Interviews are no walk in the park. After serving on dozens of hiring committees for part-time staff, tenure-track faculty, and management positions, I’ve seen my fair share of candidates—some seasoned professionals—who surprisingly struggled to deliver a strong interview.
Let’s face it: interviews can be nerve-wracking. While no one may ever feel entirely comfortable in the “hot seat,” there are strategies you can use to make the process smoother. Most importantly, there are common pitfalls you can avoid with preparation and practice.
Here are eight of the most common interview mistakes and how to steer clear of them:
1. Rambling
Interviews are timed, and every moment counts. If you ramble for five minutes on a single question, you risk losing the committee’s attention. Think through the question, provide a thorough yet focused response, and avoid being repetitive or veering off-topic.
Pro Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers concisely while covering all key points.
2. Evading Questions
Uncertainty about how to answer a question—or worse, trying to dodge it—can create a negative impression. Remember, the committee asks questions for a reason, and avoiding them may come across as evasive or untrustworthy.
Solution: If you’re unsure, acknowledge it honestly and share what you do know or how you would approach learning the necessary skills. Honesty inspires confidence; evasion does not.
3. Fictionalizing
When stumped, some candidates resort to fabricating or exaggerating experiences. This is a surefire way to erode trust.
What to Do Instead: Be transparent. If you lack direct experience, draw on transferable skills or related accomplishments. Authenticity is far more impressive than an inflated story.
4. Short Answers
A one-word or one-sentence answer to an open-ended question screams “poor communicator.” This might be your only chance to showcase your knowledge and skills—make it count!
Pro Tip: Provide thoughtful responses with examples or anecdotes that highlight your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
5. Applying for the Wrong Position
I’ve interviewed candidates who admitted mid-interview they were more interested in a different role. This admission wastes everyone’s time and signals a lack of genuine interest in the position at hand.
Lesson Learned: Before applying, ensure the position aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
6. Being Unprofessional
Even if you know members of the committee, remember that an interview is a professional exchange, not a casual conversation. Over-familiarity, joking excessively, or failing to dress appropriately can leave a negative impression.
Key Tip: Treat every interview with the professionalism it deserves, regardless of your relationship with the panelists.
7. Backbiting
Speaking negatively about former colleagues, employers, or organizations during an interview is a major red flag. It reflects poorly on you, not them.
How to Avoid It: Focus on the positives and what you learned from past roles. If asked about challenges, frame your response around how you grew or contributed in those situations.
8. No Eye Contact
Eye contact is a fundamental aspect of non-verbal communication. Avoiding it—whether due to nerves or shyness—can make you appear disengaged or lacking confidence.
Fix It: Make an effort to connect with each committee member during your answers. Remember, they’re judging your ability to communicate effectively, not just your technical skills.
A job interview is an opportunity to shine and make a lasting impression—but it can quickly turn into a painful experience for both the candidate and the hiring committee if you’re unprepared.
The secret to success? Preparation and practice. For more tips, check out my article Preparing for a Teaching Interview.
If you found this post helpful, share it with friends or colleagues who might be gearing up for their next interview. Good luck!
