How to impress in an interview (avoid these common mistakes!)
You’ve made it past the selection process!
Now, all that stands in the way of you and your dream job is the interview.
Whether you’re a first-time interviewee or a seasoned professional, there’s no denying that it can be a nerve-wracking experience. Wondering how to impress in an interview? Make sure you plan ahead to avoid these common mistakes.
Interview mistake 1: Being unprepared
You may hope your personality alone can impress the hiring manager and land you the role, however, this lack of preparation only demonstrates laziness and disinterest in the organisation and position, thereby ruining your chances of success.
So how can you avoid it? Do your homework.
If you want to give a professional impression and appear confident, prepare for your interview by doing the following:
reading up on the organisation's background and competitors
creating a list of questions to ask the interviewer
practising your responses to commonly asked interview questions
planning your route to the interview the day before
For online interviews, make sure all your technology works and is set up properly, have any login details to hand, and remove any potential distractions.
Interview mistake 2: Negativity
You may have had a horrible boss. Your previous team might have been a nightmare to work with. They may even be the reason why you left your last role. Nevertheless, do not bring any negativity to the interview.
Complaining about colleagues, drawing attention to the negative aspects of your previous or current job, or moaning about your manager are all likely to limit your chances of success.
When asked to discuss previous employment, you should be ready to add a positive spin on it. Otherwise, you risk giving employers the wrong impression and making them question what you'd say about them in similar circumstances.
Instead of highlighting the mistakes of others, show how proactive you can be by emphasising the positive steps you took to overcome them.
Interview mistake 3: Inappropriate interview attire
Being well-presented is a must, so choose your outfit carefully.
Knowing the type of company you’ve applied to should give you a clue about the dress code. For example, in legal or business firms dress is usually more formal, while in creative companies or IT, the dress code is typically more relaxed.
While it can depend on the job sector, the general rule of thumb is formal clothing. First impressions are vital and demonstrate how seriously you are taking the opportunity - if in doubt always err on the side of caution. It's better to go too formal than not formal enough. You need to make sure that you look the part and still feel confident.
Interview mistake 4: Talking too much or not enough
Your answers should have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Too short and it looks like you have little to say. Too lengthy and you’ve probably rambled and missed the point. Be composed, think before you answer, and employ structure.
Waffling is a common interview mistake and tends to be the result of nerves, but it's important to sell your skills and experience without rambling. When an interviewer asks a question, they’re looking for a straightforward answer. When you talk in circles or too much, your main points can get lost in a sea of information.
On the other hand, not giving enough information and forgetting to mention important points can be just as detrimental. To make sure this doesn't happen, practise your answers to common interview questions beforehand and make sure you have examples from previous work experience to draw upon.
Interview mistake 5: Not asking questions
An interview isn’t just about why your past experiences and skills can be applied to the role - it’s also a test of your interest.
Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your enthusiasm and, as a result, strengthens your credibility as a candidate.
But be careful: asking questions about things you should already know suggests a lack of research. Also avoid asking a question if the answer has already been covered during the interview. Try where possible to prepare two or three questions - that way you've always got a backup.
There is also an opportunity to seek feedback. Asking the interviewer if they have any concerns about you can allow you to overcome any potential objections – but make sure you handle these concerns gracefully.
Interview mistake 6: Poor body language
Actions speak louder than words.
It’s easy to underestimate the influence of body language during interviews. For example, if you slouch, yawn, or fidget a lot, it indicates you're bored, tired, and uneasy, which can be off-putting for the hiring manager.
Practise keeping a good posture and having the appropriate body language before your interview. Some examples of good body language include:
maintaining eye contact
greeting the interviewer with a firm handshake
sitting up straight
nodding your head when the interviewer speaks
having an open posture
Interview mistake 7: Focusing too much on yourself
You are supposed to impress at a job interview. However, it's never a good idea to solely focus on yourself.
When answering questions about your personality, think about the value you bring to the role, then tailor your answer to showcase this. Let your work and achievements speak for themselves. You want to show the hiring manager that you're the ideal fit for the role and you can make significant contributions to the organisation.
Interview mistake 8: Be clear on your CV facts
Your interviewer will expect you to be able to clearly explain everything written on your CV and cover letter.
Stumbling over your answer suggests you’ve lied about your qualifications.
If you lie or exaggerate on your CV to stand out, this will not only demonstrate dishonesty to your potential employer but can also lead to serious consequences too. Review your documents before your interview to refresh your memory. You could also keep a copy of your CV for yourself to refer to during the interview.
For more information on preparing for your next interview visit our Careers Guidance page.
