Interview Mistakes: Insights from a Career Coach
Avoid common interview mistakes
Welcome to a candid exploration of the most common interview pitfalls, seen through the lens of my 15-year journey in talent acquisition and career coaching. I’m Natalie Gray, and I’ve witnessed first-hand the top mistakes that can derail an interview from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic newcomers. In this blog, I’ll unveil the top mistakes I’ve observed in interviews, sharing my experiences and those of countless candidates and unhappy hiring managers. This is your guide to avoiding these common errors, transforming your interview approach, and securing your place in the tech industry.
Top 5: Key Interview Mistakes and Solutions
No.1: A Lack of Company-Specific Preparation
Candidates often overlook the importance of thoroughly researching the company. They mispronounce the company name or refer to outdated information post-merger. Solution: Deep dive into the company’s recent achievements, press releases, and product launches to show you’re well-informed – be able to talk confidently about why you want to work there.
No.2: An Inability to Articulate Skills in a Non-Technical Context
Many focus on their tasks without addressing the ‘so what’ i.e the outcomes and impacts of their actions.
Solution: Emphasize the results of your work, especially how they align with company goals or solve specific problems.
Recommended reading: Preparing for behavioural or culture-fit interview questions
No.3: Overlooking Soft Skills in Alignment with Company Culture
Soft skills like adaptability and teamwork are often undervalued. Solution: Share examples demonstrating these skills, particularly how they contribute to team success and company values.
No.4: Misusing the STAR Method
Rigidly sticking to the STAR format can make responses sound rehearsed. Solution: Use STAR as a guideline, but keep your storytelling natural and engaging – this is where practice via mock interviews can be valuable.
An alternative to STAR is SHER method:
Situation: Talk about a specific experience and make your story personal.
Hurdle: Explain the challenge you faced.
Endgame: Describe how you conquered that challenge.
Reflection: Discuss how the challenge and your actions helped you grow.
No. 5: Ineffective Questioning
Avoid common pitfalls like asking redundant questions, overused questions (e.g. “What do you like about working here’) or worse, none at all. Solution: Tailor your questions to the interviewer’s role and show genuine interest in the company’s current challenges and projects.
Example: ‘Can you discuss any recent product innovations or upcoming projects?‘
Recommended reading: Questions to ask in your interview
“Interview Pet Peeves: Candid Confessions”
Remember, little things matter in interviews. From overusing acronyms to boasting about continuous learning without concrete examples and these small missteps can leave a lasting impression. And my biggest tip is to pursue roles that genuinely interest you; it shows in your interview if you don’t! I have made this mistake multiple times, and it showed.
Conclusion:
Preparation is paramount. The competitive nature of the job market means you need to be on top of your game, whether it’s researching the company, understanding the interviewer’s background, or aligning your achievements with the role’s requirements. Avoid exaggeration and stay genuine; it’s about finding the right fit for you and the company.
Ready to take your interview skills to the next level? Let’s connect and prepare you for success in your next non-tech role in the tech industry.
About Me
As an ICF-certified coach specializing in the tech industry, I offer tailored coaching from interview preparation to career planning. My experience with global companies has equipped me with insights that I bring to each coaching session, helping professionals confidently navigate their career paths.
Recommended reading
Preparing for Behavioural Interviews + the STAR technique
You’re not listening – how to improve your listening skills and perform in an interview.
