You Finally Get an Interview… Now What? 

The email arrives: “We’d love to interview you!” 

Cue panic. Will they understand my accent? Will my directness be too much? How do I avoid sounding rehearsed? 

I remember my first few interviews in Canada were disasters. I was so focused on proving my technical skills that I forgot to connect with the interviewer. My direct communication style, which worked in Singapore, felt too aggressive here. I had to adjust—fast. 

The key lesson? Job interviews are not just about your qualifications. They’re about how well you present yourself. 

The 3 Biggest Interview Mistakes Newcomers Make 

Mistake #1: Talking Too Much (or Too Little!) 

  • In some cultures, giving long, detailed answers is a sign of expertise. In Canada, concise responses are valued. 
  • Solution: Use the STAR method (Situation → Task → Action → Result) to structure your answers. Keep it clear and impactful. 
  • Pro Tip: If an interviewer asks a vague question like, “Tell me about yourself,” don’t ramble. Instead, deliver a short summary of your experience and strengths in 90 seconds or less. 

Mistake #2: Focusing Only on Technical Skills 

  • Many newcomers think hiring managers only care about hard skills. Not true! Cultural fit and soft skills matter just as much. 
  • Solution: Highlight your teamwork, adaptability, and leadership experience. 
  • Example: Instead of saying, “I’ve worked on complex financial modeling,” say, “I developed a financial model that increased forecasting accuracy by 30%, helping my team make data-driven decisions.” 

Mistake #3: Failing to Engage the Interviewer 

  • Interviews should feel like conversations, not interrogations. If you’re too stiff, you risk feeling robotic. 
  • Solution: Mirror the interviewer’s energy, maintain eye contact, and ask thoughtful questions about team culture, career progression, or company goals. 
  • Example: Instead of asking “What does this company do?” (which you should already know), ask, “How does success in this role get measured in the first 6 months?” 

How to Present Yourself with Executive Presence 

Confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about owning your narrative. You’ll be remembered if you frame your experience as valuable and deliver it with authenticity. 

Key Principles of Executive Presence:  

  • Posture & Eye Contact: Sit up straight, make natural eye contact, and use hand gestures purposefully. 
  • Pace & Tone: Speak slowly and with intention. Avoid filler words like “um” and “you know.” 
  • Active Listening: Show engagement by nodding, paraphrasing, and responding thoughtfully. 

Common Interview Questions & Winning Answers 

“Tell me about yourself.” 

  • What NOT to do: Give a long-winded personal history. 
  • Winning Answer: “I have 7 years of experience in business strategy and analytics, helping companies improve their market positioning. In my last role, I led a team that implemented a cost-saving initiative, reducing expenses by 20%. I’m passionate about driving efficiency and growth, which is why I’m excited about this opportunity.” 

“What’s your biggest weakness?” 

  • What NOT to do: “I work too hard.” (This sounds inauthentic.) 
  • Winning Answer: “Early in my career, I struggled with delegating tasks because I wanted everything to be perfect. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my team and focus on the bigger picture, which has made me a stronger leader.” 

“Why should we hire you?” 

  • What NOT to do: Give a generic answer like, “I’m a hard worker.” 
  • Winning Answer: “Because I have the technical skills AND the ability to collaborate across teams. In my last role, I worked closely with marketing and sales to improve customer retention by 15%. I bring both analytical thinking and a strong team dynamic, which I believe would be valuable to your company.” 

Need help nailing your interviews? Let’s refine your approach—book a coaching session today.