Want to know why you suck at interviews?

“I suck at interviews”. It can be a daunting experience for many, but it is important to remember that everyone can improve their interview skills. For those who may feel they “suck at interviews,” there are plenty of tips and techniques available to help you succeed. With the help of these resources, you can gain the confidence you need to ace an interview and make your dream job a reality.

Now, let’s jump into the 10 reasons how you can improve your interviewing skills!

1. You don’t practice before interviews

Everyone has been in a situation where they felt they didn’t do their best in an interview. However, not preparing for a job interview can be one of the worst mistakes you can make. It’s important to practice and review information about the company prior to the interview to ensure that you are as prepared as possible. Not doing so can leave you feeling like you are not up to par for the job. Luckily, there are ways to help improve your interview skills, such as reading articles, practicing with a friend or family member, or even taking online courses. With a little bit of preparation, anyone can improve their interview skills and make sure they leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

2. Your responses to questions are generic and boring

Having difficulty in interviews can be an intimidating experience, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent one. With practice, it’s possible to break away from bland and generic responses and show off your unique personality. If you’re struggling with sounding unoriginal in interviews, try taking some time to practice possible answers and think of specific examples or stories that showcase your skills and experience. With a bit of effort, you can make sure that your responses are no longer boring and generic.

If you want to learn more about how to answer questions, check out how Harvard can help.

3. You fidget in your seat and it’s distracting

Don’t worry if you feel like you’re fidgeting too much during an interview – it’s a natural response to being put on the spot. The important thing is to stay calm and remember that the interviewer wants you to do well, so it’s ok to take a few moments to collect your thoughts before responding. Although it’s understandable to be nervous, with practice, you’ll soon be able to ace your interviews, and not say, “I suck at interviews!”

4. You’re nervous and need to self-soothe before

It can be very stressful going into an interview, but it’s important to remember that it’s totally normal to feel nervous. Taking a few moments to practice self-soothing techniques beforehand can help you settle your nerves and give you the confidence you need to ace your interview. From deep breathing to positive affirmations, there are many things you can do in the moments leading up to an interview to set yourself up for success.

The last thing you want to do is say to yourself,”I suck at interviews!” Stay positive and try to meditate beforehand. Here are more self-soothing techniques.

5. You’re talking too much during the interview

Talking too much during an interview can be a blessing in disguise! It shows that you are passionate about the job and have a lot to offer. This enthusiasm will be sure to catch the interviewer’s attention and make them remember you. As long as the conversation is relevant to the job, talking more can be a great way to stand out and make a lasting impression.

6. You ramble on about yourself or the answer

Interviewing can be a stressful process, but by taking the time to prepare and practice beforehand, you can be more confident in your ability to answer any question thrown your way. One of the best strategies for any interview is to keep your answers concise and to the point. If you find yourself rambling when asked a question, take a deep breath, pause, and refocus on the main points of what you want to say. With some practice, you’ll feel more comfortable answering questions in an interview and can make a great impression.

7. It’s not you. The position might not be a good fit

For those who feel like they might not be the best at interviews, don’t give up hope! Even if the position you applied for might not be a perfect fit, there are many other opportunities out there that may be a better fit. Everyone has different skills and abilities, and the interview process is just one part of the job search journey. With hard work and perseverance, you can find the right job for you!

Instead of saying, “I suck at interviews!” Think of it not being a good fit and something better will come along.

8. You’re not asking great questions to show interest 

It can be intimidating to go into an interview, but there are certain steps you can take to ensure you stand out from the other candidates. One of the most important steps is to ask great questions that show genuine interest in the position and company. It may seem challenging, but there are resources available to help you craft interesting and engaging questions that will demonstrate your enthusiasm.

Furthermore, with practice and some research, you can develop a set of questions that will make a positive impression on any interviewer. Here are some great questions you can use and adapt.

9. You need to learn how to present yourself

Stop saying, “I suck at interviews” but start learning how to present yourself. We know interviews can be daunting, but with the right preparation and presentation skills, you can ace them! It is important to take the time to learn how to present yourself in an interview, as this will ensure that you are able to confidently demonstrate your skills and values. By investing a little time and effort into learning how to present yourself in an interview, you can significantly increase your chances of landing the job.

10. I want to run from the interview and hide!

For those who feel a sense of dread when it comes to job interviews, there is hope. With the right preparation and attitude, you can find yourself in the best position to ace even the toughest interviews. With the right mindset, you can overcome the fear of having to answer difficult questions, and focus instead on showcasing your strengths and qualifications. Don’t be afraid to take a deep breath, take your time and use positive self-talk to remind yourself why you’re a great candidate. With the right approach, you won’t have to hide under the table anymore!

What you can do right now

Download our Tool Kit for free (mini-course, social blueprint, and more) Prepare more when you go out to socialize. We think if you join our community or read a few more blog posts, you won’t be saying, “I suck at interviews!”

To sum up, you’ll feel more confident, and prepared and you’ll know what to do next, especially, when it comes to socializing.