Looking to Ace that Job Interview? Avoid Making These 4 Common Mistakes

By Alex S.

So, after months of hard work and dedication, those endless applications have finally paid off, and you’ve landed an interview for that job you’ve wanted for so long. All that stands between you, and your dream career path is a job interview. This is where preparation is so vital.

Job interviews can be very intimidating. A lot is riding on them, and of course, you never know exactly what to expect. Just to add to the pressure, if you mess it up, your dream job just became that little bit harder to achieve.

Hey, we know that interviews can be overwhelming and stressful, either virtually or in person, but the important thing is to do the best that you can. Give it your all, prepare as much as possible, and above all else, try not to let nerves get the better of you.

To help you land your dream job, here are 4 common job interview mistakes to avoid making.

Not Doing Your Research

One of the most common mistakes that people make when it comes to a job interview is not using their initiative and going in blind.

If there’s one thing that employers love, it’s employees who show initiative. Before you turn up for your job interview, do your research and find out as much about the company as possible. Read up on their history, browse their social media posts, read reviews and testimonials, and learn about the products and/or services they provide. You should also do as much research as you can into the position you’re applying for.

The more information you know about the company, the better prepared you will be and the easier you’ll find it to answer the questions you’re being asked.

Talking Too Much

Hey, we get it, job interviews can be stressful and can make you nervous. Some people find themselves talking too much when they’re nervous. If this applies to you, try to be mindful of how much you’re speaking, and be sure to give your prospective employer plenty of time to speak.

Rather than simply chatting endlessly about how great you are and why you’d be perfect for the job, speak slowly and concisely, and give yourself plenty of time to gather your thoughts and answer the questions truthfully and coherently.

Try not to speak over the interviewer, and if you do catch yourself rambling and going off on a tangent, take a deep breath and get back on track.

Dressing Inappropriately

This is probably one of the most common mistakes that you can make with a job interview, and it’s also one of the easiest to avoid.

When you attend an interview, either in person or even online, always dress professionally and smartly. Even if the company has a super-relaxed dress code, try to dress smart to show that you’re serious and are willing to make the effort.

Ensure your clothes are clean, fresh, and presentable. It’s always best to dress formally rather than casually, even if you’re unsure of their dress code.

Criticizing Your Former Employers and/or Colleagues

If there’s one thing guaranteed to put a prospective employer off from hiring you, it’s being critical of your former job and/or co-workers.

Even if your last role was awful, try to be constructively critical of it. If you constantly speak ill of them and put them down, the interviewer may find you unprofessional. Instead, try to be diplomatic and professional.