Hey Reader,

Landing a job in tech is more competitive than ever. With AI-driven resume screenings and high hiring standards, acing the interview is no longer optional—it’s essential. Yet, so many candidates make simple but avoidable mistakes that cost them opportunities.

The good news? If you know what to watch for, you can stand out from the crowd and drastically increase your chances of success.

Here are 11 of the most common interview mistakes—and exactly how to avoid them.

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1. Not Researching the Company

Many candidates walk into interviews without knowing much about the company—a huge red flag for hiring managers. If you don’t understand the company’s mission, products, or recent developments, you’ll struggle to explain why you’re a good fit.

✅ Fix:

• Visit the company’s website, LinkedIn page, and recent press releases.
• Look up the interviewer’s background on LinkedIn.
• Be prepared to mention something specific about the company that excites you.

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2. Giving Generic or Vague Answers

Saying things like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m a great problem solver” without proof won’t get you far. Employers need real examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in action.

✅ Fix:

• Use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses.
• Instead of “I work well under pressure,” say:
  ​"At my last job, a system outage occurred during peak hours. I quickly identified the issue, coordinated with the team, and restored service within 30 minutes, minimizing downtime."

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3. Fumbling Through “Tell Me About Yourself”

This is often the first question, and yet so many candidates ramble, struggle, or give a generic answer.

✅ Fix:

• Prepare a 90-second elevator pitch summarizing:
  • Who you are (background/experience)
  • Your key strengths (relevant to the job)
  • Why you’re excited about this role

Example:
​"I have five years of experience in IT support, specializing in network troubleshooting and cybersecurity. At my last job, I helped reduce security incidents by 30% through improved monitoring. I’m excited about this opportunity because it aligns with my passion for cybersecurity and proactive threat mitigation."

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4. Talking Too Much or Too Little

Some candidates over-explain, turning a 30-second answer into a 5-minute speech. Others give one-word responses, leaving the interviewer struggling to assess their skills.

✅ Fix:

• Keep answers concise but detailed (aim for 30-90 seconds).
• If unsure, ask: "Would you like me to elaborate on that?"

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5. Not Tailoring Your Answers to the Role

You might be experienced, but if your answers don’t align with the job, they won’t matter.

✅ Fix:

• Study the job description before the interview.
• Highlight the skills and experiences that best match the role.
• Example: If applying for a cybersecurity role, don’t focus on IT support experience—highlight security-related tasks you’ve done.

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Okay, I know I said this was a 11 tips, but if you want to see the other tips, you'll have to join our I.T. Career Accelerator. In community, I’ve posted a full list of the most common interview mistakes and tough questions candidates struggle with—along with strategies to help you stand out.

What You’ll Get Inside the Community:

🚀 Exclusive Career Resources – Resume templates, interview guides, and job search strategies.
🎤 Live Workshops & Q&A Calls – Get direct feedback and expert advice.
🤝 A Supportive Network – Connect with people who have been where you are and can help you grow.
💡 Insider Knowledge – Learn from real IT professionals, hiring managers, and industry experts.

If you’re serious about landing your dream job, don’t go at it alone. Join The IT Career Accelerator today and be part of the conversation!

🔗 [Join Now]​

See you inside,
​Dakota✌️