Interview mistakes refer to errors in communication and behavior that can negatively impact how the interviewer perceives you, such as arriving late, talking too much, and wearing inappropriate attire. Although such missteps can hurt your chances of securing the job, the good news is that you can easily prevent them with the right guidance and preparation.
In this article, we’ll share a list of interview mistakes and explain how to avoid them to help you impress the interviewer and move forward to the next phase of the hiring process.
Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
Some examples of interview mistakes include picking inappropriate attire, providing vague responses, and displaying a lack of enthusiasm.
Since most candidates forget to write a thank-you email after the interview, you can set yourself apart from your competitors by simply sending one to the interviewer.
Other slip-ups you should watch out for during interviews include not remembering the details of your resume, providing generic answers, and failing to recover from interview mistakes.
Most Common Interview Mistakes Candidates Make
Let’s see what the most common interview mistakes are:
#1. Showing Up Late or Too Early
Arriving on time for a job interview demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and respectfulness. Even better, it shows you’re good at time management, a skill that is critical across all roles and industries.
Ideally, you should enter the building around 10 minutes before your interview begins. If you arrive earlier, don’t ask to start the interview sooner; it can make you seem inconsiderate.
Now, even the most punctual of people can’t help but run late at times. Does this mean your chances of landing the job are ruined? Not necessarily.
Here’s what to do if you’re late to an interview:
Solution
Contact the interviewer and inform them about your estimated time of arrival as soon as possible. If it doesn’t work for them, offer to reschedule. Once you make it there, briefly but sincerely apologize before moving on with the interview.
#2. Being Unaware of Your Body Language
Poor body language can leave a bad first impression; you want to be mindful of non-verbal communication that includes eye contact, posture, hand gestures, and so forth.
According to Mark Walker from Sheffield Hallam University, body language accounts for 55% of information gathered during communication.
Here are some tips to ensure it sends the correct message to the interviewer:
Solution
Once invited in, introduce yourself to the interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile.
Maintain brief eye contact and subtly mirror the interviewer’s body language to establish rapport.
Avoid crossing your arms and try to keep your hands with the palms up to signal openness.
#3. Choosing Inappropriate Attire
One of the most common interview mistakes is coming in overdressed or underdressed. At the very least, you should be well-groomed and look professional.
Not sure what to wear to an interview? Here’s how to figure that out:
Solution
Consider the company’s dress code and industry norms. If you’re applying for a job at a local coffee shop, a start-up, etc., you can dress more casually than someone looking to get hired at a well-established law firm. In any case, you should avoid flashy accessories, revealing clothing, excessive makeup, and intense fragrances to make the right impression.
And don’t forget about comfort; you have more important things to worry about during the interview than your shirt riding up!
#4. Being Unprepared for the Interview
Going unprepared is the worst interview mistake you can make. Knowing nothing about the company or the role brings your chances of moving to the next stage of the hiring process close to zero. So, no matter how good you are at improv, you don’t want to wing the interview.
Solution
Allocate some time to research the company. Check out their website and social media profiles to learn about their mission, values, and company culture. This way, you’ll know exactly what to say when the interviewer asks you related questions, such as “Why do you want to work here?”
Also, make sure to rehearse your answers to the most common interview questions so that you don’t feel put on the spot.
#5. Using the Wrong Tone
Using the right tone in a job interview shows social awareness, competence, and preparedness. Plus, it can help you convince the interviewer you’ll fit in well with the team. A typical example of this interview mistake is using overly casual language in a formal job interview, or vice versa.
So, how do you choose the right tone? It’s not rocket science:
Solution
To get the tone right, observe the interviewer and adjust your communication style to match theirs. If they’re pretty relaxed and casual, you don’t have to be too formal; it can make you seem stiff. Otherwise, stick to professional, calm, and formal communication.
#6. Talking Too Much or Too Little
Job interviews are, without a doubt, stressful, and while some candidates can’t stop talking when they’re anxious, others barely speak at all. Both of these count as interview mistakes, and they can both be avoided with a little practice.
Here’s how:
Solution
No matter which side of the spectrum you’re on, preparation is key to acing the interview. To gain more confidence and reduce the likelihood of rambling or forgetting important details, consider holding a mock interview with someone you know.
And remember: it’s perfectly fine to pause, breathe, and even ask for a second to gather your thoughts before answering questions.
#7. Providing Vague Answers
Interviewers expect you to provide clear, concise, and direct answers to their questions. So, if you’re thinking, “What should I avoid during an interview?” the answer is simple: talking in circles and being vague. Phrases like “I’m a team player,” “I’m detail-oriented,” etc., aren’t likely to impress the interviewer.
Solution
Use specific examples to provide context and back up your claims. If possible, use the STAR method to give structured answers. It works especially well for behavioral interview questions.
#8. Showing a Lack of Enthusiasm
In most cases, a bad interview does mean no job offer, and if there’s one thing that can make a job interview go wrong, it’s apathy. If you don’t show genuine interest in the job, they may assume you don’t even want it and choose another, more motivated candidate.
Solution
You don’t have to be brimming with excitement. Maintaining eye contact, smiling occasionally, and explaining what makes you passionate about the role go a long way in showing the interviewer you aren’t applying to every job listing in sight.
#9. Being Overly Enthusiastic
Displaying over-the-top enthusiasm is another interview mistake you should avoid. As exciting as it may be to land an interview for your dream job, too much eagerness can backfire and make you look immature or desperate. In some cases, it might even come across as insincere and inauthentic.
Solution
Don’t let enthusiasm overshadow your professionalism. Match the interviewer’s tone and energy levels. Most importantly, maintain composure and show you’re interested without straying off topic, showing too much emotion, etc.
#10. Making It All About Yourself
Only focusing on yourself and your expectations is an interview mistake that will surely leave a bad taste in the interviewer’s mouth. Even if you’re a good match for the role, only talking about what you want can make you come across as self-absorbed, signaling that you’re a poor fit for the company.
Solution
Research the company and the role to find out what exactly they’re looking for and tailor your answers accordingly to position yourself as the perfect fit. Instead of talking about what you want to get from the job, emphasize the value you would bring to their organization by highlighting relevant work experience, skills, achievements, and other valuable assets.
#11. Acting Too Familiar With the Interviewer
A job interview isn’t the right place to be making new friends. While you want to be warm, acting too casually too soon is anything but professional.
Here are some examples of what not to say in an interview:
“So, do you have any kids?”
“I feel like I’ve known you for ages! Let’s grab a bite when you’re finished, what do you think?”
“Sorry for being late, my boyfriend and I had a fight, things have been tense between us lately.”
While you may think such communication could help build rapport, it’s more likely to make the interviewer uncomfortable. Here’s how to fix it:
Solution
Be professional. Avoid sharing details about your private life and asking personal questions. If you catch yourself being overly familiar, redirect the conversation back to the job or your professional background.
#12. Being Distracted
One of the biggest mistakes in Gen Z interviews is using a phone during the interview. However, phones aren’t the only distraction. It’s not uncommon for candidates to simply zone out, whether due to a lack of sleep or an information overload. Unfortunately, this can negatively affect the impression you leave.
Solution
Ensure you get enough quality sleep and eat well before the interview; fatigue and hunger can easily hijack your brain. Also, make sure you turn off your phone and put it away to minimize distractions before entering the interview room. If your mind wanders while the interviewer is speaking, take a breath and politely ask the interviewer to clarify their point or repeat the question.
#13. Criticizing Past Employers or Colleagues
Badmouthing your previous employers and coworkers is never a good idea, even if you had a terrible boss or a coworker who got you fired. It’s natural to bear resentment in such cases, yet it should never show in a job interview. You don’t want the recruiter to think that you’re difficult to get along with, or that you’ll speak badly about their company in the future.
Solution
When asked about your previous workplace, stay discreet and professional. You don’t have to disclose the full story. If possible, try to reframe the negative experience as something positive. For example, if your boss was disorganized yet demanding, you can simply mention that you’ve learned how to adapt to dynamic, high-stress situations in your previous job.
#14. Lying
Lying is an interview mistake that can cost you your reputation. It doesn’t take a detective to find out whether you’re telling the truth or not; most hiring managers can easily spot a lie. And if you’re caught lying, your chances of landing a job will probably decrease dramatically.
Solution
Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses; recruiters don’t expect you to be perfect, but they do expect you to be truthful. Don’t exaggerate your skills, experience, or achievements. Even if you don’t match the company’s expectations 100%, focus on transferable skills and experiences instead of fabricating your work history.
#15. Being Too Honest
Just like lying, being honest to a fault can do more harm than good. A study by Nicolas Roulin and Franciska Krings shows that applicant faking isn’t exclusive to dishonest individuals; most applicants adapt their responses to match the organization’s culture. Radical honesty isn’t the best policy in job interviews, as it can be off-putting and lead to self-sabotage.
Solution
Balance truthfulness with tact. When asked about your biggest weakness, for example, describe one that isn’t super relevant for the job and mention the steps you’re taking to overcome it. If the interviewer asks any illegal job interview questions, you can always politely decline to answer them.
#16. Rushing to Discuss Salary
While salary negotiations are an essential part of the hiring process, jumping straight into discussing the pay and benefits is a critical interview mistake. You don’t want the interviewer to think you’re only in it for the money!
Solution
Don’t initiate the salary talk; the interviewer will likely bring up this topic sometime during the interview. If they don’t, wait until it’s your turn to ask them questions. Ideally, you should ask about the salary and benefits once you run out of other questions.
#17. Avoiding Salary Discussions
While some people can’t wait until it’s time to discuss compensation, others hesitate to name a number when asked. “Oh, I’m not really sure; I haven’t even thought about it” isn’t the best response; it shows a lack of confidence, experience, and preparedness. As a result, you may receive an offer that is lower than you deserve.
Here’s how to answer questions on salary expectations:
Solution
Research the average salary for the position you’re applying for and assess your skill level objectively. Instead of a fixed number, name a range that fairly reflects your value as a candidate and aligns with industry norms.
#18. Overselling or Underselling Yourself
According to a study done by Andreas Dimopoulos, candidates’ self-confidence plays a significant role in shaping recruiters’ decisions. If you lack confidence and it shows, you’re less likely to be invited to a second interview or get hired, so you shouldn’t sell yourself short.
However, boasting can also put interviewers off; people rarely, if ever, find arrogance attractive.
Solution
Find that sweet spot between humility and arrogance. Don’t brag, but don’t downplay your achievements either. Also, make sure you highlight relevant achievements whenever applicable, without dwelling on them excessively.
#19. Asking No Questions
Not having any questions to ask can make you look uninterested in the position. However, you should pick your questions carefully. Asking something you should already know about the company, for instance, shows you came unprepared.
Solution
Take the invitation to ask questions as an opportunity to learn more about the position, team, or company culture. Our guide on questions to ask an interviewer can help you nail this part of the interview.
#20. Not Following Up
Most candidates assume that once the interview is over, all they have to do is wait for the hiring manager to call or contact them. Sending a follow-up email, therefore, can help you stand out from your competition and increase your chances of landing the job.
Solution
Don’t just sit around and wait; send a thank-you email to the interviewer shortly after the interview. Be polite and respectful, as forcefulness can put them off.
Here’s a simple email template you can use:
Email Template
Dear [Interviewer’s name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [Job title] position at [Company’s name]. It was a pleasure to talk to you and learn more about this opportunity.
Please let me know if I can help you with any additional information. Looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,
[Your name]
3 More Slip-Ups to Watch Out For on Job Interviews
Here are some other slip-ups to watch out for in job interviews:
Job Interview Slip-Ups
Not knowing your resume. Review your resume before the interview so you can clarify or elaborate on your skills and experience without fumbling. After all, struggling to explain something mentioned in it can raise a red flag.
Providing generic answers. Broad, generic answers aren’t effective in proving your suitability for the role. Whenever possible, tailor your responses to the position to show you’re the perfect fit for it.
Repeating interview mistakes. Can one bad answer ruin an interview? The answer is: it depends. Interviewers understand that this process is nerve-racking, and most will agree that it is OK to make errors in an interview as long as you recover from them. However, you shouldn’t get too relaxed; making sure you’re focused on the present moment can help you avoid most of the mistakes mentioned above.
Interview Success Begins With Your Resume
A well-crafted resume is essential for capturing the recruiter’s attention and securing interviews. With our resume builder, you can write one within minutes!
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At Resume.co, we offer a wide range of resources for job seekers that extend far beyond resume writing. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, we’re dedicated to providing expert guidance throughout your professional journey, from practical job search insights to valuable career advice.
Final Thoughts
Job interviews are one of the most stressful steps of the hiring process. As long as you avoid the interview mistakes we’ve discussed in this guide, though, you can rest assured you’ll leave a good impression.
And if you do accidentally slip up, don’t worry; it can happen to anyone, so don’t let it chip away at your confidence. Remember: you can always bounce back and win the interviewer over!
