions
The conclusion of an interview is the best time for candidates to ask any questions.. Asking no or surface-level questions is a common mistake for wrapping up an interview. Candidates also focus on salary or benefits too early. This can signal to interviewers a lack of curiosity or long-term thinking.
Avoid these mistakes by preparing three to five role- and company-specific questions to ask at the end of the interview. Asking about success metrics, team dynamics, and growth can show a forward-thinking attitude. That attitude can help candidates better discern if this role or company is right for them. Don’t be afraid to use questions to reinforce your interest in a role and your fit.
Most interview mistakes are fixable with awareness and preparation. With enough interview experience, candidates can gain confidence and practice. Viewing interviews as mutual evaluations between you and a future employer can help change your mentality. Clarity, preparation, and intention matter more than appearing to be the perfect candidate.