Common Interview Mistakes - Job Interview Weaknesses - Typical Job Interview Mistakes - Interview Performance

1) Lack of interest in the organisation showing poor preparation

Having worked so hard to earn an interview, there is no excuse for lacking preparation. Despite a wealth of Internet & other resources, candidates often fail to research the company effectively.

Failure to do the background work implies a lack of genuine interest in the role and organisation.
Recruiters like to see genuine enthusiasm, motivation and insight.

2) Not understanding the role or job description

Candidates do not understand the role, nor how their application (CV) matches up to the requirements of the company. Tailoring answers to the job description will strengthen interview answers further.

3) Poor answers to interview questions

Recruiters are looking for well-structured answers supported with credible evidence through the use of examples. Poorly structured answers, with no clear examples or credible evidence will not reassure recruiters of relevant candidate experience, skills, qualities and achievements.

There are always certain questions that interviewers tend to ask (in various forms).
Please refer to Common Interview Questions for more information.

4) Nerves and a lack of confidence

A poor interview performance maybe down to nerves or a lack of confidence.
Most candidates experience some degree of nerves, but the recruitment process can be ruthless.

Employers cannot make too much of an allowance for nerves. Remember, recruiters are also assessing how candidates react under pressure, perform when being asked questions and how
they convey information to others. Recruiters are looking for clear and concise answers.

5) Not listening properly to questions

Candidates frequently do not listen properly to the question(s) asked and so recruiters have to prompt for answers. Taking time to consider a question and ask for it to be repeated can help.

6) Poor impressions & body language

Recruitment decisions can be made within the first few minutes of an interview. Creating the right impression is vital. Candidates often lack manners, use poor language (slang) and their body language gives a poor demeanour. A good confident manner and a professional approach is the expectation. There are no excuses for lateness, not maintaining a good posture or not dressing appropriately.

7) Lying at interview

Experienced interviewers can detect lies or where candidates exaggerate the truth. Many recruiters
make it a point of principle not to employ candidates who lie. People who lie are often found
out at a later stage (i.e. during the job reference process or whilst in the job should
they get it). The consequences of lying can be greater than the lie itself.

Be realistic and not over-confident. Employers can tell the difference between candidates claiming to be an expert (highly unlikely) when it is more appropriate to suggest a good working knowledge of something. Makes claims more credible and believable.

8) Candidates being negative

Many candidates show negativity towards previous roles and employers. Leaves a poor impression and possible mistrust towards candidates (i.e. are there other reasons for leaving a previous employer?).

9) Candidates not maintaining a positive impression

Candidates often get complacent when getting towards the end of the interview and fail to maintain a high level of performance throughout the interview. People lacking in energy and enthusiasm throughout the interview often gives reason for other candidates being chosen.

10) Lacking questions to ask and preparation

Having a lack of suitable questions to ask shows a lack of preparation. Challenging and relevant questions will earn the respect of the interviewer because it can show a higher degree of preparation.