The 3 mistakes you make at an interview without even realizing, and how to overcome them

How many times have you heard about the most common mistakes you can make at an interview? The internet is full of articles and videos on this subject. I am not going to lie to you — they are all correct in one way or another. However, what I discovered is that they miss the most common mistakes I personally encounter when interviewing candidates.

Curious to learn about the most common mistakes you can make at an interview? Read on!

Through my years as a recruiter, I have interviewed thousands of people. Here are the three most frequent mistakes that make people fail their interviews. 

1) Not listening to recruiter’s questions

2) Saying "we" instead of “I”

3) “Endless monologue” - straying from the answer

Let's give them a closer look and see what you can do to defeat them the next time you have an interview.  

Not listening to recruiter’s questions

Description: In the interviews I have conducted with candidates over the last eight years, the most shocking thing I’ve found is how some people do not listen to the questions asked. An interview, like any other conversation, is a two-way street. It involves two people. The recruiter tries to find out the information they need while the candidate is there to provide it. If you do not listen to the question, you fail from the very beginning and waste your energy talking about something that wasn’t asked. 

Do you see the above example as impossible? Believe me, on average, two out of five interviews I conduct start exactly like this.

Recommendation: If this sounds like something you may have done in the past, do not feel like you have failed yourself. It’s very common and happens to all of us. There are studies and articles that show different reasons why we do not listen. As it turns out, we only retain only half of what people say to us. 

Knowing this, try to focus at your next interview and practice your listening skills.

Saying “we” instead of “I”

Description: We tend to do this all the time. Studies show that “individuals using first-person plural and second-person (such as “we,” “us,” or “you”) ought to demonstrate an outward focus, considering the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of others.” It’s no surprise that candidates like to be perceived as good collaborators and people-oriented individuals, and want to show it during the interview by using “we” instead of “I.” Nonetheless, by doing so, they are losing a chance to introduce what is most important — their experience and skills. 

...doing so, they are losing a chance to introduce what is most important — their experience and their skills 

Recommendation: So, next time you have an interview, make sure to say more about what you have achieved and your exact responsibilities and tasks. You can still refer to your team by mentioning your role at your former company and explaining how you collaborated with your colleagues. If you are worried you will be seen as self-focused or overconfident, know that the recruiter will find a way to check on those skills as well.

Endless monologue - Straying from the answer

Description: People often get trapped in an endless monologue. When we are nervous and want to seem well-prepared and knowledgeable, we can lose ourselves in the answer. Sometimes, we even forget where we started and what was the question in the first place. Some recruiters will stop you when they realize you have strayed from the subject and give you a second chance to outline your lengthy answer. Other recruiters will simply reject you for lacking communication skills, logical thinking, and structure.

Think of the questions that might be asked and, in bullet points, write down the fundamental answers. Use the STAR method to help you structure it well.     

Recommendation: Recommendation: If you know you have a habit of drifting away with your answers even when talking with friends, next time you have an interview, prepare well. Think of the questions that might be asked and, in bullet points, write down the fundamental answers. Use the STAR method to help you structure it well.  Pay attention to your response and focus during the interview. This way, you will notice if your answer is becoming lengthy. 

Summary

There are many mistakes you can make during a job interview. In my opinion, these three most common mistakes result in good candidates being rejected. To avoid them, follow this simple guide:

• Try to focus at your next interview and practice your listening skills to make sure you provide the information needed.  
• Make sure to avoid saying “we” when talking about your achievements. Say more about what you have done and your exact responsibilities and tasks.
• Prepare before your interview and think of the answers you will give to potential questions. Write them down in bullet points using the STAR method. Focus and pay attention to what you say during the interview.

Good luck with your interviews, dearest candidates! As always, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. You can do it! 🙌

Need to prepare for your next interview? Struggling to find an opportunity? Need advice on what you’re doing wrong and how you could improve? Drop me a message on LinkedIn and describe your situation. I can help you out!