Common mistakes in interviews and how to avoid them
The good news is that although there are many common mistakes, theyre all avoidable. Rather than just listing the things you can get wrong, weve also included practical advice below on what you can do to make sure it doesnt happen to you.
1. Not preparing
Lack of preparation for your interview is one of the biggest ways to guarantee a major downfall. For instance, youre likely to be asked about your personal statement in a university interview, so if you cant remember what you actually wrote in it, youre not likely to do a very good job of answering questions about it. Similarly, in a job interview, youre in for trouble if you cant answer questions such as which parts of the job most appeal to you
How to avoid it
Although you might think its impossible to prepare for an interview when you dont know what questions you will be asked, mistakes through lack of preparation are easily avoided.
Re-read your personal statement (or covering letter) and have a think about what kind of questions you could be asked. Write down some notes to help clarify your possible responses.
Revise any books you mentioned on your personal statement. Do some additional reading about them, such as some literary criticism, to prepare you for possible academic discussion.
Thoroughly1 read through all the information you can get your hands on about the course and what it involves. Note down the aspects of the course that you most like the look of, and why.
Keep an eye on news stories relating to your subject in case these should come up in conversation. Have an opinion on them, as this will show that you keep abreast2 of developments related to your subject.
Prepare for obvious questions, such as what are you reading at the moment if youre interviewing for English.
For job interviews, thoroughly research the company, including reading through its recent press releases. Also read through the job description and be prepared to answer questions on how you can meet its requirements, and what experience you have that shows your capability3.
You cant prepare for every question, and indeed interviewers may put questions to you because they know you will almost certainly not know the answer; they may want to test your reaction to unfamiliar4 problems. But you can definitely prepare for the basics and avoid embarrassing silences.
2. Confusing the course with another one
ou are expected to have read up on the course in detail, so making any kind of faux pas about what it involves is a big no-no. Talking about a subject thats not on the course, because youve confused it with a course at another university, is unlikely to go down well with your interviewers. To this end, its also advisable to avoid asking a question along the lines of what topics will I be studying; you may think that it shows youre taking an interest, but in fact it shows that you havent read up on the course. The same applies to job interviews; youre probably applying for several jobs at once, but thats no excuse to confuse the particulars of the one youre interviewing for.
How to avoid it
Before you go into the interview, refresh your memory about this particular course or job by reading the details in your prospectus5, on the university website or on the employers website.
3. Showing doubts
Displaying any kind of doubt about whether this is the course or job for you will get you crossed off the list immediately. Dont ask your interviewers whether youll be able to change to a different course if you change your mind, and dont let them know if this was actually your second-choice course or job (even if it was). You need to convince them that this is THE one and only course for you and your enthusiasm needs to come across.
How to avoid it
Remain positive and enthusiastic at all times!
4. Relying on your achievements
However impressive your list of achievements is, this isnt what the interview is about; you cant just fall back on them. Your interviewer will have seen your qualifications, grades and awards on your application form. The interview is there so that they can look beyond these achievements to find out more about who you are, what your motivations and opinions are and how you approach academic problems.
How to avoid it
Try not to hijack6 the conversation with boasting about your achievements; if youre asked what you think about something, its not enough to say that youve won an award in a related area you need to demonstrate your intelligence by engaging in academic discussion.
5. Dishonesty
Just as you should never lie on your personal statement, you should never lie in an interview situation either. The interviewer is likely to spot it straightaway. For example, however tempting7 it might be to claim in your English interview that youve read a particular text, because you think it would make you look good, its far better to be honest and say you havent read it. No interviewer will expect you to have read everything, and things will be far worse for you if you say youve read a text and you then get questioned on your opinions about it when you havent any!
How to avoid it
Avoid a red face with a positive answer such as, I havent read it yet, but its next on the list and I did enjoy this other work by the same author
7. Arrogance8
Do not assume that just because youve been invited for a university interview theres a place with your name on it. For job interviews, you can be even less sure about your chances of securing the job, with the odds9 higher because there are likely to be even more candidates for one position. The interview stage is to help the university make up their minds about you, and if you come across as overly cocky, you may find that the interviewer doesnt warm to you.
How to avoid it
Again, remain professional and put your opinion across respectfully.
8. Boredom10
You need to maintain enthusiasm and interest throughout the interview if you are to make a good impression. If you appear bored during the interview, what are you going to be like to teach, or as an employee Apparent boredom can also be taken as a sign that youre not particularly interested in the subject youve applied11 to study.
How to avoid it
Even if youre not that interested in a particular topic of conversation (few people find every aspect of their course fascinating), dont let it show. Keep focused on the conversation and dont allow your mind to drift.
9. Negativity
Even if youre not being negative about the course itself, any hint of negativity on your part may come across as a lack of interest in what youre being interviewed for. If youre negative, this may be what the interviewer remembers about you and thats not the kind of person they want on their course or in their business; negativity spreads and you could be someone who could bring down the mood of a class or team. Whats more, in a job interview, never talk negatively about your previous employer, if you have one. The interviewer will recognise that you could be talking about them in this way in the future.
How to avoid it
Even if you feel like saying something negative, adopt a positive and enthusiastic demeanour for the duration of the interview. If you feel yourself about to say something negative, either dont say anything or turn it into a positive.
10. Not making eye contact
Body language is very important in interviews, as it says a lot about the kind of person you are. It also speaks volumes about your ability to cope under pressure; youre in a high-pressure environment in an interview, but youll be put into other high-pressure situations as part of your university course or job, so your interviewer will be assessing how well you cope with it. Not making eye contact makes you come across as shy and unconfident, and its a little rude, too.
How to avoid it
Make frequent eye contact with your interviewer, and if theres more than one interviewer, look confidently from one to the other. If one of them asks you a question, maintain more eye contact with them while youre answering their question.
11. Dressing12 inappropriately
Turning up to an interview dressed informally (think T-shirt, jeans, trainers) is a huge mistake because it shows that you dont have respect for the institution or company and havent bothered to make an effort for them.
How to avoid it
Always dress smartly for an interview: a smart suit for boys and a smart dress, trouser suit or smart top and skirt for girls. Dont neglect your shoes; smart black shoes, or optional heels for girls, rather than trainers or Converse13.
12. Being late
It seems astonishing to think that anybody could even consider being late to an interview, but it does happen. Its not always the candidates fault, of course traffic, for instance, can throw a spanner in the works. Poor organisation14 also leads to tardiness15.
How to avoid it
Lateness can be avoided by allowing far more time than you think youll need to get to the interview, or even staying nearby the previous night if youre travelling a long way. If youre stuck in unexpectedly severe traffic, or some other emergency befalls you on your journey, phone the university or department to let them know youre running late. Theyll be much more understanding if they know the reason and can reschedule you than if you simply dont turn up, or turn up late without prior explanation.
We hope youve found these tips useful and that you can attend your next interview feeling more confident. The main takeaway from this article is the old Boy Scouts motto: Be Prepared!
扩展：关于工作要求的问题
①I：Do you think you can make yourself easily understood in English
A：Yes， in most circumstances.
②I：Are you available for travel
A：Yes， I like traveling. I am young， and unmarried. Its no problem for me to travel frequently.
③I：How about overtime1 work
A：Overtime work is very common in companies. I can work overtime if its necessary， but I dont think we will work overtime everyday.
④I：How long do you think we can depend on your working here
A：As long as my position here allows me to learn and to advance at a pace with my abilities,the days you can depend on my working here will become a limitless number.
⑤I：Do you like regular work
A：No， I dont like regular work. I am interested in different projects with new opport unities2 and new challenge， but I can do regular work if the company needs me to do so.
⑥I：What salary do you expect
A：Shall we discuss my responsibilities with your company firstI think salary is closely related to the responsibilities of the job.
⑦I：Do you work well under pressure
A：Working under pressure is exciting and challenging. I dont mind working under pressure. I work well under the secircum stances. People can， I Can.
⑧I：Do you have any particular conditions that you would like the company to take into consideration
A：No，nothing in particular.
⑨I：How soon can you begin working for us
A：I need about two to three weeks for necessary formalities. I will quit then transfer to your company.
