Interviews can be intimidating, especially for those just starting out on their career path. It’s natural to feel anxious, but making certain mistakes during an interview can cost you the job offer you’re aiming for. Fortunately, many of these mistakes are preventable with the right preparation and mindset.
Making mistakes in a job interview
Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s no different when it comes to job interviews. Whether it’s from nerves, lack of experience, or simply not knowing what to expect, interview mistakes happen more often than you might think.
However, even though these slip-ups are common, they can still have a negative impact on your chances of securing the job. The good news is that with a little forethought, you can sidestep most of them. Let’s look at some of the biggest mistakes and how to avoid them.
Common interview mistakes and how to avoid them
While interviews are a learning curve for everyone, recognising common pitfalls can help you stay one step ahead of the competition. We’ve compiled some of the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them below.
Being unprepared
The mistake
Going into an interview without researching the company or the role can make you appear uninterested or ill-equipped for the interview, let alone the job. Not knowing basic information about the company’s mission, values, or key competitors is a red flag for many employers.
How to avoid
Take time to research the company thoroughly. Visit their website, read recent news articles, and familiarise yourself with the job description. Prepare a few specific questions about the company which will show you’ve done your homework.
Not dressing appropriately
The mistake
Showing up in casual or inappropriate attire can make a poor first impression. The way you dress sets the tone before you even open your mouth.
How to avoid
It’s always a better idea to dress more formally than you think the company might require, particularly for an interview. If in doubt, research the company culture or ask the recruiter for guidance on the dress code.
Arriving late
The mistake
Arriving late to an interview is one of the quickest ways to sabotage your chances at a successful interview. It demonstrates a lack of punctuality and respect for the interviewer’s time and could set off alarm bells for any potential employer.
How to avoid
Plan your route ahead of time and aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Factor in potential traffic or public transport delays. If something unavoidable happens, call ahead to let the interviewer know as soon as possible.
Not listening to the interviewer
The mistake
Focusing too much on what you’re going to say next can lead to missing key details from the interviewer’s questions.
How to avoid
Practice active listening by maintaining eye contact, nodding when appropriate, and pausing before answering to ensure you’ve fully understood the question. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
Rambling
The mistake
Going off on tangents or providing overly long answers can confuse the interviewer and make you appear unfocused, giving the impression of nervousness.
How to avoid
Practice concise responses before your interview. Stick to the STARR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection) to ensure your answers are structured and relevant.
Not asking any questions
The mistake
When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” and you say “No,” it can make you seem disinterested in the role or company, or simply unprepared for the interview.
How to avoid
Prepare a few thoughtful questions beforehand. These can include queries about team dynamics, company culture, or potential career progression. If your questions have already been answered during your interview, inform the interviewer that your questions regarding A, B, or C have been answered during the course of the interview.
If you’re struggling for inspiration on questions to answer, take a look at our dedicated blog: 10 excellent questions to ask at the end of an interview.
Speaking negatively about previous employers or colleagues
The mistake
While there may be negative reasons for you leaving a company, bad-mouthing previous employers or coworkers can give the impression that you’re difficult to work with or unprofessional.
How to avoid
Keep your comments positive and constructive. If asked about a negative experience, focus on what you learned from it rather than dwelling on the issue or throwing others under the bus.
Being arrogant
The mistake
There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and coming across as overly confident or dismissive of others can be off-putting to interviewers. Confidence is important, but arrogance is a turn-off.
How to avoid
Balance confidence with humility. When discussing your achievements, be sure to acknowledge the contributions of others and demonstrate that you’re eager to continue learning and growing.
Giving basic answers
The mistake
Providing short, vague answers such as “yes” or “no” doesn’t give the interviewer much to work with and can make it seem like you’re not fully engaged in the job or the interview process.
How to avoid
Using the STARR method, you can give specific examples to back up your responses. For instance, if asked about your strengths, explain how you’ve demonstrated them in past experiences with concrete examples.
Closed off body language
The mistake
Similar to the way you’re dressed, closed-off body language such as slouching, avoiding eye contact, or crossing your arms can signal that you’re uninterested or defensive before you’ve even begun to speak.
How to avoid
Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and try to keep your body language open and relaxed. If you think you need to practice, ask a friend or practice in front of the mirror.
Always follow up
One mistake many candidates make happens after the interview, and that’s failing to follow up. Sending a brief thank you email can leave a positive lasting impression and reiterate your interest in the role. It might not always lead to you landing the job, but interviews can be a great way to network even if you’re ultimately unsuccessful.
How to avoid
Within 24 hours of the interview, send a polite, concise email thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating your enthusiasm for the position. A great way to show you were engaged with the interview is to mention something specific from the interview.
By avoiding these common interview mistakes, you can increase your chances of landing the job you’re aiming for. With proper preparation, self-awareness, and a little practice, you can present the best version of yourself to potential employers.
For even more interview tips from recruitment experts, take a read of 8 proven interview tips from recruitment experts.
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