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Uncovering the Top Reasons for Interview Failure: Surprising Statistics Revealed

Updated: Apr 19, 2023

Here are some interesting facts about interviewing:

  1. According to a study by CareerBuilder, 58% of employers know within the first five minutes of an interview whether a candidate is a good fit for the role.

  2. A study by Glassdoor found that the average job interview lasts for 40 minutes.

  3. A survey by Robert Half found that the most common reason for interview failure is a lack of specific examples or accomplishments (43%).

  4. Another survey by Robert Half found that 63% of hiring managers said that dressing inappropriately was a common reason for interview failure.

  5. According to a survey by Adecco, 57% of hiring managers said that a lack of eye contact was a common reason for interview failure.

  6. A study by LinkedIn found that candidates who speak too much and don’t allow the interviewer to ask questions are more likely to fail an interview.

  7. A survey by TopResume found that a lack of research on the company (62%) and poor body language (55%) were the most common reasons for interview failure.

  8. According to a survey by Accountemps, more than a third of hiring managers (35%) cited a lack of preparedness as the most common reason for interview failure.



Interview Tips

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they don't have to be. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you can impress your interviewer and increase your chances of getting the job. Here are some tips to help you ace your next interview:

  1. Research the company and the position. Before your interview, take the time to learn about the company and the position you're applying for. This will help you understand the company's mission and values, as well as the responsibilities and qualifications required for the job. This will also demonstrate to the interviewer that you're genuinely interested in the position and the company.

  2. Practice your answers. Anticipate the questions that the interviewer might ask and practice your answers. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview.

  3. Be punctual. Arrive on time for your interview. Being late can give the impression that you're not reliable or respectful of others' time.

  4. Dress professionally. Make a good first impression by dressing appropriately for the interview. Even if the company has a casual dress code, it's best to err on the side of caution and dress professionally.

  5. Be honest and specific. When answering questions, be honest and specific. Don't exaggerate or make up information. Instead, provide concrete examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications and experience.

  6. Show enthusiasm. Show your enthusiasm for the position and the company during the interview. This will demonstrate that you're excited about the opportunity and that you're a good fit for the company culture.

  7. Prepare questions. Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer. This will demonstrate your interest in the position and the company, as well as give you an opportunity to learn more about the role and the company culture.

By following these tips, you'll be well prepared for your interview and increase your chances of impressing your interviewer and landing the job. Remember to stay calm, be yourself and let your skills, experience and enthusiasm shine through.




How would you answer the question what are your long-term goals in an interview if you don't have any because you only work for an income?

If you don't have specific long-term goals, it's still possible to answer the question in a way that is honest and shows that you're still a motivated and ambitious candidate. Here are a few options for how you might respond:

  1. Focus on your short-term goals: Instead of discussing long-term goals, you can focus on your short-term goals and how they align with the position and the company. For example, you can say something like, "Truthfully, I haven't thought about my long-term career goals. My goal is to gain valuable experience and skills in this field. I'm eager to learn from the team and contribute to the company's success."

  2. Express your interest in growth and development: Even if you don't have specific long-term goals, you can express your interest in growth and development. For example, you can say, "I'm open to exploring different career paths and opportunities as they arise. I'm excited to learn new skills and take on new challenges, and I believe this position will provide me with that opportunity."

  3. Share your long-term career aspirations: Even if you don't have specific long-term goals, you can share your long-term career aspirations. For example, you can say something like, " Long-term, I'm not sure what I want to do, but I know I want to work in a field that makes a positive impact on people's lives."

It's also important to remember that interviewers understand that not everyone has a set long-term goal. Therefore, it's better to be honest and show that you're open to new opportunities, eager to learn and grow, and that you have a general idea of what you want to achieve in your career.


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