Introduction
Job interviews are a crucial step between students and employment, yet many candidates lose opportunities for avoidable reasons. Surveys show that professionalism, communication, and self-development often matter more to employers than academic grades. Understanding common mistakes and how to correct them can greatly improve a student's chances of success.

Significance
According to the NACE Job Outlook 2025 survey, employers value candidates who can connect their skills to organizational needs, communicate effectively, and demonstrate critical thinking. Recruiter surveys, including CareerBuilder's study of over 2,500 hiring managers, highlight that poor preparation, weak answers, and behavioral issues frequently outweigh academic performance when making hiring decisions.

Top 5 Interview Mistakes
1. Not Researching the Company or Role
Failing to understand the employer or role signals low motivation. Students who cannot link their skills to the organization's needs often lose out.
Fix it: Study the company profile, recent news, and job description. Prepare concise lines that show how your experience meets the team's goals.

2. Weak, Vague Answers and Poor Skill Communication
Employers are less concerned with grades than how candidates articulate their abilities. Surface-level answers and lack of concrete examples often cause rejection.
Fix it: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers. Include specific examples and measurable outcomes to demonstrate problem-solving skills.

3. Poor Professional Etiquette and Body Language
Non-verbal cues like eye contact, posture, and attire significantly influence first impressions. Fidgeting, crossed arms, or appearing arrogant can hurt your chances.
Fix it: Maintain eye contact, smile genuinely, keep an upright posture, turn off phones, dress appropriately, and arrive on time.

4. Not Asking Questions or Showing Genuine Interest
Failing to ask questions suggests disinterest. Employers assess initiative and engagement through the questions candidates ask.
Fix it: Ask about team priorities, success metrics, and organizational challenges. Thoughtful questions demonstrate curiosity, preparation, and long-term interest.

5. Dishonesty, Exaggerating Skills, or Phone Use
Being caught lying or using phones during interviews is one of the fastest ways to fail.
Fix it: Be honest about your experience and back claims with examples. Keep phones off and remain fully attentive during the interview.

Conclusion
By researching employers, preparing concrete examples, managing body language, asking thoughtful questions, and staying honest, students can significantly improve their chances of turning interviews into job offers.