Landing Your Dream Job: How to Avoid These 5 Interview Mistakes

“Giving vague, clipped answers causes a lack of trust, it shows me that someone is unprepared and doesn’t have a deliberate approach to their work.” - Holly Lee, Leadership coach.

When it comes to passing a job interview, first impressions really do matter.

Here are the top five job interview mistakes you should avoid to be successful at your next interview:

1. Being Unprepared

   It is crucial to arrive at your interview looking confident, well-organized, and prepared. You should read up on the company's background and familiarize yourself with its key members. Make sure you fully understand the role on offer. Failing to do this can make you appear uninterested or lazy. Prepare for your interview by studying the most common job interview questions. You should also figure out ahead of time how you are getting to your interview and which route you will be taking to avoid being late. Some delays are unavoidable and out of your control, but unless they are life threatening, they shouldn't keep you from making the interview. Just be sure to take all the details of your job interview contact with you so you can call if you encounter any problems along the way.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Dressing Inappropriately

   How you present yourself through your appearance is extremely important. Choose your outfit carefully. Clothes should be clean and freshly ironed. Showing up to a job interview in ripped jeans and tennis shoes does not give a professional impression. Try investing in a nice business folio or folder to keep your notes, copies of your resume, and other important documents organized and handy. This also will make you look more put-together and professional.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Talking Too Much or Not Enough

   You need to establish a balance between talking too much and talking too little. According to a former Google and Amazon leadership coach, Holly Lee, from an article by CNBC, “People are either overconfident and think that their resumes speak for themselves, that they only need to provide a vague, short answer, or don’t take the proper time to reflect on how, exactly, their work is benefitting a company’s bottom line — the who, what, when, where and why of it all". Employers understand that nerves are a part of the job interview process, but try to avoid talking about everything at once. Give clear, direct, and concise answers to questions while also highlighting and demonstrating your skills and experience without rambling. A good practice is to have a number of examples from your studies and previous work experience to draw upon.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Criticising Previous Employers or Colleagues

   It is never a good idea to complain about your previous employer or colleagues. Speaking negatively about your previous or current job will most likely ruin your chances of success, because it gives employers the wrong impression about you. It makes them question what you might say about them under similar circumstances. Instead of highlighting the mistakes of others, you should emphasize the positive steps you took in order to overcome them. This not only demonstrates your loyalty, but also shows how proactive you can be.

   
   

   

   
   

5. Failing to Ask Questions

   Near the end of the job interview, most employers will ask you if you have any questions for them. It is not a good idea to say no. This is your opportunity to get answers about the role and the company so don't waste it. Asking relevant questions shows that you are interested in the job. Some examples are asking about any current projects the company or your potential team are working on, any opportunities for growth, or where the company sees itself in five years' time. Avoid asking about paid leave or things that were already covered during the interview. It's a good idea to have at least three to five questions written down on a notepad before your interview.

   
   

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Author’s Bio

Isabella Boston

Isabella Boston is a Wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio. She is well-versed in copywriting, articles and research, and medical content writing with a focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI), autoimmune disorders, and inflammation within the body. She is a diarist and the author of Passion of Flames.

When Isabella is not writing, she enjoys reading, fashion, learning new languages, and spreading God’s Holy Word.

Citations and Sources

1. Thewordsmithm. (2024a, January 26). The no. 1 reason people “fail” job interviews, says ex-amazon recruiter: “it causes a lack of trust.” CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/26/ex-amazon-recruiter-the-no-1-reason-people-fail-job-interviews.html

   
   

2. Swain, W. by R. (n.d.). Top 5 job interview mistakes. Prospects.ac.uk. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/top-5-job-interview-mistakes

   
   

3. Swain, W. by R. (n.d.-a). Interview questions. Prospects.ac.uk. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/interview-questions