The Most Common Job Interview Mistakes – How They Can Be Avoided

By Talentwolf

Applying for new jobs can be frustrating and overwhelming as you fill out each and every application as best as you can. Then there’s the waiting period as you eagerly anticipate a call back about your CV and a scheduled interview.

But once you finally do get that coveted call asking you to come in for an interview, it’s time to prepare yourself for the in-person interview. You’ll want to sell yourself to the interview panel so that you land the job. Of course, you want to make a good first impression, but you also want to make sure you put your first foot forward.

Job interviews aren’t the easiest thing in the world. Some people dread interviews because they get too nervous and anxious, totally bombing the interview as they trip over their words and completely forget about all the things they practised at home. Interviews are tricky because you only have a limited time to discuss your skills, past work experience and more.

Because you don’t have much time to go into a lot of detail about yourself and why you are the best candidate for the position, you need to make sure that you stand out. In order to do that here are some of the most common job interview mistakes and how to avoid them!


  1. Not Being Prepared

 A job interview isn’t the place where you just want to wing it. Like a big test for school, you’ll need to prepare for the job interview. Remember, there are several other candidates just like you competing for the same position.

So you want to make sure you ace it! Prepare what you’re going to say, how you’re going to explain your skills, why you want the job and get up to speed about the company, too. The day of the interview, you want to be prepared to answer whatever they ask!


  1. Running Late

 You never want to show up to an interview late. In fact, it’s better if you arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early! Always give yourself enough time to get to the location so that you can get situated before you have to go in. When you show up late, you’re giving off the vibe that you’ll also show up late to work. It exhibits poor time management skills and is an insult to the company and your interviewer as it suggests you don’t care about their time.


  1. Not Dressing Appropriately

 Showing up to an interview looking polished and professional is key to giving off a good impression. Even if the position allows you to dress more casual, you want to show up to the interview wearing business casual clothing. Looking well-dressed and put together shows the company that you are professional.


  1. Showing Up With A Drink In Hand

 Although you might not think anything of it, showing up to the interview with a drink in your hand is a huge job interview mistake. Fuel up before y our interview with water, coffee or soda and throw it out before you enter the building.

Going into an interview with a drink won’t allow you to fully focus on the interviewer and their questions. A drink in front of you allows for distraction like fiddling with the cup, taking a sip instead of answering a question and the like. Plus, there’s the chance for accidents and spills!


  1. Not Knowing About The Company

As part of your research, study up on the company itself. You don’t want to be asked if you know about the company and not have an answer. Familiarize yourself with some background information on the company, including its locations, history, mission statement and the like. These are all available in their “About Us” section on the company’s website. It’s also a good idea to check out their social media channels to get a better feel for the company, too.


  1. Bringing Your Phone To The Interview

Before you head into the interview, silence your phone or leave it in your car. You don’t want to bring out your phone at all during the interview! Doing so is a clear message that the job is not a top priority for you.


  1. Zoning Out During The Interview

Not paying attention during the interview is a big red sign to the interviewer that you don’t care about the position. Stay alert and don’t zone out. Make sure that you get enough rest the night before so that you aren’t tired. The last thing you want to do is miss a question or get distracted when the interviewer is speaking to you.


  1. Talking Too Much

Making sure to get your voice heard is important during an interview, but you also want to stay away from talking too much. Keep your answers short and to the point. Don’t ramble and go off on tangents. Don’t get sidetracked and talk about your personal life, either. Make sure the conversion is professional.


  1. Trashing Your Other Employers

When talking about your experience, don’t talk bad about past employers. Never badmouth your other bosses or coworkers. It just looks bad. The interviewer will think you’ll do the same to them if you get hired.


  1. Not Following Up

When you leave the interview, don’t think the process is over! Don’t forget about the follow-up. Send a thank-you email to the interviewer for their time. This small gesture can go a long way and help you get the job!   Now that you know what NOT to do in an interview, it’s time to go create your profile on Talentwolf, the most trusted recruiter site!