The most common mistakes we make in job interviews (and how to avoid them)

Do you have a job interview soon? Then you’ll want to read on to ensure you get that dream job (Picture: Getty Images)

No one loves a job interview, but new research indicates that 40% of the UK workforce is planning to make a move this year, with signs pointing to a lot of imminent interview prep across the nation.

If you’re in the 18-34 age bracket, you’re 56% more likely to want to get a new job than any other age group, too – so it’s wise to make sure your interview skills are top-notch.

Brits’ reasons for wanting pastures new aren’t all that surprising, such as flexible working, with 29% wanting a better set-up.

Of course, salary remains the biggest carrot of all, with 45% citing it as their top reason for looking for new work. If that’s what’s most important to you, then you can boost your chances by seeking out a new job in a high-paid industry.

In the UK, that’s the tech sector: starting salaries here are more than 60% higher than the national average, according to research. In fact, in 2021, the average starting pay in the tech industry was at least 64% higher than the median salary of £25,971.

Sounds good, right? And with plenty of jobs out there for non-techy people too, the industry has openings for jobs in design, event coordination, marketing, business development and much more.

The big takeaway is that jobs in the UK tech industry aren’t just for computer experts. However, if you’re applying for a job at a tech firm, you’ll quickly discover that the interview process is more than a little different.

Here’s what to expect so that you can avoid common pitfalls and successfully bag yourself a shiny new job this year.

Not giving the process enough time

The average job interview process involves two or three interviews – max. But with tech companies, they like to be a little more thorough.

You’ll be expected to take part in a whole host of interviews, from talking with your hiring manager to meeting your team, as well as with HR leaders and even legal. And depending on everyone’s availability and time zones, these interviews could go on for many months.

In fact, it can take up to six months to successfully net a new tech role. So the key is to stick with it––and be patient.

Not taking the first phone call seriously

It’s really common for tech firms to have a recruiter reach out to you by phone ahead of the first ‘serious’ interview. It is a huge mistake to not take this call as seriously as you would any other interview.

You want to be the one that stands out (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

That’s because if you don’t impress this recruiter, you’ll never get to the next interview stage. So be sharp, polite, and on it in terms of responses and showing your enthusiasm for the job.

Not selling yourself properly

Poor communication can tank any interview scenario, but in a tech interview, you’ll be expected to have concise replies to common questions. For example, if you’re asked to tell the interviewer about yourself, going off on a tangent about how much you’re enjoying the latest TV fad won’t cut the mustard.

Instead, give an elevator pitch about your jobs and experience, and why that makes you a great fit. Similarly, if you’re asked if you have experience in a specific area, don’t give a one word answer. Elaborate and explain how your experience is relevant, tell the interviewer about results you’ve gotten and the KPIs you’ve smashed.

Too-brief answers and a failure to elaborate will simply give the interviewer a sense that you’re not keen on the job – and that your communication skills are lacking.

Ready to go ahead now and apply for a new tech job? Good news: The Metro Job Board is a great place to start. Discover three top jobs below.

Tech Returner – Business Analyst and Principal Business Analyst, Aviva, Norwich

Aviva’s Tech Returner Programme is now in its third year and is for those who’ve had an extended career break of two or more years, as of January 2024. A tailored six-month programme, the expectation is to transition to a permanent role. Aviva is currently recruiting for Business Analysts who have previously worked in a similar role, regardless of industry. Positions are available in Bristol, Norwich and York. Find all the details here.

Software Development Manager, Autodesk, Birmingham

Autodesk Fusion Manufacturing seeks an experienced Software Development Manager to lead a team of smart and highly motivated software engineers who support, enhance and deliver CAM Post Kernels. You’ll need a strong understanding of the agile “servant-leader” role and will be able to balance acting as the manager with encouraging the team towards a culture of self-organization and ownership of the work and processes. See more now.

Data Security Manager – Data Controls, AXA, London

Axa’s Innovation & Data Analytics function (IDA) is focused on driving innovation through optimising how the company leverages data to drive strategy and create a new business model in order to disrupt the insurance market. As Data Security Manager, you’ll operate in a matrix organization to ensure implementation of appropriate data security controls to meet requirements of the information security and data policies for strategic data and analytics assets. Apply for the job now.

Start your tech job hunt today on the Metro Job Board

You go get that dream job.