Winging it

When it comes to interview prep, many people can successfully cross these simple steps off their list: company research, reading the interview instructions, picking out the right outfit, etc. Full of confidence, few go into the interview with a deeper level of preparation. However, winging it is not an effective interview strategy.

Taking the time to practice and prepare your answers to common (and difficult) questions can help lay the foundation for making a strong impression. If you are participating in a, the proper prep is even more important! Wing it, and you risk technical glitches and distracting background noises.

Negative body language

is one of the most subtle job interview mistakes you could be making. Silent signals such as a lack of eye contact, fidgeting, and slumping can inadvertently make you come across as nervous or disengaged. On the other hand, furrowed brows, too firm of a handshake, and crossing your arms might imply you are overly confident or unapproachable.

Forgetting why you applied to the role

If you are itching to make a change or hustling to , it’s easy to forget about what specific roles and companies you applied to. When an interview comes as a surprise, it’s important to re-familiarize yourself with these details to ensure you understand how you are qualified for the role and why you were interested in the first place. Without this insight, the interview may not end well for you. Avoid making major job interview mistakes like this by staying organized throughout the application process.

Rehashing the skills on your resume without telling a story

All too often, exceptional candidates risk missing out on opportunities because they don’t use their interview time wisely. Instead of leaving a lasting impression by clearly articulating what about their background specifically makes them the best candidate, they rehash the skills and experience already listed on their resume. Painting a picture with a can help you avoid this job interview mistake in a number of ways: it gives the interviewer insight into your career and work ethic; provides you an opportunity to show confidence, communication skills, and creativity; and demonstrates your ability to prioritize and get to the point.