Succeeding in your job interview: 7 mistakes to avoid at all costs | EdoMatch

Succeeding in your job interview: 7 mistakes to avoid at all costs

Job interviews are often stressful, especially when it comes to a position you have been coveting for a long time. However, many simple mistakes can ruin your chances, even with a good CV. Preparing for an interview is not just about knowing the company, but also about avoiding certain common pitfalls. Here are 7 mistakes to avoid at all costs if you want to make a good impression and increase your chances of success.

A good interview is based on three essential pillars: preparation, posture and communication. Every detail counts, whether it's your outfit, your attitude or your answers. This detailed guide will help you avoid the most common mistakes and turn every interview into a real opportunity.

Good to know: EdoMath's web and mobile apps are powerful training tools. They allow you to simulate job interviews, receive personalised feedback, and coach candidates to maximise their chances of success.

Arriving unprepared

Many candidates arrive at an interview without having taken the time to research the company or clearly understand the position being offered. This is a major mistake that makes the recruiter think that the candidate is not really motivated.

What to do: Find out about the company's values, missions, history and recent projects. Analyse the job offer to understand the key responsibilities, the skills required and the challenges of the position. This will enable you to formulate precise answers that are in line with the recruiter's expectations.

With EdoMath, you can simulate interviews tailored to your industry and desired position. This gives you concrete preparation and helps you avoid oversights or vague answers.

Talking too much or too little

An interview is a conversation. Some candidates monopolise the conversation by talking about everything and nothing, while others simply answer with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ without elaborating. What to do:

• Prepare structured answers to frequently asked questions.
• Use the STAR method (Situation – Task – Action – Result) to illustrate your skills with concrete examples.
• Be clear, concise and relevant.
• Don't forget to listen carefully and leave room for discussion.

Thanks to EdoMath's digital coaching, you will receive suggestions on the right length of response, speech rhythm, and examples of effective phrasing.

Poor body language

Non-verbal communication has a significant impact on how a recruiter perceives you. Avoiding eye contact, a weak handshake, nervous gestures or too rigid a posture can send negative signals.

What to do:

• Work on your presence: look your interviewer in the eye, adopt an open, dynamic but relaxed posture, and smile.
• Your physical attitude should reflect your self-confidence and motivation.

Don't ask questions

At the end of the interview, not having any questions to ask may be perceived as a lack of interest in the position.

What to do: Prepare two or three relevant questions in advance. For example: ‘What are the short-term priorities for the position?’, ‘How does the onboarding process work for new employees?’, ‘What is the team culture like here?’ This shows that you are curious, proactive and serious.

The EdoMath tools include templates for relevant questions to ask depending on the type of company or sector.

Criticising former employers

Even if your previous experience was negative, it is essential to remain diplomatic. Speaking badly about former colleagues or superiors gives the impression that you are confrontational.

What to do: Express yourself neutrally. You can say that you are looking for new challenges or an environment more aligned with your values. Always highlight what you have learned and how it has helped you grow professionally.

EdoMath offers diplomatically reworded sample answers to help you maintain a professional image.

Overselling yourself... or not selling yourself at all

It is common to want to impress at all costs or, conversely, to be reluctant to talk about your achievements.

What to do:

• Find the right balance.
• Be authentic.
• Mention your past achievements,
• your professional qualities and the results you have achieved, while showing that you are still willing to learn and improve.

Forgetting to follow up after the interview

Many candidates do not follow up after an interview. However, this can make all the difference. What to do: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours to show your motivation and briefly remind them of what you can bring to the table. If you don't hear back after a week, send a polite follow-up to reaffirm your interest.

Be strategic, be prepared

A successful interview is not a matter of luck. It is the result of smart preparation, a professional attitude and the ability to avoid common pitfalls. By correcting these 7 mistakes, you will be better equipped to convince and land your next professional opportunity.

But above all, remember: every interview is also an opportunity to learn, to improve and to better understand what you are really looking for in a company. Self-confidence, clear objectives and thorough preparation are your best allies.

Thanks to EdoMath apps, every candidate can practise, receive practical advice and present themselves with greater control, confidence and professionalism.