5 Myths About Job Interviews: What You Need To Know

Hello Friends, 

Happy Monday! Welcome back to another installment of our #MondayMusing series, where this month we are mastering the art of interviewing. Today we are going to tackle five common myths that might be standing between you and your next big opportunity. Let’s bust these myths wide open, armed with real-life examples, to show you what you could do instead. 

Ready? Let’s get into it!

Myth #1: The Most Qualified Candidate Gets the Job

Reality: The most compelling candidate gets the job

Meet over confident Alex, an investment strategist who applied for his dream job and got that cherished call for an interview. He had every qualification listed in the job description and then some - 10+ years of experience when they only asked for 5 years, an impressive collection of degrees, and even an extra certification that was not required. Alex walked into the interview confident that his CV would speak for itself. Guess what? Alex did not get the offer.

Instead, the job went to Mahmood, who only met 75% of the listed requirements. Even though Mahmood was not the perfect shoo-in for the job on paper, he did something that overconfident Alex did not do. Mahmood built a strong connection with the interview panel. When asked about his competencies, he told engaging and structured stories about his work, he asked thoughtful questions that demonstrated a genuine interest in the company, and he showed enthusiasm for the company’s mission. The hiring manager saw potential, adaptability, and culture fit, which mattered more than checking every single box on the job listing.

Before you join Alex in claiming that the job interview process was rigged, here are the key takeaways: 

➝ First, If you are skipping job applications just because you don’t meet 100% of the listed criteria, please stop. Friend, you are holding yourself back and missing out on valuable opportunities. Many hiring managers are interested in the best overall candidate - someone with the right mix of skills, potential, and cultural fit. A strong applicant with relevant experience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn can often outweigh someone with a resume that meets every single requirement on paper.

➝ Second, never underestimate the power of building a genuine connection with your interviewer(s). Hiring decisions are also influenced by how well a candidate engages, communicates, and aligns with the company’s values and team dynamics. Taking the time to establish rapport can set you apart and make you a more appealing choice.

Myth #2: Just Be Yourself

Reality: Be your best and most strategic self.

Here’s a confession: I am naturally shy and reserved. I still remember my first round of law firm interviews after I graduated - I was nervous, my answers were so short and unremarkable, and I struggled to make an impression. I will never forget one particular interview with a firm in London. In my borrowed suit I looked the part of a first year associate. However, during the interview my eyes barely left the floor, my body language screamed “I don’t want to be here!”, and my responses were so brief that the panel waited in vain wondering if I still had more to say. Unsurprisingly, I did not get the job. Looking back, I wouldn’t have hired me either.

The reality is that not everyone interviews perfectly, and nerves can get the best of you. That is completely normal. But what could shy Adejoké have done differently? Well, she could have prepared by practicing with a friend, used storytelling to make her answers more engaging, and made an effort to look up, smile, and connect with the interviewers. Even those small adjustments would have helped her bring her best and most strategic self to the table.

Being “yourself” in an interview does not mean showing up unfiltered. It means showing up prepared, polished, and intentional. Your skills might get you the interview, but your presence and engagement increases your chances of getting the job.

Myth #3: You Should Have All the Answers

Reality: It’s perfectly fine not to have all the answers, as long as you show how you would go about finding the solution.

Akira, a candidate for a sales rep position, was in the middle of an otherwise strong interview when he was hit with a question he had not anticipated: “How would you handle a product recall crisis?” Panic set in. He had never dealt with a recall before. But, instead of being honest, Akira scrambled to piece together a vague response, making it up as he went along. The interviewers saw right through it, and any trust he had built quickly faded. He never got a call back.

Had Akira simply said, “That’s a great question. I have not encountered that situation before, but here’s how I would approach it…” and outlined a logical problem-solving strategy, he would have left a much better impression.

Interviewers are testing your ability to solve problems. While it is great to showcase what you know and have experienced, your capacity to adapt and think critically in unfamiliar situations is equally important. It’s often in these moments, where experience meets new challenges, that your true skills shine. Admitting you don’t know something while demonstrating a problem-solving mindset will always work in your favor more than lying or simply saying “I don’t know.” 

Myth #4: A Job Interview Is Just About Answering Questions

Reality:You should be interviewing the employer too.

Maria walked into an interview with her dream company and aced every question. She left feeling great and was excited to receive the job offer which she wholeheartedly accepted. However, a few months into the job she realized that she was starring in the latest Hollywood horror story. The culture was toxic, the work-life balance was terrible, and her boss was envious of her.

The problem? Maria had treated the interview as a one-sided test instead of a conversation. She was so focused on being pleasing to the company that she left the interview without a clue of whether the company would be a good fit for her. She never asked about team dynamics, expectations, or work environment. If she had taken the time to ask her own questions such as  “What does success in this role look like?” or “Can you tell me about the team culture?” she would have discovered that the company, despite looking good on paper, was not the right fit for her. 

Had Maria asked the right questions and paid closer attention, she might have spotted a member of the interview panel giving her the silent "run for your life!" signal with their eyes - like something straight out of Jordan Peele’s movie - Get Out!

Myth #5: If You Nail the Interview, You’ll Get the Job

Reality: Many factors are out of your control but how you follow up matters.

You might give a flawless interview that ends with them practically begging you to start tomorrow. And then the job offer never comes. When you follow up you’re told that the company decided to go in a different direction. Should you be disappointed? Absolutely! Should you become disillusioned? Absolutely, not!  

There are several factors beyond your control that can affect the outcome, even after delivering the perfect interview - budgets change, companies undergo restructuring, policies dictate that internal candidates get priority, or the company’s goals change. It is frustrating, and it is normal to feel like you’ve wasted your time. But what truly matters now is how you handle the situation moving forward. Avoid sending a complaint email to HR or the hiring manager. This is short-sighted and would not help. Instead, focus on maintaining a positive relationship with the interviewer(s). This could open doors down the line. The long game often brings unexpected opportunities either at the same company or elsewhere. 

Bringing It All Together

In the end, interviews are more than just answering questions or showing off your qualifications. You want to make a connection. By debunking these common myths and adjusting your approach, you can walk into any interview as your best and most strategic self. Playing the long game by building strong relationships, showcasing your problem-solving abilities, and asking the right questions can pave the way for your success whether at that company or elsewhere. 

So, the next time you step into a job interview, remember: it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being prepared.

Have a wonderful week and remember: With The Right Network Anything Is Possible.™

Adejoké

Team Konseye