By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
The skills required to find a job are entirely different from the skills required to do a job. Most people are experts at the latter but struggle with the former. Over my years of recruiting and coaching, I’ve seen thousands of candidates self-sabotage simply because they didn’t understand the “No BS” rules of the interview game.
Here is the breakdown of the nine most common ways you’re hurting your chances—and how to fix them.
1. Destroying Your Negotiating Position Early
The salary question often hits during the initial phone screen. If you commit to a number too early, you’ve lost your leverage.
The Fix: Put it back on them. Ask, “Can you tell me the range budgeted for this position?” * The “Ballpark” Move: If they press, provide a researched range based on market data, then tie it to fit: “Based on my research for this level of responsibility, I’m seeing $X to $Y. I’m sure once we decide this is a fit, we can agree on a fair package.”
2. Giving “Canned” Answers
If you found an answer on a generic “Top 10” list, don’t use it. Interviewers smell a script instantly.
The Fix: Aim for Authenticity + Strategy. Use the “Best Friend” test: practice your answer as if you were talking to a friend. That’s your authentic core. Now, polish it for a professional setting without losing that sincerity.
3. Fumbling Negative Questions
When asked about a bad boss, a layoff, or a gap in your resume, don’t vent. Use the ABC Tool:
A – Analyze: Why are they asking? (Usually to check your emotional intelligence).
B – Brevity: Keep the negative part under 40 seconds.
C – Circle with Positives: Surround the “bad” news with what you learned or what you are doing now to improve.
4. Being the “Rambling Man”
In our ADHD culture, you have about 60 to 75 seconds before an interviewer tunes out.
The Fix: Signal the end of your answer. Use a “downward note” in your voice to show you’re finished, or refer back to the question: “…and that is why I believe that project was my most significant success to date.”
5. Being Reactive, Not Proactive
Don’t just wait for them to ask the “right” questions. You must walk in knowing your key selling points.
The Fix: In your “Tell me about yourself” intro, bridge your history to their needs. Use the phrase: “What’s probably most relevant to this role is my experience with [X].” It makes an interviewer’s ears perk up instantly.
6. Waiting Until the End to Ask Questions
An interview shouldn’t be an interrogation; it should be a conversation. The more the interviewer talks, the more they generally like the candidate.
The Fix: Ask questions early. If they ask something vague, clarify: “I’d love to answer that—are you more interested in the technical execution or how I managed the team through the transition?” ### 7. Speaking in Generalities “I’m a hard worker” is a meaningless phrase.
The Fix: Use Quantities and Stories. If you can’t use dollar amounts, use percentages, volume, or anecdotal feedback. Specificity creates memory; generalities are forgotten.
8. Forgetting the “Soft” Proof
Everyone claims to be a “team player.” Don’t tell them; show them through your behavior.
The Fix: Treat everyone—from the receptionist to the junior staff—with genuine respect. Use the SOAR framework for your stories: Situation, Objectives, Actions, and Results. Focus heavily on the R. What was the actual impact?
9. Failing to Practice “Live”
Thinking the answer is not the same as saying the answer.
The Fix: Practice out loud. Record yourself on video to catch distracting mannerisms or a lack of energy. You wouldn’t go into a championship game without a scrimmage; don’t go into an interview without a mock run.
Final Thought: The Interviewer is Scared, Too
Hiring managers are often “institutionally scared.” They know a bad hire can cost the company a third of a year’s salary and make them look bad to their own boss. Your job is to provide the “No BS” evidence that makes them feel safe choosing you.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2026
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search and succeeding in your career easier.
You will find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at JobSearch.Community
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