Job interviews are stressful – you can make mistakes during the interview without even knowing it. Even small mistakes sometimes make the difference between getting hired & being fired. Whether it is being unprepared, talking too much, or not following up — there are some common mistakes anyone can make. But the good news is that they can be avoided with a little preparation. Knowing what to watch out for can help you feel more comfortable & make a good impression in your next interview. Here are the most common mistakes candidates make during job interviews and how you could avoid them.
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Not Preparing Enough
Going into a job interview unprepared is a terrible idea. Most people think they are able to answer in a moment – instead they fumble over words or offer vague solutions. It’s obvious to interviewers if a candidate isn’t ready. To prevent this, do your research on the company, their mission and the job role. Practice common interview questions & brainstorm examples from your work experience that illustrate your competence. With preparation, you feel more confident, and you can make a better impression.
Talking Too Much
Sometimes, nerves make us talk more than we need to. If you ramble or drift off-topic during an interview, it might seem like you’re disorganized or just not listening. Be specific in your answers. To keep this from happening, practice answering questions clearly. Keep it short – if the interviewer wants to know more, they will ask. Being brief also shows that you value their time and are mindful of communication.
Focusing Only on Yourself
One common mistake is making the interview all about you — your income, your salary, your progress, your perks, etc. These are valuable but employers are also interested in your qualifications. If you want to avoid this, balance the conversation with how your talents and experience can benefit the company. Demonstrate you have an interest in their mission and are willing to help.
Failing to Ask Questions
When an interviewer asks you if you have any questions, don’t reply with “no”. This can seem as if you’re not interested or ready. Rather, ask thoughtful questions about the organization, team, or job. For instance, you can ask questions like “What does success look like in this role?” or “What are the team’s biggest challenges right now?” This is how you can convey you’re interested and involved.
Being Too Casual
You should seem professional during an interview. If you speak, look, or behave too casually, you will seem less than professional. To keep from doing this, be respectful and polite. Dress well for your company culture, sit straight and speak good but professional language. Even if the place feels casual, respect is appreciated.
Not Practicing Body Language
Non-verbal signals are just as important as your verbal ones. Poor eye contact, slouching, or fidgeting are all bad signs to an interviewer. To avert this, learn to sit confidently, straight-backed, maintain eye-contact, and give a firm handshake when necessary. Smile & nod when appropriate – this is another way to show you’re open and interested.
Giving Generic Answers
A lot of candidates give generic responses like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m a team player.” These traits are good, but they don’t make you stand out. Employers want concrete examples of how you’ve proved this. Instead, use the STAR model – describe a Situation, Task, Action, and Resul. This is what makes your responses more interesting and memorable.
Arriving Late or Too Early
Arriving late for an interview is a red flag, but arriving too early is just awkward. Both make the interviewer feel rushed or inconvenienced. To prevent this, plan your journey beforehand, and try to be there 10–15 minutes ahead. Even if you get there earlier – hang out somewhere nearby until it’s closer to your appointment.
Criticizing Past Employers
It is a bad idea to be negative about a past employer or company. It can make you appear unprofessional or difficult to work with. Avoid it by focusing on what you learned in your previous jobs, even if they were not the most perfect. When asked why you left work, describe your reasons in a positive way, such as wanting something new or to change.
Ignoring Follow-Up Etiquette
Some people don’t follow up after the interview. This can make you seem uninterested in the job. If you don’t want to do this, follow up with a thank you email 24 hours later. Mention something from the interview that you liked or found interesting. This one simple act reiterates your passion and helps the interviewer remember you.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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