Making Your Cardinal Job Interview Stand Out: Top 5 Interview Mistakes (& How to Avoid Them)

You have an upcoming job interview at Cardinal Services and want to make a good impression. We want you to succeed, but job interviews can be nerve-wracking, no matter how experienced you are. Whether it’s your first or 50th interview, making the right impression in a short amount of time is no easy task. But here’s the good news: many of the most common interview mistakes are totally avoidable — once you know what they are.

Here are the top five job interview mistakes our Cardinal HR team members see again and again, and how you can avoid them:

1. Not Doing Your Homework

The mistake: Showing up without knowing anything about Cardinal Services or the role you are applting for.

Why it matters: Interviewers can quickly tell who’s prepared and who’s not. A lack of research suggests a lack of interest in Cardinal and the people we serve.

How to avoid it:
Spend 15 to 30 minutes researching Cardinal. Visit our website, check out our recent news stories, and review the job description. Be ready to answer:

• “What do you know about Cardinal Services?”
• “Why do you want to work here?”
  Bonus tip: Mention something specific — such as a person we serve or employee that you know, news you have heard about us, or one of our values that stands out to you.

2. Rambling or Oversharing

The mistake: Giving long, unfocused answers that go off point from the question.

Why it matters: Time is limited. We want clear, concise answers that demonstrate your qualifications and why you are a good fit with Cardinal.

How to avoid it:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses to behavioral questions. Practice common questions like:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Describe a time you faced a challenge at work.”

Keep your answers between one and two minutes unless you are asked for more detail.

3. Speaking Negatively About Past Employers

The mistake: Complaining about a former boss, company, or coworker.

Why it matters: It comes across as unprofessional and will make us wonder how you’ll talk about Cardinal if things don’t work out.

How to avoid it:
If asked why you’re leaving a job or what didn’t work at your last role, stay factual and future-focused. For example:

“I’m looking for a role where I can grow and take on new challenges, and Cardinal seems a place where I can do that.”

4. Not Asking Questions

The mistake: Saying “No, I’m good” when asked if you have any questions.

Why it matters: It may seem like a lack of curiosity or disinterest in Cardinal and what we do. Use this opportunity to learn more and show that you have an inquisitive mind, which Cardinal deems a valuable asset in an employee. Remember, interviews go both ways. You are evaluating us too!

How to avoid it:
Prepare two or three thoughtful questions in advance, like:

• “How would you describe the team culture at Cardinal?”
• “What are the next steps in the hiring process?”

5. Being Too Modest (or Overconfident)

The mistake: Downplaying your achievements or swinging the other way and coming across as arrogant.

Why it matters: Confidence is key, but so is humility. Cardinal Services wants someone who’s competent and good to work with.

How to avoid it:
Practice owning your accomplishments without exaggerating. Use phrases like:

• “I’m proud of…”
• “One of my strengths is…”
  Also, acknowledge teamwork when appropriate: “My team and I…”

Final Thought

The goal of your interview with Cardinal Services is simple: Show that you’re capable, curious, and a good fit. By avoiding these common mistakes and preparing with intention, you’ll stand out for all the right reasons – and we will look forward to working with you!