'Do you even want this job': HR expert reveals the common interview mistake that can cost you the job before you know it

In the high-stakes world of job interviews, most candidates worry about saying the wrong thing. But according to Angela Beatty, Accenture’s Chief Leadership and Human Resources Officer, it’s what you don’t say — or more precisely, what you don’t know — that could cost you the role before you even realize it.

According to report from CNBC Make it, Bratty revealed that there’s one red flag that continues to stand out: candidates who show up without a clear understanding of the role they’ve applied for.

“It seems basic,” Beatty admits, “but it happens more often than you’d think.” The result? It makes the applicant look like they’re “blanketly applying” to any open job without a moment’s pause to reflect on whether it’s a good fit — for them or the employer.

More Than Just a Resume
In today’s competitive job market, showing up unprepared can no longer be brushed off as a casual oversight. When Beatty asks candidates what they can bring to a role, she expects more than generic answers. A failure to connect personal experience to the role’s expectations signals a deeper issue: lack of genuine interest.

“If they haven’t thought about how they’ll contribute, it becomes hard to believe they’ll care once they’re in the job,” she says. And it’s not just about securing a paycheck — hiring managers want to see candidates who are as invested in the mission as they are in the money.

This applies to resumes, too. Beatty advises avoiding unexplained short stints in your employment history, which can raise doubts about your ability to stay long enough to make a difference. Instead, she recommends highlighting how you've grown and learned over time — whether through professional roles or outside projects.

It’s Not the 90s — Do Your Homework
In an era where company websites, Glassdoor reviews, LinkedIn profiles, and even employee blogs are just a click away, showing up uninformed is no longer excusable. Beatty calls it “an easy pitfall to avoid,” especially when the tools are literally at your fingertips.

It’s not about memorizing a company’s founding date or CEO’s name. It’s about making the connection between who you are and what they need. Read the job description closely. Look up your interviewers. Think critically about how your experience can meet — or even exceed — the demands of the role.

“Spending a little time doing some homework in advance really will pay off,” Beatty insists.

More Than Just a Job — It’s a Match
Ultimately, Beatty isn’t alone in her thinking. Jolen Anderson, Chief People and Community Officer at BetterUp, agrees that a lack of research suggests the company is a “backup or second choice.” And no one wants to be someone’s plan B — especially when they’re looking for long-term commitment.

So next time you’re prepping for an interview, ask yourself the real question: Why do I want this job? Because if you don’t know — or worse, haven’t even thought about it — chances are the interviewer will figure that out before you open your mouth. And when that happens, your dream role might just slip away before it ever had a chance to begin.