Interviews can be nerve-wracking, we get it. One moment you’re confidently introducing yourself and the next, you’re staring blankly at a whiteboard, questioning all your life choices. But hey, preparation is key!
We’ve put together a list of top things to watch out for, some might seem obvious, but trust us, experience has taught us otherwise. These common interview mistakes have been the unexpected plot twists in many interview horror stories, turning into legendary teambuilding tales. But let’s be honest – no one wants to be the main character in those stories. That’s exactly why we created this guide: to help you avoid becoming the next cautionary tale.
Now, let’s dive in!
1. Not Preparing Enough
If you walk into an interview unprepared, it shows – this is one of the most common interview mistakes candidates make. You might struggle to answer questions, fail to highlight your skills, or seem uninterested in the role.
Common Mistakes:
- Not reviewing the job description and failing to connect your skills to the role.
- Not preparing real examples of your past work.
- Poor communication—speaking too vaguely or too excessively, interrupting, or not explaining your thoughts clearly.
- Ignoring the behavioral questions, assuming only technical skills matter.
- Not practicing coding challenges or common technical questions.
- Customize your CV for each application—highlight relevant skills, experience, and achievements that match the job.
- Choose a professional-looking profile picture for both LinkedIn and your CV. First impressions matter!
Real-Life Example: A profile picture of you riding a horse might be a great conversation starter on Tinder, but recruiters probably won’t appreciate it as much. Keep it professional, think of a clear background, good lighting, and a confident but approachable look.
How to Prepare:
- Go through the job description carefully. Think about how your skills and experience match the requirements.
- Prepare specific examples of your work using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Practice answering both technical and behavioral questions. Many free online resources can help.
- Work on your communication—speak clearly, be concise, and don’t rush your answers.
- Learn about the company—its products, culture, and recent news.
- For online interviews, check your camera, mic, and internet connection beforehand to avoid last-minute issues.
2. Showing No Motivation or Interest
One of the common interview mistakes hiring managers notice is when candidates fail to show they actually care about the job. If you seem bored or disengaged, they’ll assume you’re not the right fit.
Common Mistakes:
- Not researching the company—you don’t know what they do or what they stand for.
- Not asking any follow-up questions, even when given the chance.
- Showing no enthusiasm about the role or long-term growth opportunities.
Real-Life Example: Some candidates take low energy to a whole new level- speaking so slowly and unenthusiastically that even the most engaged interviewer struggles to stay focused. When asked why they want the job, they just shrug and mumble, “I don’t know, seems okay.” On the other hand, some go all in – arriving overprepared with a 50-question list and endless suggestions, turning the interview into an impromptu TED Talk. While both enthusiasm and preparation are great, balance is key. The best approach? Show genuine interest, ask thoughtful (but not overwhelming) questions, and engage naturally without overdoing it.
How to Show Enthusiasm:
- Spend time learning about the company—follow them on LinkedIn, read their website, and check out recent news.
- Ask meaningful questions about the role, team, or company goals.
- Explain why this job excites you and how it fits into your career plans.
3. Having the Wrong Expectations
Not every job will be exactly what you imagined. Make sure you understand the details before accepting an offer.
Common Mistakes:
- Assuming you’ll work with the latest tech, but the job is more about maintaining old systems.
- Expecting a fully remote position when the company requires hybrid or in-office work.
- Thinking you’ll be leading strategy, but the role is more hands-on execution.
Real-Life Example: IT candidates sometimes come in with big expectations. On one side, there’s the Ambitious Newcomer – a fresh graduate with a few months of experience who aims high, hoping for a senior-level salary, cutting-edge AI-driven projects, and a fully remote setup from a tropical island. They dream of working only on innovation, with no maintenance or documentation in sight. On the other side, there’s the Tech Purist – someone who won’t even consider a job unless it’s using the absolute latest tech stack. The moment they hear terms such as “legacy system” or “maintenance,” they start looking for the exit.
Most jobs are a mix – some innovation, some maintenance, and yes, some documentation. The key is to ask the right questions early on and set realistic expectations so neither side gets a surprise later.
How to Avoid This:
- Ask about daily responsibilities, work setup (remote, hybrid, on-site), and career growth.
- Be upfront about your own expectations—better to find out now if it’s the right fit.
4. Focusing Only on Technical Skills & Ignoring Soft Skills
Being great at coding isn’t enough. Employers also want people who can communicate, collaborate, and adapt.
Common Mistakes:
- Struggling to explain your thought process during technical exercises.
- Not showing teamwork skills or the ability to collaborate.
- Resisting feedback or lacking a problem-solving mindset.
- Being overly assertive about your opinions and expertise.
Real-Life Example: Some candidates, instead of focusing on answering questions, challenge the interviewer’s approach, insisting things should be done differently. While confidence is great, turning the interview into a debate or trying to “outsmart” the hiring team doesn’t leave the best impression. Providing feedback is valuable, but doing it in a way that puts the employer on the defensive isn’t a winning strategy. Show your expertise while also demonstrating humility and collaboration.
How to Improve:
- When answering technical questions, think out loud so interviewers can see your approach.
- Show that you work well with others—talk about times you collaborated with different teams.
- Be open to feedback. Adaptability is a valuable skill in any workplace.
5. Not Taking Ownership & Blaming Others
Nobody’s perfect. Employers don’t expect you to be, but they do want to see that you can take responsibility for your past experiences.
Common Mistakes:
- Blaming previous managers or companies for failures instead of owning your part in them.
- Refusing to acknowledge mistakes or lessons learned.
- Deflecting responsibility when talking about challenges.
Real-Life Example: Saying “My last boss/manager was terrible, that’s why I left the company.” will not impress the interviewers. Even if you had a tough boss/manager, blaming them will make you look unaccountable. Instead, try: “I faced challenges with unclear expectations, but it taught me to communicate proactively and set clear goals.” Taking ownership shows maturity and a growth mindset – qualities every employer values.
How to Show Ownership:
- Be honest about past challenges and what you learned from them.
- Instead of blaming others, reflect on what you could have done differently.
- Show growth—being able to admit mistakes and improve makes you a stronger professional.
Final Thoughts
Acing a tech interview isn’t just about troubleshooting a buggy system or explaining the logic behind an algorithm. It’s also about showing that you’re prepared, engaged, and able to work well with others. The best candidates don’t just have the right skills – they also know how to communicate, adapt, and own their experiences.
And yes, mistakes happen. If you’ve ever walked out of an interview thinking, Wow, that could have gone better, you’re not alone. The good news? Every experience, even the bad ones, helps you grow. Learn from them, refine your approach, and get back out there. Good luck!
