Last updated on Jul 6, 2024

Here's how you can navigate the most common mistakes when answering interview questions.

Navigating an interview successfully is as much about avoiding pitfalls as it is about showcasing your strengths. When you're faced with tough questions, it's easy to stumble into common mistakes. But with the right strategies, you can steer clear of these blunders and present yourself as a confident and capable candidate. Whether it's over-answering, underselling your experiences, or failing to clarify your points, this article will guide you through the minefield of interview errors and help you make a lasting impression.

1 Avoid Rambling

When asked a question, it's crucial to provide a structured and concise response. Rambling can make you seem unprepared or unsure of your own qualifications. To avoid this, practice the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This technique helps you deliver a clear narrative of your experiences and keeps you focused on the question at hand.

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Beatrice Jane

Senior Program/Grants Management | Public Health | Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Expert | Research, Evidence, Impact.
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During the introduction section, be keen to understand what each panelist represents in the interview. Panels are keenly comprised of key people who are relevant to the position you are interviewing for. They also score according to the response you provide per category. Listen to the questions and seek for clarification where need be before answering. Be precise unless when requested to further elaborate on a response. Reference personal experiences and achievements as examples when responding.

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Santosh Kumar Palit
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Keep your answers concise and to the point. Practice your responses so you can deliver them in a clear and concise manner.

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2 Stay Positive

Interviews often probe into challenges or conflicts you've faced. A common mistake is to speak negatively about past experiences or colleagues. Instead, frame these situations positively, focusing on what you learned or how you grew. This demonstrates professionalism and the ability to adapt and overcome difficulties, qualities that are highly valued in any role.

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Santosh Kumar Palit
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Refrain from speaking negatively about previous employers, colleagues, or experiences. Focus on what you learned from challenges and how you overcame them. When asked about your strengths and weaknesses, provide specific examples instead of general statements. This shows you've thoughtfully considered your strengths and areas for improvement.

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3 Know Your Resume

An all-too-common mistake is not being able to discuss everything listed on your resume. You must be able to speak confidently about all your experiences and skills. Before the interview, review your resume thoroughly and prepare to discuss any item in detail. This preparation shows that you're attentive and truly understand your own background.

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4 Tailor Your Answers

Generic answers can make you seem indifferent or unenthusiastic about the role. Tailor your responses to the company and position you're interviewing for by researching beforehand and aligning your qualifications with what they're seeking. This personalized approach shows that you're invested in the opportunity and see yourself as a good fit for their team.

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5 Clarify Questions

Sometimes, a question may be unclear or you might not be sure what the interviewer is asking. Instead of guessing and potentially missing the mark, it's okay to ask for clarification. This shows that you're attentive and committed to providing a thoughtful answer. It also ensures that you're addressing what the interviewer is truly interested in knowing.

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6 Reflect and Adapt

After each interview, take time to reflect on the questions asked and your responses. Consider what went well and what could be improved. Use this insight to adapt your approach for future interviews. Continuous learning and refinement of your interview skills will help you become more adept at answering questions and avoiding common mistakes.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Santosh Kumar Palit
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Common interview mistakes to avoid: Lack of preparation Insufficient eye contact Poor body language Unclear communication Failure to ask questions Negative attitude or tone Incomplete or inaccurate information

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Here's how you can navigate the most common mistakes when answering interview questions.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Avoid Rambling

2 Stay Positive

3 Know Your Resume

4 Tailor Your Answers

5 Clarify Questions

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Presentation Skills

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Here's how you can navigate the most common mistakes when answering interview questions.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Avoid Rambling

2 Stay Positive

3 Know Your Resume

4 Tailor Your Answers

5 Clarify Questions

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Presentation Skills

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