By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
The skills required to find a job are completely different from the skills required to complete the job. Most people are experts in the latter, but confused about the former. In my years of recruiting and coaching, I’ve seen thousands of candidates self-sabotage simply because they didn’t understand the “no bullshit” rules of the interview game.
Here’s a detailed look at the nine most common ways your opportunities are compromised, and how to fix them.
1. Undermining your negotiating position early
Salary questions often come up during the initial phone interview. If you commit to a number too early, you lose leverage.
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repair: Put it back on them. ask, “Can you tell me the budget range for this position?” * Operation “Baseball Park”: If they press, provide a research scope based on market data and then tie it to fit: “Based on my research on this level of liability, I see $X to $Y. I’m confident that once we determine this is appropriate, we can agree on a fair package.”
2. Give “canned” answers
If you find your answer in a generic “top 10” list, don’t use it. The interviewer immediately smelled the script.
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repair: The goal is Authenticity + Strategy. Use the Best Friend Test: Practice your answers as if you were talking to a friend. This is your true core. Now, polish it into a professional setup without sacrificing sincerity.
3. Explore negative questions
Don’t vent when asked about bad bosses, layoffs, or gaps in your resume. use ABC tools:
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A – Analysis: Why do they ask? (usually to check your emotional intelligence).
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B – Simplicity: Keep the negative part to 40 seconds or less.
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C – Positive Circle: Use what you learned or what you’re doing now to improve, around “bad” news.
4. Be an “aimless person”
In our ADHD culture, you have about 60 to 75 seconds before the interviewer exits.
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repair: Signal the end of your answer. Use a “down note” in your voice to indicate you’re done, or to return to the question: “…That’s why I believe this project is my most significant success to date.”
5. Reactive, not proactive
Don’t just wait for them to ask the “right” questions. You have to know your key selling points.
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repair: In your “tell me about yourself” introduction, connect your history to their needs. Use this sentence: “Probably the most relevant thing to this role is my experience [X]”. This immediately made the interviewer’s ears perk up.
6. Wait until the end to ask questions
An interview should not be an interrogation; This should be a conversation. The more an interviewer talks, the more they usually like the candidate.
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repair: Ask questions early. If they ask vague questions, clarify: “I’d love to answer this question – are you more interested in the technical execution, or the way I manage the team during the transition?” ### 7. Generally saying “I am a hard worker” is a meaningless phrase.
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repair: use Quantities and stories. If you can’t use dollar amounts, use percentages, quantities, or anecdotal feedback. Specificity creates memory; universality is forgotten.
8. Forget “soft” proofs
Everyone claims to be a “team player.” Don’t tell them; show them through your actions.
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repair: Treat everyone with genuine respect – from the receptionist to the junior staff member. use soar Frame your story: SCondition, oxygenTarget, oneaction, and rightresult. focus on right. What is the practical impact?
9. Failure to conduct “live” exercises
think the answer is different explain Answer.
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repair: Practice out loud. Record yourself on video to capture distracting behavior or lack of energy. You don’t get to the championship game without a scrimmage. Don’t go into an interview without a mock run.
Final thoughts: Interviewers are scared too
Hiring managers are often “fearful of the system.” They know that a bad hire can cost the company a third of their annual salary and make them look bad in the eyes of their own bosses. Your job is to provide “no nonsense” evidence so they feel comfortable choosing you.
Ⓒ Big Game Hunters, Asheville, NC 2026
About Big Game Hunter Jeff Altman
People hire “Big Game Hunter” Jeff Altman to provide no-nonsense job coaching and career advice around the world because he makes your job search and career success easier.
You can find useful information and job search guidance to help you find a job at Job Hunting.Community
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