Avoid These 7 Mistakes At Your Next Job Interview

1. Coming Unprepared: 📚

The scouts say, "Be Prepared." If it works to survive in the woods, it’ll work to survive a trip to the office.

Do your homework about the company, the role, and how your skills can help them advance the team or department.

2. Checking Your Phone:📱

This is a no-brainer but potentially devastating. Your phone should be out of sight and on silent mode. A buzzing phone shows disrespect to the interviewer.

3. Vague and Unclear Answers:🤷‍♂️

The reason most people give unclear answers is because they don’t fully understand the question.

Do not hesitate to ask a clarifying question, like this one:

“I’m sorry, I want to make sure I’m 100% clear about what you’re asking. Can you say more?”

4. Poor Body Language: 👀

Non-verbal communication provides the energetic context of the meeting. Does it feel like you’re on the same side, or enemies? This kind of stuff is decided by your body language.

Maintain eye contact when the interviewer speaks. Make a little bit of eye contact when you speak.

Sit up straight. Be your tallest self. Breathe deeply.

5. Negativity: 😕

The most common mistake people make in interviews — and it costs them the job — is going on a rant.

Whether it’s about your previous job, boss, colleagues, clients, or customers, avoid any venting. Focus on your abilities and your love of the work you do.

6. Talking More, Listening Less:👂

Speaking is less important than listening. Straight up, hands down.

Make sure there's a balance in your conversation. Show respect towards the interviewer's thoughts and perspective. Invite them to speak any chance you get.

This can be to clarify, ask for their opinion, or ask about something related to the team/company.

Don’t wait until the end to ask questions. Try to sneak them in during the interview.

7. Leaving Without Grace 🙏

The way you exit matters just as much as your entrance. Show gratitude for the opportunity. Leave with warmth and confidence.

Avoiding these 7 mistakes will drastically increase your chances of leaving a positive impression on the interviewer.

Remember, you don’t need to “prove yourself.”

You just need them to enjoy the conversation enough to invite you back for another one.

Do that enough, you’ll get the job.

Warmly,

Dave Wolovsky
Your Career Growth Engineer

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