In “Why Your Interview Felt ‘Off’ (and How to Fix It),” the author outlines five common interview mistakes that derail otherwise qualified candidates and provides practical strategies for improvement. For educators preparing to move into leadership roles or for students seeking employment opportunities, these insights offer a clear roadmap to interview success.

1. Failing to Prepare for Common Questions

Many candidates stumble on predictable questions such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” The issue is rarely lack of knowledge but rather poor structure or lack of practice. The recommended strategy is to craft short, focused responses in advance. A simple framework for “Tell me about yourself” is Present–Past–Future: describe your current role, summarize your relevant background, and connect your aspirations to the position. For educators, this could mean explaining current teaching responsibilities, highlighting professional growth or leadership experiences, and expressing enthusiasm for contributing to a school or district.

2. Offering Claims Without Evidence

Interviewers want concrete proof of skills, not vague statements like “I’m a team player.” Without specific examples, claims carry little weight. To fix this, candidates should employ the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For example, a teacher might explain how they improved reading comprehension by implementing targeted small-group instruction, describe the task of meeting literacy benchmarks, outline the instructional strategies used, and highlight measurable gains in student outcomes. Specificity not only demonstrates competence but also projects confidence.

3. Ignoring Body Language

Nonverbal communication plays a powerful role in how candidates are perceived. Common mistakes include avoiding eye contact, crossing arms, slouching, or fidgeting. Interviewers often interpret these as signs of discomfort or lack of confidence. The article suggests practicing body language through mock interviews, video recordings, or AI-driven tools that provide feedback on gestures, eye contact, and vocal fillers. Candidates should also remain mindful of cultural differences: direct eye contact or handshakes may carry different meanings across contexts. Educators applying for positions in diverse districts or international schools must adapt to cultural norms in professional interactions.

4. Speaking Negatively About Previous Employers

Badmouthing a former school, principal, or district can undermine credibility. It raises concerns about professionalism and future collegiality. Instead, candidates should frame past experiences in terms of lessons learned and future growth. For instance, rather than criticizing a past supervisor, an educator might emphasize the skills developed under pressure and express excitement about joining a collaborative culture that better fits their working style. This reframing maintains professionalism and keeps the spotlight on readiness for the new opportunity.

5. Failing to Ask Questions

At the end of an interview, candidates who decline to ask questions miss a critical chance to demonstrate curiosity and preparation. Asking thoughtful questions signals genuine interest and helps build rapport. The article recommends preparing three to five options, such as: “What does success look like in this role after six months?” or “How would you describe the team culture?” For educators, questions about professional development opportunities, curriculum priorities, or community engagement may be particularly effective. Avoid asking about salary or benefits in early rounds.

Final Encouragement

The article reassures readers that mistakes are common and correctable. Even after a disappointing interview, candidates should not dwell but instead reflect, learn, and prepare to improve. With deliberate practice and self-awareness, interviews become opportunities to confidently demonstrate ability and alignment with organizational needs.

Original Article

Source: Why Your Interview Felt “Off” (and How to Fix It). Big Interview. Accessed September 2025. https://biginterview.com/blog/why-your-interview-felt-off

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com