Not all interview tips are good. Find out the worst interview tips you should avoid and what you can do instead to secure your dream job.
When you are preparing for an interview, you instinctively go on the internet, go to family and friends or even Google the internet to try and prepare better. Not everyone who advises, however, does so for the good. In actuality, going by bad advice will ruin your chances of getting hired. We shall debunk some of the worst interview advice here which you would never like to follow and inform you how to do the right thing.
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“Just be yourself.”
While authenticity matters, interviews are still a professional setting. “Being yourself” shouldn’t mean oversharing, dressing casually, or speaking without a filter.
What to do instead: Be your best self. Showcase your strengths, stay professional, and align your personality with the company culture. Authenticity + professionalism is the winning combo.
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“Tell them your biggest weakness is that you’re a perfectionist.”
This is an exhausted cliché and does not tell the truth about how you approach challenges.
Instead: Pick a genuine (but not necessary) weakness and describe how you’re addressing it. Demonstrate self-awareness and self-development.
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“Say you’re willing to take any job.”
This sounds indecisive or desperate, not optimistic or strategic.
Instead: Be clear about what you are looking for and what kind of job you are looking for. Employers like candidates to have a sense of direction regarding their abilities and who will fill a particular place.
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“Fake it till you make it.”
This tip can be misleading, particularly if you’re lying about your skills or history in an interview.
What to do instead: Admit what you do know and underscore that you are an eager learner. Confidence is fine — but reality-based.
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“Don’t ask questions. It’ll make you look too demanding.”
Absolutely not. Failing to ask questions makes you look either unprepared or indifferent.
Do instead: Ask intelligent questions about the team, role, or company objectives. It reflects initiative, interest, and earnest purpose.
Bad advice is cheap. But your career is worth more than playing Russian roulette with stale or bad advice. Keep in mind:
✅ Think first.
✅ Prepare.
✅ Be professional.
Don’t make these interview mistakes and getting the offer will rest on a much finer thread than getting ghosted.
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Continue reading the rest of our Career Growth Blog and let Axcess guide you into the job you’re worth.