Interviews can be nerve-wracking.
You walk into the room with hopes, dreams, and sweaty palms.
But here's the kicker: many of us sabotage our chances not by lacking qualifications but by committing some painfully common interview blunders.
This article will break down the 20 interview mistakes you should never make.
Why?
Because sometimes, it’s not about being the best candidate—it’s about not being the worst in the room.
Stats to Have in Mind
- 33% of hiring managers1 decide within the first 90 seconds if they’ll hire someone, so being late or dressing inappropriately can ruin your chances quickly.
- 47% of employers will reject candidates who lack knowledge about the company.
- 67% of employers are negatively impacted by candidates who fail to make eye contact; 33% dislike a weak handshake.
- 86% of employers prioritize strong communication skills, making clear and concise answers essential.
- 75% of employers catch candidates lying on their resumes, leading to 85% of candidates being immediately disqualified.
- 25% of hiring managers pass on candidates for appearing overconfident.
- 33% of candidates fail to ask questions2, often leading to a perception of disinterest.
- 70% of employers are influenced by personal hygiene and appearance.
- 68% of hiring managers prefer candidates who show enthusiasm over technical skills.
- 57% of candidates fail to follow up after an interview, even though 80% of employers expect it.
It Goes Both Ways When It Comes For Interviews.
One thing to remember is that not every role or company is the right fit for you. I’ve encountered blunders committed by interviewers.
For example, in some interviews, they’ve mistaken my CV and name for someone else’s, and one interviewer even said, “Oh, I saw this as African, so I thought it was you.” I also waited an hour in the room, only for the interviewer to tell me they had to attend another meeting and asked if I could wait another two hours.
Some interviewers don't introduce themselves and jump straight into asking 100 questions a minute.
Then, some are clueless, scrambling to find questions online during the interview. The worst is when they start saying bad things about the company and look stressed out, saying it’s because they are dealing with a critical incident that happens every day.
If things like this happen, be professional anyway.
Conduct is regular, and when you arrive home, send an email thanking you for the time and rejecting further, respectfully.
Avoid These 20 Interview Mistakes
1. Being Late: The Ultimate Deal Breaker
You know how people say “first impressions matter”? They’re right, and being late for interviews can completely ruin yours. Showing up late signals one thing to an employer: you’re unreliable. It’s like telling them, “You can’t trust me to be on time.” Even if you’re running late for a legitimate reason (traffic happens!), not giving them a heads-up is where you fail. So, always plan, and if something goes wrong, notify them immediately.
2. Dressing Inappropriately: Not Knowing Your Audience
Don’t get me wrong; nobody expects you to show up in a tuxedo. But dressing too casually can send the wrong message. If you don’t look like you put in the effort to understand the company culture, it may seem like you don’t care enough. Whether it’s a buttoned-up corporation or a laid-back startup, do some homework and align your attire with their vibe.
3. Talking About Salary Too Soon: The Elephant in the Room
We get it; salary matters. But bringing it up too early in the interview process makes it seem like that’s all you care about. Imagine going on a first date and talking about finances right away—awkward? There’s a time and place for salary discussions, but the initial interview isn’t it. Wait until they’re invested in you as a candidate.
4. Lack of Research on the Company: Your Ticket to Failure
This one should be obvious, yet it’s a top mistake people make. Not knowing basic information about the company—like what they do, their core values, or recent achievements—screams unpreparedness. It’s not just about impressing the interviewer; it’s about showing you want this job, not just any job. Lack of research? You might as well pack up and go home.
5. Not Knowing Your Resume: Who Are You, Again?
Your resume is your story, so what does that say if you can’t confidently discuss it? If you stumble over dates, experiences, or job roles, it gives the impression you either lied on your resume or don’t care enough to remember. Be ready to elaborate on every point you’ve listed. After all, you wrote it!
6. Speaking Poorly About Previous Employers: Red Flag Alert
We’ve all had bad bosses, but throwing them under the bus in an interview? That’s a no-go. Employers will assume you’ll badmouth them, too. Even if you left under dire circumstances, spin it positively. Mention what you learned rather than dwell on the negatives.
7. Interrupting the Interviewer: A Conversation, Not a Debate
It’s natural to be eager, but cutting off your interviewer mid-sentence? That’s not enthusiasm—that’s poor listening. Interviews are as much about how you communicate as what you communicate. So, listen carefully, let them finish, and respond thoughtfully.
8. Using Filler Words: Um, Like, You Know
We all use filler words when we’re nervous, but if your answers are peppered with “us” and “likes,” it can diminish your professionalism. The key to avoiding this is practice. Prepare responses to common questions and rehearse them out loud. That way, you sound polished and confident.
9. Failing to Ask Questions In Interviews: Are You Even Interested?
If you leave an interview without asking questions, you’ve missed an enormous opportunity. Not asking anything makes it look like you’re not genuinely interested in the role or the company. Prepare at least two to three thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your homework.
10. Rambling Off-Topic During Interviews: Stay Focused
Interviews have a limited time frame, and rambling off into unrelated topics wastes time and can confuse the interviewer. Stay concise and on point. If you’re answering a question about your experience with teamwork, don’t veer off into your weekend hobbies. Focus on what’s relevant.
11. Overconfidence: The Line Between Confidence and Arrogance
Confidence is critical in any interview, but overconfidence? Not so much. Nobody wants to hire someone who acts like they’re too good for the job. Employers wish for humility, and while it’s essential to showcase your strengths, do it without acting entitled or dismissive.
12. Inappropriate Body Language: What Are You Saying?
Slouching, avoiding eye contact, or fidgeting can send signals you’re unaware of. Non-verbal cues are just as important as your answers. Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and stay calm. These subtle actions show confidence and engagement.
13. Failing to Show Enthusiasm: Do You Even Want This Job?
Why should they hire you if you don’t seem excited about the role? Enthusiasm shows you’re genuinely interested and motivated to contribute to the company. Smile, ask questions, and clarify that this is a role you’d love to take on.
14. Answering with Clichés: Stand Out, Don’t Blend In
Using tired phrases like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard” doesn’t make you stand out—it makes you forgettable. Instead of falling back on clichés, give real examples. What’s your weakness, and how have you overcome it? Be authentic.
15. Not Preparing for Common Interview Questions: Are You Ready?
There are some interview questions you can almost always predict, such as “Tell me about yourself” or “Why do you want this job?” Not preparing for these basic questions suggests laziness or lack of foresight. Prepare and practice your answers until they feel natural.
16. Giving Short, Non-Descriptive Answers: Less is Not Always More
Answering questions too briefly can make it seem like you don’t have much to say or, worse, that you’re hiding something. Always elaborate enough to provide context and insight into your thought process, but don’t go overboard.
17. Focusing Too Much on Salary: It’s More Than Just a Paycheck
This is different from bringing up salary too soon. Even when it’s the appropriate time, focusing too heavily on compensation can come off as mercenary. Employers want to know you’re interested in the role, not just the paycheck. If you seem more interested in money than the company’s mission, it’s a red flag.
18. Being Too Formal or Too Casual: Strike the Balance
Interviews can be tricky when it comes to tone. Too formal, and you risk seeming robotic. You are too casual, and you seem unprofessional. The key is to read the room and mirror the tone set by your interviewer. Strike a balance—professional yet personable.
19. Lying or Exaggerating: Honesty Is Still the Best Policy
It might be tempting to exaggerate your role in a project or claim skills you don’t have, but it’s a high-risk move. Employers often cross-check information with references or even through skill assessments. Getting caught in a lie can cost you the job, even if you are a strong candidate.
20. Confronting the Interviewer: Don’t Turn It Into a Battle
Sometimes, you might feel challenged by a question or the interviewer’s tone. However, getting defensive or argumentative is a colossal mistake. Interviews aren’t battles—they’re conversations. Stay calm, professional, and respectful, even if you disagree.
The One Blunder You Must Never Fail?
It’s simple: lack of research on the company3. Knowing nothing about the company is a fatal flaw, no matter how stellar your resume or how charming your personality is.
It shows that you didn't care enough to prepare, and it signals disinterest. You can recover from many mistakes in an interview, but if you walk in clueless about the company, you're likely walking out empty-handed.
Preparation is critical to success in any interview. And while some mistakes are recoverable, many blunders outlined above can seriously derail your chances. So, the next time you land an interview, steer clear of these 20 common mistakes, stay sharp, and let your preparation and personality shine!
Any More?
- Behaviours include chewing gum during the interview4,
- Coming on the wrong day,
- Not coming at all (which cancels any future opportunity),
- Refusing to perform technical exercises,
- Looking at your phone, or forgetting to mute your phone while interviewing.
References
- https://www.twinemployment.com/uk/blog/8-surprising-statistics-about-interviews/ ↩︎
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hiring-all-wrong-exposing-flaws-standard-job-martin-gibbons-dnr6e ↩︎
- https://www.ambition.co.uk/blog/2019/09/top-4-mistakes-to-avoid-in-an-interview ↩︎
- https://www.classace.io/answers/why-shouldnt-you-chew-gum-during-an-interview ↩︎