Top Interview Mistakes to Avoid: Expert Advice for UK Job Seekers

Atkins Search is a leading East Midlands recruitment agency specialising in the construction, consultancy, engineering and property sectors. We’ve helped hundreds of candidates navigate the interview process successfully, from freelance project managers to engineering professionals and consultancy specialists. As such, we know exactly the common interview mistakes to avoid if you want to land your next job.

If you’re seeking senior job opportunities in a leading construction consultancy or looking to impress in a freelance engineering role, here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls and walk into your next interview with confidence. 

Common Interview Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) 

1. “I wish I’d researched the company more.” 

Before stepping into any interview, take time to thoroughly research the business. Visit their website, understand their values, read recent news, and check who you’re meeting on LinkedIn. For professionals in sectors like construction main contractors in Nottingham or consultancies hiring in Yorkshire, knowing your potential employer’s latest projects shows genuine interest and commercial awareness. 

2. “I didn’t ask enough questions.” 

Interviews are a two-way street. Failing to ask insightful questions can make you seem disinterested. Aim for thoughtful, role-specific queries such as: 

• “How does success look in this position over the first 6 months?” 

• “What are the next big projects your team is preparing for?” 

 In roles like Quantity Surveyor jobs in the Midlands, showing forward-thinking is essential. 

3. “I talked too much (or not enough).” 

It’s easy to ramble when you’re nervous or, conversely, freeze up. Practice concise, structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Recruiters at Atkins Search often advise candidates to rehearse responses tailored to construction consultancy jobs or freelance engineering contracts, depending on the role. This is also a technique we can help you with either in-person or on a Teams call to fully prepare you. 

4. “I undersold my experience.” 

Don’t be modest to a fault. Interviews are your opportunity to showcase achievements. Whether you managed multi-million-pound tenders or led complex civil engineering projects, now is the time to speak up. 

Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid in Engineering Job Interviews 

Engineering interviews (especially technical or design roles) are where small mistakes can cost you the offer. Here’s what to watch out for: 

• Talking too much about team efforts without highlighting your own contributions. 

• Not being able to explain why certain engineering decisions were made in your past projects. 

• Failing to show how your work has added commercial value. 

Employers want to understand how you think, not just what you’ve done. Data shows 69% of employers say analytical thinking is an “essential” skill. Analytical thinking is about solving problems, looking at a situation, understanding the risks and rewards based on the data available, and making a call or otherwise finding a solution. Preparation is key. 

Freelance Project Manager Interview Tips UK 

Freelancers often need to stand out more in interviews, especially when contracts are competitive. Key things to keep in mind: 

• Bring a portfolio. If you’ve delivered complex projects on time and under budget, show the evidence. 

• Be clear about availability and preferred working arrangements. 

• Prepare to answer how you’ll fit into existing teams quickly and manage multiple stakeholders. 

Working with a recruiter like Atkins Search means you’ll get advice tailored to freelance interviews and the clients we work with across the UK. 

Construction Project Management Interview Tips UK

The interview for a construction project manager position will test not only your technical knowledge but also your ability to handle the pressures and complexities of large-scale construction efforts.  

• Being ready to discuss your experience managing complex building projects 

• Showcase ability to manager teams  

• Prepare some answers to typical construction project manager interview questions 

Understanding the key areas recruiters want to probe and preparing strong responses can be the difference between landing your dream job or not. 

Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid in a Quantity Surveyor Interview 

The high demand for quantity surveying skills is reflected in the competitive salaries offered in this field. However, the attractive salaries also signify that there is substantial competition for each role and possessing the skills, experience, and qualifications alone won’t guarantee you the job. Avoid: 

• Evading the question. 

• Discussing a failure (unless asked). 

• Minimising the situation. 

• Exaggerating the situation. 

• Claiming you have no experience with the topic. 

• Denying the premise of the question. 

• Adopting a passive role in the situation. 

• Giving a one-sentence answer. 

• Over-explaining the scenario and not focusing on the action. 

Leverage your experience, which applies even if you haven’t held a Quantity Surveyor position before. A Quantity Surveyor is responsible for various tasks, including cost estimation, contract management, and risk assessment. You don’t need to have previously held a Quantity Surveyor title to have participated in related activities. 

East Midlands Recruitment Agency Interview Advice 

As a specialist recruitment agency in the East Midlands, Atkins Search has years of experience guiding candidates through interviews with top employers in Nottingham, Birmingham, Yorkshire, and beyond. 

Here’s our top advice: 

• Practice out loud and use the STAR method to structure answers. 

• Tailor your approach. Don’t use a generic CV or interview style for every company. 

• Follow up properly and always send a thank-you note after the interview. It leaves a lasting impression. 
  

Why Work with a Specialist Recruitment Consultancy? 

At Atkins Search, we go beyond CVs. We coach our candidates on how to succeed in interviews, providing tailored preparation for roles across Construction, Consultancy, and Residential sectors. Our personalised approach ensures you’re ready to make a confident impression and avoid post-interview regrets. 

Looking for your next opportunity? 

Explore our current roles or speak to one of our experienced consultants today. We’re proud to partner with market-leading employers across the UK. Recognised as one of the UK’s most trusted recruitment partners, we provide permanent, temporary, and retained search recruitment solutions across the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, London, and Yorkshire.  

Please contact one of our constants or view our latest opportunities to begin your career today.  

FAQs: Construction & Consultancy Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid

Q: What’s the best way to prepare for a construction interview in the UK? 

Research the company, prepare project examples, and understand industry trends like sustainability or new regulations. At Atkins Search, we’ll help you build a bespoke preparation plan. 

Q: What questions should I ask in a consultancy interview? 

Ask about how success is measured, team structures, and development opportunities. Showing curiosity and industry understanding helps you stand out. 

Q: What are the most common mistakes in engineering job interviews? 

Lack of preparation, vague technical answers, and not showcasing your personal impact on projects are major red flags. 

Q: I’m a freelance project manager. How can I stand out in interviews? 

Bring clear examples of project delivery, talk through your stakeholder communication strategy, and show flexibility in working arrangements. 

Q: Why should I work with a recruitment agency like Atkins Search? 

We offer industry-specific interview coaching, insights into employer expectations, and personalised support throughout your job search.