Why am I so bad at interviews? 12 ways you could be going wrong 🧑💼-
Introduction 👋
Ever left a job interview thinking, “Well, that was a disaster”? 🤷♀️
You’re not alone.
Job interviews are nerve-wracking, but understanding where you might be going wrong can make all the difference. 🤝
Here are 12 common interview mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. You’re not preparing properly 📖
Preparing for a job interview is important because it shows you are serious and interested in the organisation. 🕵️
Doing preparation like researching the organisation’s values, projects, and industry trends, and knowing everything you’ve written in your CV/resume well can help you speak confidently and make a good impression. ✨
Preparing answers to common questions helps to make sure that you’re not caught off guard.
Preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer shows you’re engaged and thoughtful. 🤝
Overall, proper preparation increases your chances of success in a job interview. ✅
So, for your next interview, research the organisation thoroughly.
Understand its values, recent projects, and industry trends. 📈
Prepare answers to common questions and think of insightful questions to ask the interviewer. 🎤
2. You’re winging your answers 🤷♀️
It’s important not to “wing” your answers in a job interview because while confidence is good, speaking without being prepared can make you seem unprofessional. 🙅♀️
If you ramble or improvise too much, your answers might not be clear or focused. 🎯
By practising concise, structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), you can give clear and organised answers. 🌟
This method helps you stay on track and helps to make sure that you cover all the important details without getting sidetracked, making a much better impression. 🛤️
3. You’re underestimating body language 🖐
In a job interview, body language is just as important as your words. 🙋♀️
Good posture shows confidence, eye contact builds trust, and a natural smile makes you seem approachable. 👀
Avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting, as these can make you appear defensive or nervous. 🙅♀️
Using positive body language can help you to create a strong, professional impression. 🤝
4. You’re not dressing appropriately 👚
Dressing appropriately for a job interview is important because first impressions matter. 👀
Even if the organisation you’re interviewing for has a casual dress code, it’s best to wear smart business clothing unless you’re told otherwise. 👔
Being slightly overdressed shows that you take the interview seriously and are respectful of the opportunity. 🤝
It’s better to be a little more formal than too casual, as it helps you to come across as professional.
What to wear to a job interview 👕
5. You’re not selling yourself enough 🫰
In a job interview, it’s important to “sell yourself” because interviewers want you to make it easier for them, by showing them why you’re the right person for the job. 🌟
Don’t be too modest – confidently highlight your achievements and skills.
Explain how they match what the employer is looking for. ✅
Always back up your claims with examples to make your strengths clear and believable. 📝
This helps the interviewer see why you’re a great fit for the role. 🧩
6. You’re over-rehearsing 🤖
In a job interview, it’s important not to over-rehearse. 🪞
While preparing is essential, sounding too rehearsed or robotic can make you come across as insincere.
You want to be authentic and have a natural conversation, even if you’ve practised your answers. 🤝
This helps you seem more relaxed and genuine, which leaves a better impression on the interviewer. 🌟
7. You’re ignoring the job description 📝
In a job interview, it’s important pay close attention to the job description. 🕵️
Tailor your answers to the specific role by showing that you understand the responsibilities and how your skills match what they’re looking for. ✅
Avoid using generic answers, as this makes you seem unprepared.
Instead, focus on how your experience directly relates to the job, which will help you stand out as a strong candidate. 📝
8. You’re focusing too much on yourself 🪞
Even though you’re being interviewed, in a job interview, it’s actually quite important not to focus too much on yourself. 🪞
While it’s good to talk about your experience, you should focus on how your skills can help the organisation achieve its goals. 🏆
The interviewer wants to know how you’ll add value to the organisation, so always link your strengths to how they can benefit them. 🎁
This shows you’re thinking about the organisation’s needs, not just your own.In
Interviewers love it when you show interest in the organisation, and ask thoughtful questions about it at the end of the interview. 🎤
9. You’re not asking questions 🎤
In a job interview, it’s important to show interest in the interviewer and their organisation, and ask questions to make two-way conversation. 🎙️
Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.
Asking questions helps you to learn more about the job and whether it’s the right fit for you. 🧩
However, avoid asking about salary or perks until an offer is made, as this can give the wrong impression early on. 🎁
10. You’re being too negative 👎
In a job interview, it’s important not to be too negative.
Make sure to avoid badmouthing previous employers or focusing too much on past failures. 🤐
Instead, talk about what you’ve learned from challenges and how you’ve grown. 🌱
This shows that you can handle difficult situations positively and that you’re always learning and improving, which is a valuable trait for any employer. ✨
11. You’re forgetting to follow up 📝
Following up after a job interview by sending a polite thank-you email is important because it shows good manners and professionalism. 🤝
It lets the interviewer know that you appreciate their time and are still interested in the position.
By doing this, you remind them of your enthusiasm and help you stand out from other candidates. 🌟
A well-written thank-you email can leave a positive impression, which could improve your chances of getting the job. ✨
12. You’re letting nerves overwhelm you 😳
It’s important not to let nerves overwhelm you in a job interview because they can affect your ability to think clearly and communicate confidently. 🧠
To stay calm, make sure you’re well-prepared by researching the organisation and practising your answers. 🕵️♀️
Take deep breaths to help reduce stress, and remind yourself that the interview is a chance to show your skills, not a test. 🌟
Don’t rush your answers—take a moment to think if needed. Stay focused on the present moment and try to stay positive. ⏳
Practising relaxation techniques like stretching or meditation beforehand can also help calm your mind. 🧘♀️
Staying composed will give you the best chance to make a great impression.
Conclusion 👍
So that’s it!
You might struggle with interviews because you’re:
- Not preparing properly 📖
- Winging your answers 🤷♀️
- Underestimating body language 🖐
- Not dressing appropriately 👚
- Not selling yourself enough 🫰
- Over-rehearsing 🤖
- Ignoring the job description 📝
- Focusing too much on yourself 🪞
- Not asking questions 🎤
- Being too negative 👎
- Forgetting to follow up 📝
- Letting nerves overwhelm you 😳
Hopefully this article has helped you to understand different reasons why you might be bad at interviews.
If you know any friends or family members who struggle with interviews share this post with them!
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