If you’ve landed an interview, Congratulations! You’re one step closer to your dream job. Interviewing can be nerve-wracking, and even the most qualified candidates can make mistakes that hurt their chances. In this post, we’ll look at common interview mistakes and how to avoid them. With preparation, you can ace that interview and land the job you deserve!
Arriving Late:
Preparation starts before the interview day. Plan your route, check traffic conditions, and aim to arrive early. If your interview is virtual then check the setup in advance.
Not Being Able to Talk About Your Resume:
Be ready to discuss everything on your resume. If you can’t recall a project or a technology well, then take it out.
Ignoring Posture:
Non-verbal cues matter! Your posture communicates confidence. Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and show your enthusiasm through body language.
Lacking Clarity in Communication:
Speak clearly and concisely. Ambiguous or convoluted answers may confuse the interviewer. Practice articulating your thoughts beforehand. Find the sweet spot between rambling and providing concise answers.
Jumping to Solutions:
Understand the problem before proposing a solution. State assumptions, ask clarifying questions, and consider constraints. A thoughtful approach is key.
Overengineering:
Keep solutions concise. Overengineering can signal a lack of understanding of simplicity and practicality.
Not Explaining Thought Process when Stuck:
When stuck, articulate your thought process. Interviewers value problem-solving approaches even when the answer is not immediate.
Using Too Much Jargon:
Use industry terms judiciously. Provide sufficient details to ensure the interviewer understands and don’t drown them in unnecessary jargon.
Not Admitting Lack of Knowledge:
If you don’t know the answer, then admit it. Don’t make things up. Instead, demonstrate a willingness to learn and problem-solve on the spot.
Bad Mouthing / Finger Pointing:
It’s never a good idea to speak negatively about your past bosses or colleagues. Focus on the positive and highlight your accomplishments.
Being Arrogant:
Confidence is good, but arrogance isn’t. Be open to feedback, avoid arguing with the interviewer, and maintain a collaborative spirit throughout.
Not Preparing for Behavioral Interviews:
Be ready to discuss past experiences. Use the STAR/SBI format: Situation, Task, Action, Result or Situation, Behavior, Impact so that you are not just stating the facts but are creating a narrative.
Lacking Specificity About Your Contributions:
Specificity matters. Clearly outline YOUR contributions to projects and highlight the impact of your work.
Not Mentioning Learnings from Failure:
Discuss setbacks but follow up with lessons learned and how you applied them in subsequent situations. Show resilience and a growth mindset.
Not Tailoring Your Responses:
Your response details and questions should be tailored to the interviewer position. What you say/ask should be different from a Product Manager to an Engineer to an Engineering Manager.
Trying Too Hard To Impress:
Let your enthusiasm shine but find the right balance. Genuine passion is infectious; overdoing it might come across as insincere.
Not Doing Homework About the Company/Position:
Research the company and the position. Ask insightful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest. Avoid discussing salary/benefits.
Interviews are about showcasing your skills, attitude, and fit for the role. Avoiding these common interview mistakes will help you present your best self! I wish you the best!
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Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-long-sleeve-shirt-had-a-job-interview-5989927/