You worked hard to secure the interview on your schedule, and, as competitive as academic positions are, you don’t want to mess it up by making amateur mistakes. No matter how well we prepare, it’s human nature to forget all of our studying and carefully laid plans when we’re in the heat of the moment of something as important as a career interview.

Even those with years of experience and a lengthy list of talents and accolades have made mistakes under the scrutiny of an interview team. While anything can happen, the better prepared you are, the less likely you are to become the victim of any of these common academic job interview errors.

The Growing Role of Competition in Academic Careers Means You Need General Knowledge

How diverse is your knowledge base? The answer could be the determining factor in whether you’re hired for the job or not.

A common mistake interviewees make is assuming their high scores and expert level in one area will give them the upper hand for a job in that position. In reality, the ideal candidate may not have a specific description that the team is looking for, but they will tick boxes in every category. The more knowledge you have in multiple subjects, the more “boxes” you’ll tick.

This interview is where you can show off your general knowledge and prove that you can fill multiple roles if the need arises. While you’re doing this, be sure to avoid these amateur interview mistakes.

Common Mistakes in Interviewing and How to Avoid Them

Ready to ace your next academic interview? Read these mistakes and practice with mock interviews to make sure you don’t make them.

●      Don’t focus too hard on simple questions. Some are part of the interview process, not designed to trip you up. If the interviewer asks about your research history, give them the basic details, but not your life story.

●      Never let on that you have doubts about your skills. There’s a fine line between humility and pride. Be sure about your work while staying humble. If you’re not confident in your ability to do a certain part of a job, let the committee know that you can do all the essential tasks and are willing to learn anything over and above those.

●      If a discussion leads to a negative relationship you have with a prior colleague or supervisor, put yourself on immediate red alert and pay attention to every word you say and nuance in your movements. You should always stay neutral or professionally positive about every person or institution you discuss in an interview.

●      Be careful about over-apologizing. If you’ve ever been told you say “I’m sorry” too much, this is an extra important area for you. Certain events are out of your control or aren’t yours to handle in the first place. If your interviewer’s coffee is too hot, don’t apologize. You didn’t make it. If you forgot an important document, you can apologize for the oversight, but don’t make excuses. A simple, “That document isn’t in my briefcase, but I can send it to you immediately after I get to my office” will suffice.

●      Don’t beat around the bush about your Ph.D. completion. We all know that this can take longer or shorter than we plan. Give the interview committee your target date, and bring evidence that shows how close you are to completing your work.

With these key tips, you’ll be prepared for your next interview to run smoothly. Focus on preparing your portfolio, feeling and looking your best, and going in with confidence.

Paving Your Way to Interview Success With Impactio

Social networking isn’t always seen as impressive in an interview, but when you showcase your Impactio profile on your resume, you’ll raise some eyebrows in a good way. Impactio is America’s number one platform for scientific networking and academic impact analysis. When you’re part of this global community, you prove to anyone evaluating your potential that you’re serious about your work as an academic researcher.

Impactio’s vast network of professionals also puts you front and center for those seeking new team members. Whether you’re looking for work, help for your research project, or potential funders, Impactio is the source that connects you to everyone. As a bonus, your Impactio presence will impress your interview committee, too.