5 Interview Mistakes & How to Avoid Them to Land Your Dream Job

Congratulations on being selected for that final interview round before you can land that dream job! You’ve put in a lot of hard work to get here, and now it’s time to showcase your skills, expertise, and personality. If you’re feeling anxious, we get it. Interviews can be incredibly nerve-racking, and even the most experienced job seekers can make mistakes that could cost them the job. But the good news is that you can avoid these interview mistakes with awareness and the right preparation. This article lists the most common interview mistakes candidates tend to make and shows you how to avoid them to ace your interview and land your dream job. 

Mistake #1: Oversharing

Oversharing personal information during an interview is one of the most common interview mistakes candidates to make. While it is important to establish a connection with your interviewer, divulging irrelevant personal details can create an uncomfortable situation and may even leave a bad first impression. Oversharing can cause confusion and misunderstanding, so keep your answers brief and relevant. When asked to introduce yourself, focus on sharing the qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you the ideal candidate. Avoid discussing personal topics such as your life and political beliefs. 

Mistake #2: Showing Interest in the Company But Not the Role

If you focus too much on the company and not the job role, the interviewer may think you’re not interested in the position. On the other hand, if you avoid discussing the company altogether, you may come across as unprepared. Make sure to conduct thorough research on the company and the position beforehand; think about how your skills and experience align with the position and the company. Aim to strike a fine balance between demonstrating your interest in the company and the role you are applying for. 

Mistake #3: Answers Seeming Rehearsed

Be adaptable and genuine. Prepare for the interview by having a general idea of how you can present yourself by highlighting your skills and qualifications. However, preparing doesn’t mean cramming the night before, as you would do for an exam. Preparing for the interview involves knowing how to present yourself professionally, whereas rehearsing involves memorizing responses to the anticipated questions. This is one of the most common interview mistakes candidates to make. When a candidate sounds overly rehearsed, they can come across as robotic and dishonest, giving the impression that they’re not listening to the interviewer. This can end up creating a disconnect between the candidate and the interviewer. Furthermore, you cannot anticipate every question that will be asked during the interview; rehearsing answers can hinder your ability to think on your feet and communicate your answers effectively. 

Mistake #4: Not Asking Questions

An interview is not just an opportunity for the interviewer to know about you. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the job and determine whether you are the right fit for the position. Ask insightful and well-thought-out questions to clarify any doubts about the job. It will also demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the position. Do not ask about topics that have already been discussed or bring up the topic of the salary unless asked. Your questions can make a significant impression on your interviewer and help them converse with you. So, make sure that your questions are relevant and meaningful.

Mistake #5: Lack of Enthusiasm

Simply having the qualifications and experience for a job is not enough to guarantee that you will be hired. Demonstrating a genuine interest and passion for the position is a critical factor that can influence the hiring decision. Maintain your enthusiasm during the interview and mind your body language and tone of voice. If you come across as unenthusiastic or disinterested, the interviewer can assume that you will not be motivated to perform well in the role or that you are not a good cultural fit for the company. Recruiters give as much importance to good energy and passion as to qualifications. A skilled, enthusiastic employee can bring energy, motivation, and hard work to their team and drive results. 

Tips for Successful Job Interview

Now that you are aware of the common interview mistakes and how you can avoid them, here are a few more tips to keep in mind for a successful job interview: 

1. Avoid bad-mouthing your previous or current company; focus on the positives, and show your experience and achievements that align with the job role.
2. Be honest about your skills and experiences, and let your personality shine through.
3. Send a thank-you email or note to the interviewer after the interview to show that you appreciate their time and are interested in the position.
4. Arrive early if you are giving an in-person interview; for remote interviews, ensure that your devices are charged and connected before the interview. 
5. End the interview positively by thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating your interest in the position.

ALSO READ: Thank You Email After Interview: How to Write And Why It’s Important 

Land Your Dream Job with Emeritus

Remember to take interviews as an opportunity to impress the interviewer. Also, evaluate if you will enjoy working for the company. So, make note of the tips, avoid the above-listed interview mistakes, and stay focused. Always remember that the interview doesn’t have to be scary. It is a two-way street—you and the employer evaluate each other to see how good a fit you are. But before you even get to this stage, you must have the right credentials and qualifications for the job you want to pursue. This wide range of courses from Emeritus should help you with that. And with this article, we hope you’ll know what to do—and what not to do—when you begin the search!

By Krati Joshi

Write to us at content@emeritus.org