The Top 5 Mistakes Job Seekers Make During Interviews

1- Lack of research

One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is failing to properly research the company. It’s a necessary step if you’re serious about understanding the role you’re applying for, and about presenting yourself as interested and informed to make a positive impression on the interviewer. To avoid this you should thoroughly research industry trends and the company’s background, values and achievement highlights. Familiarising yourself with common interview questions for similar roles will also put you ahead of other candidates.

2- Poor Body Language

Research shows that non-verbal communication like body language plays a significant role in interviews but people still underestimate its importance. Avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, bad posture and slouching can make you seem nervous, distracted, disinterested or lacking in confidence. Instead, be aware of your posture, energy levels, eye contact and hand gestures throughout the interview to make a positive first impression.

3- Inadequate Communication Skills

Common mistakes here include speaking too fast, using complicated sentences to give long, confusing responses. To avoid doing this, try to respond clearly with simple language that a random stranger could walk into the interview and instantly understand. Try to stay focused and give enough detail without adding in too much unnecessary information.

4- Failure to Showcase Accomplishments

Interviews are an opportunity to showcase your skills and how they can add value to the company. Prepare yourself to include examples of successful projects and specific challenges you’ve overcome in any answers you give. This will set you apart from other candidates and leave a standout impression on the interviewer.

5- Neglecting to Ask Thoughtful Questions

Towards the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions. Instead of asking generic questions that could be answered through your own online research take this opportunity to make a good impression by preparing interesting thought-provoking questions that show you understand the industry, the company and the work they’re doing.

Preparation is the best way to avoid these mistakes and always remember that interviews are about you as a person as well as your skills and qualifications. Asking thoughtful questions will help you connect with the interviewer and confidence that you can do the job will set the tone and increase your chances of securing the role.