Before an interview, understand the reasons behind failures and use these mistakes as a tool for success.

Starting an interview can be quite thrilling and energizing, at the same time you feel that you are waiting for something great to happen – but alongside these positive feelings, there is always some negative feelings called fear, particularly the fear of not succeeding.

But what if I were to tell you that failure is actually your best friend if you know how to harness it properly? Knowing why and how people have failed in interviews can help them avoid the pitfalls and give you the direction towards success. I have identified a few reasons why they occur and included some tips to help you overcome them.

1. Lack of Preparation:

Most of the time, candidates falter in their interviews for lack of preparations. A candidate can easily overlook the importance of research. The knowledge of the company’s ethos, recent changes, and details of the position not only empowers you to provide relevant and work-related answers but also demonstrates your genuine curiosity.

Tip: I suggest reading the job description carefully, matching oneself to these specifications and practicing answers to be on the same page with the company’s ethos and mission.

2. Poor Communication Skills:

Interviews are a subtlety of words and how you interconnect them may create the difference between success and failure. Lack of precise wording or finding the middle ground between being concise and being verbose can inspire doubts about your preparation and self-assurance.

Tip: Improve your interaction skills with mock interviews aimed at maintaining simplicity, avoiding superfluous information, and confidence. Lastly never forget to use body language.

3. Failing to Ask Questions:

The post-interview phase is not a mere formality but a significant stage of the interview process. Not being able to ask appropriate and meaningful questions during any event shows that the individual is not really interested and curious.

Tip: It is advisable to come up with a set of stimulating questions concerning the team, overall organizational climate, and expectations. This serves to emphasize a genuine approach to the general consideration of how one can benefit the company.

4. Overconfidence or Humility: Candidates frequently get it wrong where to draw the line between being over-confident or too humble. Both when we have too much of it, or too little of it, we find ourselves on the wrong side of the weighing scale – one is arrogance, the other is self- doubt.

Tip: One of the cultural values that should be enhanced includes being genuine and accepting oneself including the strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats. Appear confident borne out of humility and pass the feeling of enthusiasm for change.

5. Not Tailoring Your Responses:

On the other hand, an interviewer is very likely to be disappointed by the general and shower responses that are far from being unique. Further, while replying the questions, if you link them to the job and its requirements, it shows that they understand the job better and how they fit in the position.

Tip: Adapt your answers and intercalate stories from your experience that in some ways are similar to the needs that the company has. This gives credence and credibility to what you have to say.

6. Lack of Enthusiasm:

Excitement is the unseen thread that sews together memorable experiences. In this case, it is desirable for employers to find people who exude passion or vigor for that particular job. Consequently, a lack of enthusiasm puts a shadow of disinterest.

Tip: Make sure to add positive spirit in your voice, in your movements, and in your questions. Make sure the employer gets worried about your passion towards the opportunities that exist within that firm to contribute to its success.

7. Neglecting to Follow Up: This is something that most people rarely look forward to – the post-interview interaction – which is a sure golden opportunity. Neglecting follow-up is like walking away from a literally door that one could have opened to a better outcome.

Tip: Send a genuine follow-up e-mail in less than 24 hours, stressing out one of the most important points touched upon during the interview. Remind the employer how interested you are and how grateful you are for the chance.

Conclusion: Interviews are a garb of opportunities and uncertainties – they are a platform where your real character is revealed. Mistakes made by others can help you avoid the same mistakes yourself, which can help you become a strong competitor. The three Ps – preparation, practice, and positivity – together roll out the red carpet to your success. Remember, every failure is a teacher, and each lesson is a rock on which you build your foundation to successful interview.

Ready to ace your next interview?

Then start applying these strategies today!

Share your own tips and experiences in the comments—let's collaborate and succeed together!