Aviation professionals, are you making these common mistakes in interviews?

1 Not doing your homework

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in an interview is not doing your homework on the company, the position, and the industry. You need to show that you are interested, informed, and prepared for the role. Research the company's history, mission, values, culture, and achievements. Review the job description and the skills and qualifications required. Learn about the current trends and challenges in the aviation sector and how they affect the company and the position. Prepare some relevant questions to ask the interviewer that demonstrate your knowledge and curiosity.

2 Not showcasing your skills

Another common mistake is not showcasing your skills and achievements in a clear and confident way. You need to convince the interviewer that you are the best fit for the role and that you can add value to the company. To do that, you need to provide specific examples of how you have applied your skills and knowledge in previous or current roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight the outcomes and benefits of your actions. Avoid vague or generic statements that do not show your unique contributions and strengths.

3 Not adapting to the situation

A third common mistake is not adapting to the situation and the interviewer's style. You need to be flexible and responsive to the different types of interviews and questions you may encounter. For example, you may face a behavioral interview, a technical interview, a panel interview, or a case study interview. You need to prepare for each scenario and adjust your answers accordingly. You also need to pay attention to the interviewer's cues and signals and match their tone, pace, and level of formality. Avoid being too rigid, scripted, or rehearsed and show some personality and enthusiasm.

4 Not following up

A final common mistake is not following up after the interview. You need to show that you are still interested and engaged in the process and that you appreciate the opportunity. Send a thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Express your gratitude, restate your interest and fit for the role, and highlight your main qualifications and skills. You can also include any additional information or clarification that you think is relevant or that you forgot to mention during the interview. Avoid being too pushy or desperate and keep it brief and professional.

These are some of the common mistakes that aviation professionals make in interviews and how to avoid them. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression and getting hired or promoted.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?