Have you ever walked out of an interview thinking you could have done better or said something else? Sometimes, you may recognize your interview mistakes and correct them the next chance you get; other times, you may not even know it’s a mistake and repeat it over and over again. The truth is that interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when the stakes are high and it is only human to make mistakes. But the truth about those little missteps is that they could be the reason you’re not getting callbacks.
The good news? These common interview mistakes are completely fixable and with a little prep (and the right tools), you can walk into your next interview feeling more confident, composed, and ready to impress.
Let’s break down the most common interview mistakes and exactly how to fix them.
1. Talking Too Much or Rambling in Your Answers
One of the most common interview mistakes candidates make is saying too much in response to simple questions. You start with a strong point, but then keep adding unnecessary details until the impact gets lost. According to a report by Indeed, nearly 45% of hiring managers say long-winded responses hurt your credibility during interviews. Why? Because they show a lack of preparation, poor communication skills, and sometimes, even insecurity.
How to fix it:
Practice structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Before the interview, identify 4–5 success stories and rehearse them. A mock interview tool like Lightforth Interview Prep helps you time your responses and gives you real-time feedback on clarity and pacing so you know when to stop talking and let your answer land.
2. Failing to Research the Company or Role
You’d be surprised how many candidates go into interviews knowing only the job title. No mention of the company’s mission, their latest product update, or even who they serve. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 47% of hiring managers said lack of research showed a lack of interest. And if you don’t care enough to understand the company, why should they care to hire you?
How to fix it:
Spend at least 20–30 minutes researching the company. Look at their website, recent news articles, product launches, and team pages. Platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor can help you get a better understanding of a company, how it is structured and what they do. Use this intel to tailor your answers and impress the interviewer with specifics that show you did your homework.
3. Giving Generic Answers (Especially to “Tell Me About Yourself”)
This is a classic trap. You say, “I’m a hard-working team player” and think it’s enough. But here’s the thing: that’s what everyone says. Generic answers do nothing to set you apart. A 2023 LinkedIn report showed that 67% of recruiters prefer candidates who tell specific, memorable stories especially in the opening minutes of the interview.
How to fix it:
Craft a concise and compelling personal pitch. Your answer should be able to capture and hold the interest of your interviewer. Note that you don’t need to say so much but just enough to grab attention and leave them wanting more. At its core, your personal pitch should answer three things: Who are you? What do you bring to the table? And why are you here now, in this moment, for this role? Most candidates either ramble without direction or stick to a generic script that sounds memorized and forgettable. But the truth is, this is your first impression and you need it to land.
Take this example:
“I’m a customer experience specialist with 5 years in SaaS, where I’ve helped reduce churn by 30% through proactive support strategies. I’m now looking to bring that same customer-first mindset to a mission-driven company like yours, where user satisfaction drives business growth.”
It’s specific, clear, and connects past experience to the present opportunity.
4. Not Asking Questions at the End
Too many candidates treat “Do you have any questions for us?” like the end of the interview. But in truth, it’s one of the most revealing moments. According to a 2023 survey by CareerBuilder, nearly 50% of hiring managers said they’re less likely to hire someone who doesn’t ask thoughtful questions. Why? Because it signals passive interest and poor critical thinking.
How to fix it:
Always prepare at least 2–3 insightful questions. Ask about the company’s challenges, team dynamics, or expectations for success in the role. Avoid yes/no questions and anything you could easily Google. A question like “What does success in this role look like after 6 months?” makes you look like someone already thinking ahead. If you’re unsure where to start, Lightforth Interview Prep suggests strong closing questions based on your target role.
5. Ignoring Body Language or Tone
Even if your answers are great, bad body language can quietly sabotage you. Slouching, lack of eye contact, fidgeting, or nervous laughter can all send the wrong signals. In remote interviews, this becomes even trickier because 90% of communication is non-verbal, and video compresses that even more.
How to fix it:
Record yourself in mock interviews. Lightforth Interview Prep gives you feedback not just on your answers, but your tone, pace, and filler words. When you can see how you’re coming across, you can course-correct. Practice sitting up straight, pausing after key points, and maintaining steady eye contact with the camera (not your own face on Zoom).
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6. Over-Focusing on Technical Skills Alone
Yes, skills matter but most hiring decisions also hinge on how well you fit into the team. Soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are increasingly prioritized. Based on a large study of over 20,000 hires, one survey found that 89% of failed hires were due to attitude and culture misfit and not lack of skill.
How to fix it:
Balance your examples. Don’t just talk about what you did, explain how you worked with others, navigated conflict, or adapted to change. Mock interviews on Lightforth help surface behavioral questions so you can practice telling stories that highlight both your hard and soft skills.
7. Sounding Too Desperate or Over-Eager
It’s easy to fall into “please hire me” energy, especially if you’ve been job hunting for a while. But desperation kills confidence. Recruiters can sense when you’re trying too hard, and it often makes them question your value or stability.
How to fix it:
Reframe the interview as a two-way conversation. You’re not begging for a job. Your interview also gives you the opportunity to evaluate whether this is the right match for you. Lightforth Interview Prep can help you prepare with tailored answers and questions, so you go in confident, calm, and ready to connect like someone who has value to give
8. Not Tailoring Your Answers to the Job
Many people prepare one-size-fits-all answers and hope they stick. But when your responses feel disconnected from the role, it’s obvious to the interviewer. Generic interviews lead to generic rejections.
How to fix it:
Use the job description as your prep checklist. Lightforth Interview Prep pulls actual language from the job post and generates relevant questions. You get to practice answers that hit the exact points recruiters are looking for without sounding rehearsed or robotic.
9. Trying to Fake It or Lie
You might feel tempted to inflate your past role or pretend you’re familiar with something you’re not. It might work short-term, but it always backfires. Today’s hiring process is more thorough than ever, and cultural fit matters just as much as qualifications.
How to fix it:
Don’t waste your time faking confidence when you can actually build it. If you’re weak in a certain area, own it and show how you’re actively learning. Lightforth gives you real-time feedback on weak spots, so you improve session by session. Employers respect the growth mindset more than false perfection.
10. Skipping Mock Interviews Entirely
The biggest mistake? Not practicing at all. You may think “I’ll just wing it,” or “I’ve done interviews before,” but each opportunity is different and competition is higher than ever. Practicing in your head is not the same as speaking out loud under pressure.
How to fix it:
Do mock interviews. Not once. Not twice. Multiple times. And not just with friends. Use a platform like Lightforth Interview Prep to simulate the pressure, track your improvement, and get actionable feedback. That way, when the real interview happens, your best self is the only version that shows up.
Get Better At Interviews With Lightforth
Great interviews aren’t about being perfect. They’re about being prepared, present, and persuasive. The most successful candidates aren’t always the most experienced—they’re the ones who learn from their mistakes and adjust.
At Lightforth, we believe confidence is built, not born. Tools like Interview Prep and Co-Pilot are designed to help you get better with every rep. Ready to fix your interview mistakes for good?
Sign up on Lightforth today and start practicing with our mock interview that gives you feedback on your mistakes in real-time so you can get better and fix all of them so you can sit in front of a real recruiter and impress them enough to give you the job in one sitting.
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about job interviews.
How do you end a good interview?
Thank the interviewer for their time, briefly express your excitement about the role, and ask about next steps. For example:
“Thank you so much for the conversation today. I’m really excited about the opportunity and I look forward to hearing about the next steps.”
Always leave on a confident, polite note and remember to follow up with a thank-you email afterward.
Why should I hire you?
Focus on what you bring to the table. Talk about your key strengths, how they match the role, and how you’ll solve the company’s problems. A simple structure:
“You should hire me because I have [your skill], which I’ve used to [example of achievement]. I’m confident I can bring the same results here.”
Make it about value, not just what you want.
What is your weakness?
Pick a real but manageable weakness, something that doesn’t ruin your chances, and show how you’re working on it. For example:
“I used to struggle with public speaking, but I’ve been practicing in small team meetings and even volunteered to present during last quarter’s review.”
Avoid saying “I’m a perfectionist” because it’s overused and sounds fake.
How do you introduce yourself at an interview?
Keep it short, clear, and relevant. Start with your name, a quick summary of your background, and what brings you to the role. For example:
“Hi, I’m Francis. I have a background in customer support with 4 years in SaaS companies. I’m excited about this role because it aligns with my skills and passion for helping users solve problems.”
Practice this until it feels natural, not rehearsed.
How do you answer salary expectations?
Do your research first, then give a confident but flexible range. For example:
“Based on my experience and the industry standard, I’m looking for something in the range of $65,000 to $75,000 yearly. But I’m open to discussing based on the full package.”
Avoid saying “I’m flexible” without giving a number because it makes you look unprepared.