By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Many job seekers find themselves reflecting on past interviews with a sense of disappointment, wondering what went wrong. Feelings of having “sucked” in an interview are common. This article discusses several reasons why your job interview skills might be falling short, drawing from expert insights and real-world experiences.
One of the most significant reasons for a poor interview performance is a lack of preparation and practice. Performing well in a job interview is a skill, but it’s one that isn’t used frequently and can degrade without regular practice. Many job seekers don’t dedicate enough time to prepare specific examples related to the job requirements. As Dr. Anthony Llewellyn, the Career Doctor, points out, if you don’t prepare examples for questions like “tell me about a time when you did…”, you might face awkward silences and provide weak, unfitting answers. Reading the job description and understanding the selection criteria is crucial for preparing relevant examples.
Making a poor first impression can also severely hinder your chances. Awkward entrances, like a clumsy or limp handshake, can set a negative tone from the outset and make the panel think you lack confidence. Dr. Llewellyn suggests taking the lead from the interviewers regarding handshakes or practicing your handshake beforehand if it’s not something you’re used to.
Another critical mistake is the inability to provide good examples when asked. Interviewers often ask for specific instances from your past work, education, or even outside activities to gauge your skills and experience. Without prepared examples that align with the selection criteria, you’ll struggle to demonstrate your capabilities effectively.
Poor communication skills during the interview can also lead to a negative outcome. Talking too much, rambling, and not being succinct in your answers are common pitfalls. Moreover, focusing excessively on yourself using “I” terms instead of highlighting teamwork with “we” can suggest that you might not be a good team player. Remember, the interviewers are looking for someone who can contribute to the team.
Asking silly or easily researchable questions at the end of the interview is another way to undermine a potentially good impression. Questions about basic information like rosters or who you’ll be reporting to indicate a lack of prior research and preparation. Jeff Alman, from Job Search Radio, suggests starting the conversation by asking the interviewer about the job from their perspective, demonstrating initiative and gathering crucial information early on.
A lack of passion and energy can also be detrimental. Employers are often looking for candidates who are genuinely interested in the work and willing to learn. As highlighted by ListenLearnEvolve, showing enthusiasm, even if you lack extensive experience, can be more valuable than expertise without passion. For older workers, demonstrating energy and passion can also address potential concerns about their ability to take direction from younger managers.
Finally, many fail to recognize that an interview is not just about answering questions, but also about making a connection and presenting yourself effectively. As Mark Anthony Dyson from “The Voice of Job Seekers” emphasizes, connecting with the interviewer is crucial. Jeff Altman refers to interviewing as “theater,” requiring you to engage your audience (the interview panel) with energy and make your performance seem fresh, even if you’ve answered similar questions before. Utilizing social media to brand yourself and showcase your work can also give you an advantage. Asking insightful questions at the end, such as what constitutes a spectacular performance in the role after a year, can leave a lasting positive impression.
In conclusion, poor job interview skills often stem from inadequate preparation and practice, failure to make a good first impression, weak communication, asking inappropriate questions, a lack of enthusiasm, and an inability to connect with the interviewer and present oneself effectively. Recognizing these pitfalls and actively working to improve in these areas is crucial for interview success.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2025
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