The truth is, even the most qualified candidates can sabotage their chances with small missteps. But don’t worry—I’m going to walk you through five of the most common interview mistakes and how you can avoid them in your next job interview.
Mistake #1: Talking Too Much or Too Little
The perfect interview answer should last between 20 seconds and two minutes.
If your answer is too short (a simple “yes” or “no”), you miss the opportunity to showcase your skills. On the flip side, if you ramble and overshare, the interviewer may lose interest.
Solution: Aim for concise, well-structured responses. If you feel compelled to share more, say, “If you’d like, I can also describe…” and let the interviewer decide.
Mistake #2: Not Answering the Question
Some candidates intentionally avoid answering a tough question, while others misunderstand what’s being asked. Either way, dodging the question makes a bad impression.
Solution: If you’re unsure what the interviewer is looking for, ask for clarification. Repeat the question in your own words and confirm before answering. At the end, check by asking, “Did that fully answer your question, or is there something I should expand on?”
Mistake #3: Speaking Before Thinking
You will likely face at least one unexpected question. If you start speaking before you’ve gathered your thoughts, your answer may come out disorganized—or worse, filled with filler words like “um” and “like.”
Solution: Take a deep breath before responding. If needed, say, “That’s a great question—let me take a moment to think about it.” Then, break your answer into parts and begin with what you feel most confident about.
Mistake #4: Giving Generic Answers
An answer like “I’m a team player” or “I’m really excited about this opportunity” is forgettable. Hiring managers want specific examples that showcase your skills and fit for the role.
Solution: Prepare by researching the company and crafting answers with vivid examples. Instead of saying, “I’m great at problem-solving,” share a brief story about how you solved a difficult challenge at work.
Mistake #5: Not Creating a Conversation
An interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about building rapport. If you treat it like a one-sided Q&A session, you miss a crucial opportunity to connect with the interviewer.
Solution: Engage in a two-way dialogue. When answering a question, follow up with your own: “What are the biggest challenges your team is currently facing?” This makes the conversation more natural and shows genuine interest.
Final Thoughts
Interviews are about more than just showcasing your skills—they’re about making a lasting impression. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll present yourself as a confident, prepared, and engaging candidate.
If you’re serious about landing your next job, start applying these tips today. And if you want to take your interview skills to the next level, check out my Interview Success Formula program for a step-by-step guide to acing your next interview!
What’s the biggest interview mistake you’ve ever made (or seen someone make)? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your stories!