How to Avoid Common Interview Mistakes and Land Your Dream Job

As anyone who has been in a job search for a while knows, being invited to a job interview is not something easily achieved. Becoming one of the few “job candidates” rather than being part of the usually gigantic crowd of “job applicants” is a major victory.


Unfortunately, too many candidates blow their interview opportunities, wasting all that time and effort. Don’t be one of those candidates. Never assume that the job offer is “in the bag” simply because you were invited for an interview!


What you do during a job interview is viewed as a “sample” of your work. Everything you do is being judged because they don’t know you (unless you are one of the lucky referred candidates).


Show them you would be a great hire. Don’t make these mistakes:


  • Mistake #1: Appearing uninterested. This drives employers crazy. Most employers have more applicants than they need or want. If you aren’t demonstrably interested in them, they certainly aren’t interested in hiring you.


Instead: Demonstrate your interest in the company and the job. Show up on time, appropriately dressed. Turn off your cell phone.


  • Mistake #2: Being unprepared. Obvious lack of preparation is an opportunity crusher. And, lack of preparation usually becomes obvious quickly.


Instead: Be prepared! Preparation will help you demonstrate your interest in them and the job. You will also perform better in the interview when you are prepared.


  • Mistake #3: Speaking negatively about a past employer. It's understandable that when you leave a job, you may have negative feelings toward your previous employer. However, it's crucial to leave those feelings at the door when you go in for an interview. No matter how justified you feel in your criticism, speaking negatively about your previous employer will harm your chances of landing the job.


Instead: It's important to focus on the positives of your previous job and highlight what you learned and accomplished while you were there. This shows that you're able to handle difficult situations with grace and that you're focused on growth and improvement.


If you’re struggling to recover from a mistake or are looking for guidance on how to prevent them in the future, consider working with a career coach like Janae Nicole, creator of Career Impact Mastery and CEO of JNL Career Services.


With her expertise, you can learn to take control of your career and become the best version of yourself. Remember, everyone makes mistakes, but it’s how you recover from them that defines you. Contact JNL Career Services today and take the first step towards your future.