Ever had an interview moment that made you cringe so hard you still think about it years later? As Recruiters, we’ve seen and heard a lot! Interviews can be awkward, but they don’t have to contain cringeworthy moments.
Whether you’re the founder of a B2B SaaS startup trying to build your team or a candidate eager to land your next big role, avoiding these common interview mistakes can help save you from potential interview derailment.
For Interviewers: Don’t Be THAT Person
“Sorry, remind me who you are again?”
Nothing screams “I didn’t care enough to prepare” like clearly reading a candidate’s resume for the first time mid-interview.
→ Take five minutes to review their LinkedIn profile, resume, or at least your notes before joining the Zoom call.
Vague Questions Get Vague Answers
“Tell me about yourself” can be helpful, but if every question is open-ended or irrelevant, you’re setting yourself (and the candidate) up for failure.
→ Make your questions pointed and relevant to the role. Instead of generic inquiries, ask about specific scenarios they’ve handled or projects they’ve owned.
Obsessing Over “Culture Fit”
Culture fit matters, but it shouldn’t overshadow skills. Too much emphasis here risks building a team of identical thinkers.
→ Instead, balance culture-based questions with clear skill assessments. It will be harder to unlock scale if your team doesn’t have diverse skills and perspectives.
Ghosting is for Tinder, Not Hiring
Ghosting after multiple interview rounds? A serious misstep for your employer brand.
→ Even a quick rejection email is infinitely better than radio silence. Candidates invest time and energy—respect that and communicate promptly.
For Candidates: Don’t Blow Your Shot
Rambling: The Never-Ending Story
Nervous energy can lead to long-winded, directionless responses. Breathe. Keep your answers concise and relevant.
→ Practice, practice, and then practice some more—nail down tight stories around commonly asked questions, and if you find yourself drifting, bring it back to the main point ASAP. Remember, clarity always beats quantity.
Trash-Talking Ex-Employers
This is a major red flag for employers as speaking negatively about previous employers signals drama ahead.
→ Instead, frame your experiences constructively—highlight lessons learned or how challenges made you better. Positivity and professionalism win every time.
Showing Up Clueless About the Company
Doing zero homework about the startup you’re interviewing with.
→ At least know the basics: their product, their market, and why they excite you. It’s not just good etiquette; it shows genuine interest and engagement.
Not Showcasing Real Experience
Frameworks and theory are great, but blindly reciting them won’t impress your interviewer.
→ Contextualize frameworks with real-world examples from your experience. Demonstrating practical application consistently outperforms theoretical knowledge.
Interviews Are a Two-Way Street
Interviews aren’t just about checking boxes—they’re conversations to find mutual fit. Whether you’re asking questions or answering them, setting a clear, respectful tone can genuinely transform an interview from awkward to awesome.
So next time, skip the cringe and aim for connection. Your future team (or dream job) is counting on it.