6 Common Job Interview Mistakes to Avoid

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you think the job is a perfect fit for your skills and career goals. There are a few things you should be aware of that can sabotage your chances of making a good impression on the hiring manager.

The following list includes actions you should avoid and what you should do instead. Once you’re aware of the common interview mistakes people make, you know what to avoid and how to prepare for your interview in a way that helps you stand out.

1. I’m not prepared

It would help if you avoid approaching your interview with a “wing it” attitude. To make a good impression on the interviewer, you can prepare for your interview a few days before the appointment. Review the organization’s website, press releases, and social media accounts to research them before the interview. You should also review your resume and practice potential interview questions.

Preparing for your interview ahead of time can help you arrive at the meeting feeling confident and ready to answer the interviewer’s questions. Your preparation should include planning your route and leaving enough time to deal with delays you encounter during your journey.

If your interview is virtual, you need to make sure that the technology is working and that you have set up your computer the way you want it. Have your login details handy and eliminate any distractions. You may be interested in learning tips for a stress-free remote interview.

Get plenty of rest to be energized and fresh for the interview and prepare to impress the interviewer positively. You want to be as comfortable as possible during the interview so you can give your full attention to the interviewer, so make sure you’re hydrated and eat something before the interview.

2. Dressing inappropriately

Avoid dressing casually for a job interview. Smart-casual may increasingly be quintessential workwear; however, professional attire is the most appropriate business attire for job interviews.

If you’re not sure how to dress for the interview, you can ask the hiring manager what the workplace dress code is and use that as a guide for your interview attire. If you don’t hear back from the hiring manager, it’s better to dress too formally than to underdress for an interview. No matter what you decide to wear, make sure the clothes are clean and unwrinkled.

3. Inconsistency and wandering

When the interviewer asks you a question, don’t be afraid to take a few seconds to think about the question before you answer. Avoid going off on a tangent or not answering the interviewer’s question.

Try to speak at a medium speed and avoid mumbling. If the interviewer has to ask you to repeat yourself more than once, you need to be careful about your presentation and pacing. You can practice with a friend, family member, or colleague by using a recording app on your phone to hear how you sound in your answers.

Interviewers know you might be nervous, so if you can’t think of an answer right away, you can ask for a few seconds to collect your thoughts or come back to the question later. Keep your answers short, no matter how friendly or welcoming the interviewer is.

Remember that a job interview is a professional situation, so don’t stray or share too much about your personal life. If you need a place to vent your frustrations, you might be interested in learning about stress-relieving apps for venting to strangers online or venting into the void.

4. Criticize previous colleagues and employers

Many interviewers will ask why you are considering leaving your current job. Answering that you don’t like a manager or company can make the interviewer question your motivation for applying for the position and your attitude.

You don’t want to be critical of your current employer or colleagues. Your answer might include saying you’re looking for a new challenge or want to be part of a smaller or larger organization. Speaking negatively about your co-workers can make the interviewer wonder what you would say about them in a similar situation.

Your responses to current and previous employers should be diplomatic. Potential employers don’t want complaining or disloyal employees. Instead of focusing on other people’s mistakes, please focus on the positive steps you have taken to overcome them, showing your ability to be positive.

No matter how bad a given situation was, badmouthing a previous employer won’t make a potential employer feel good about you, so resist the temptation to complain about a former or current employer. If you’re getting ready to leave your job, you might be interested in learning the dos and don’ts of exit interviews.

5. Don’t ask any questions

You don’t want interviewers to think you haven’t done any research or don’t want to learn anything about the position or the company, so you should come to the interview with questions. Employers want to gauge your level of interest in the job, so you should come to the interview with questions you’ve prepared.

You can ask questions about the role, the team you’d work with if you’re the successful candidate, or anything you’ve learned while researching the organization. Write down the questions or print them out and bring them to the interview so you don’t forget what you want to ask.

It can make a great first impression when you show an extra level of engagement with the questions you ask. The answers you get can help you better understand the job and determine if it’s right for you. When you get to the end of your interview, expect the hiring manager to ask if you have any questions.

Even if the interviewer has answered most of your questions, you don’t want to tell them you don’t have any. Stay away from questions that can be answered in your research. You also don’t want to ask questions about paid time off or whether you got the job.

6. Distraction from your phone

If you’re in the habit of constantly checking your phone, you can eliminate the temptation to use your phone during an interview by leaving it in your car. If you are traveling to the interview by public transport or otherwise, put your phone on silent and put it away before the interview.

Keeping your phone out of sight is extremely important so you’re not tempted to check your messages or other notifications. Talking and texting during an interview can be viewed by the interviewer as disruptive and rude. It sends a message to the hiring manager that you don’t consider the discussion a priority.

Instead of going through your phone while you wait for the interview, you can pick up some organizational literature and read it while you wait. If there is no literature, you can check any corporate announcements or marketing materials posted on the walls.

Your cell phone isn’t the only thing that can distract you during an interview. Pay attention to the habits you exhibit when you are under stress, such as constantly sniffling for a cough, biting your nails, chewing gum, twirling your hair, or tapping your shoes.

Preparing for the interview, getting a good night’s sleep, and practicing interview questions can help you calm down and reduce your need for nervousness. If you need help de-stressing, you might be interested in learning how the Balance app can help you relieve stress with personalized meditation.

Preparation is the key to job success

Being prepared for anything makes us feel more confident in our actions. Doing your research, having a plan for your phone, practicing interview questions, and getting a good night’s rest are all great ways to prepare for your date.

The good news is that you don’t have to prepare yourself! Ask a family member, friend, or colleague to help you practice, and be sure to bring a list of questions to ask.