SEO interviews can be a daunting challenge, but the good news is: preparation is key! Over the last decade, I’ve reviewed hundreds of CVs, led countless interviews, and conducted technical tests for SEO candidates. Along the way, I’ve seen my fair share of common mistakes that even the brightest candidates make—mistakes that could be holding you back from landing your next SEO role.

Want to know how to ace your next SEO interview? Avoid these 10 common blunders that can seriously hurt your chances.

1. Arrogance vs. Confidence: Know the Difference

Confidence is a must, but arrogance? Not so much. A lot of SEO candidates fall into the trap of thinking they need to boast about their knowledge. Yes, highlight your wins—whether it’s a complex project you conquered, results you delivered, or a tough stakeholder you got on board. But don’t assume your way is the only right way. SEO is diverse, and your experience may not align with everyone else’s. Be confident, but leave room for open-minded discussion.

2. Vague Answers: Don’t Make Your Interviewer Guess

Interviews are your moment to shine, so don’t leave your interviewer hanging! Avoid talking about projects or achievements without providing clear details or data. Use the STAR method to better your answers:

• Situation: What was the problem?
• Task: What was your role?
• Action: What did you do?
• Result: What was the outcome? Did you improve traffic, rankings, or conversions? Quantify it!

3. Dodging the Question? Big Mistake!

Don’t get sidetracked or try to steer the conversation toward what you feel comfortable discussing. Answer the question directly. If you haven’t dealt with a specific situation (like a website migration or stakeholder pushback), own it and explain what you would do. The worst thing you can do is make something up—you’ll get caught.

4. Speaking the Wrong Language

Know your audience! If you’re talking to non-SEO stakeholders, don’t overwhelm them with jargon. On the flip side, if you’re talking to an SEO head, don’t water down your experience just to sound simple. Gauge their SEO knowledge level and tailor your responses accordingly.

5. Disrespecting Current Site Progress

If you’re interviewing with an SEO team, don’t assume their site is in bad shape just because you spotted a few issues. Be respectful. They might already be aware of the problem and dealing with internal constraints. Show empathy by asking about challenges they’re facing, rather than pointing out issues like you’re the expert.

6. Not Preparing for Specific Questions

Ever blank out in the middle of an interview? It happens! But you can avoid it. Prepare ahead by reviewing common SEO challenges, especially ones tied to the job you’re applying for. If you’re gunning for a senior SEO role, be ready to discuss complex issues like crawling, indexing, migrations, or ranking drops. If it’s an account manager role, prepare to talk through your client presentations and SEO proposals.

7. Waffling: Answer Clearly or Risk Losing the Job

No one likes a rambling interviewee. Don’t start talking without knowing what you want to say. Take a second to think and structure your answer. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if the question is unclear. Remember, a well-structured, concise response speaks volumes.

8. Bribery or Threats: A Career-Ending Move

I’ve seen it happen: candidates trying to bribe or threaten their way into a job. Don’t offer to “guarantee” results or make empty promises. No one is impressed by threats or trying to manipulate the process. Be honest, professional, and respectful.

9. Over-Contacting the Company: Play It Cool

Yes, you’re excited, but bombarding interviewers with messages after your interview can backfire. Follow up once to express gratitude, but don’t overdo it. Interviewers are busy, and your persistence may seem like desperation. A quick, professional follow-up goes a long way.

10. Inflating Your Involvement: Honesty Is Key

Don’t exaggerate your role in a project just to sound impressive. If you weren’t deeply involved in a project, don’t claim you were. When the interviewer starts digging into the details, you’ll get caught. Stick to the truth and focus on projects you genuinely contributed to.

Conclusion: Be the Candidate They Remember

By avoiding these common interview mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impression. Stay confident, prepared, and humble, and you’ll position yourself as the ideal SEO candidate. The right approach can help you nail your SEO interview and land your next job.

If it all still feels overwhelming and confusing, don’t worry—explore our monthly SEO packages and let the experts take care of it for you!