On Air with Astro Syok: The Biggest Job Interview Mistakes to Avoid—Insights from Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture

From bad body language to weak answers, small mistakes can cost you a job offer. In this episode of Astro Syok Podcast, Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture highlights the most common interview mistakes candidates make—and how to avoid them to boost your chances of success.

By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-19 at 9:18 AM

Updated on 2025-03-24 at 1:55 AM

Think you nailed your job interview but never heard back?

You might’ve made one of these common mistakes. On this episode of Astro’s Syok Podcast, Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture Joselyn Lau joins hosts Tako and Wei Wen to break down the biggest interview blunders that can quietly sabotage your chances—and how to avoid them like a pro.

1. Not Asking Questions at the End of the Interview

When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”—this is not your cue to wrap up.

❌ Bad: “No, I think I’m good.”
✅ Better: “What do you enjoy most about working here?” or “What are the biggest challenges in this role?”

💡 “Not asking questions makes you seem disinterested,” says Joselyn. “Prepare thoughtful questions to show curiosity and initiative.”

2. Giving Scripted, Generic Answers

You might think memorising answers will impress the interviewer—but sounding like a robot won’t help.

❌ Bad: “I’m a hardworking team player.”
✅ Better: “I led a cross-functional team of 3 departments to deliver a campaign 2 weeks ahead of schedule.”

💡 Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give engaging, structured answers.

3. Exaggerating Your Skills

Recruiters can smell a bluff from a mile away. Joselyn shared a real story about a candidate who claimed to be fluent in Japanese—only to freeze when greeted in Japanese.

❌ Don’t lie about your skill level.
✅ Be honest about where you are and show that you’re learning.

💡 “It’s okay if you’re not a pro yet—just be real about your progress.”

4. Saying Too Little… or Too Much

Some candidates give one-word answers. Others go on for five minutes without actually answering the question.

❌ Bad: “Yes.” / “I don’t know.”
✅ Better: “I worked on a marketing campaign that didn’t perform at first, took feedback, and reworked it to improve engagement by 40%.”

💡 “Keep answers clear and relevant—don’t ramble,” Joselyn says.

📖 Related Read: What Recruiters Look for on Resumes

5. Asking About Salary Too Early

Talking about pay before the employer even finishes introducing the role? Big nope.

❌ Bad: “How much does this job pay?”
✅ Better: “When would be the right time to discuss compensation?”

💡 Wait until the later stages or when the interviewer brings it up first.

Job interviews aren’t about saying the “right” things—they’re about showing who you are, what you bring to the table, and how well you fit the team. Be honest, stay curious, and don’t forget to let your personality shine. Want more interview tips? Explore jobs on Hiredly, join our Young Talent Community for peer support and growth, and take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to discover what roles suit your strengths best!

Listen to the full podcast episode here: Astro Syok Podcast

By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-19 at 9:18 AM