What are the most common job interview mistakes?

1 Not doing your research

One of the first and most important steps before any interview is to do your homework on the company, the role, and the interviewer. You need to demonstrate that you are interested and informed about the organization, its mission, vision, values, culture, and goals. You also need to show that you understand the expectations and responsibilities of the position you are applying for, and how you can contribute to the team and the company. And you need to know who you are talking to, their background, their role, and their style. Doing your research will help you prepare relevant and specific questions, tailor your answers, and build rapport with your interviewer.

2 Not dressing appropriately

Your appearance is the first impression you make on your interviewer, and it can influence their perception of your professionalism, competence, and fit. You want to dress appropriately for the industry, the company, and the role you are applying for. You don't want to be underdressed or overdressed, as both can signal a lack of respect or awareness. You also want to avoid anything that can distract or offend your interviewer, such as loud colors, excessive accessories, or inappropriate attire. You want to look neat, clean, and confident, and match the company's dress code and culture.

3 Not being punctual

Being late for an interview is one of the worst mistakes you can make, as it shows a lack of respect, reliability, and interest. It can also ruin your chances of making a good impression, as you may appear flustered, stressed, or unprepared. You want to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time, to give yourself enough time to check in, relax, and get ready. To avoid being late, you should plan your route, check the traffic, and anticipate any delays or obstacles. You should also have the contact information of your interviewer, in case you need to notify them of any unforeseen circumstances.

4 Not being honest

Honesty is the best policy when it comes to interviews. You don't want to lie, exaggerate, or omit anything that can damage your credibility or reputation. You want to be truthful about your skills, experience, achievements, and goals, and provide concrete examples and evidence to back them up. You also want to be honest about your weaknesses, challenges, and failures, and show how you have learned from them and improved yourself. You don't want to pretend to be someone you are not, or claim to know something you don't. You want to be authentic, humble, and transparent, and show your integrity and value.

6 Not following up

The interview is not over until you send a thank-you note to your interviewer, preferably within 24 hours of the meeting. A thank-you note is a polite and professional way to express your appreciation, reiterate your interest, and highlight your strengths. It can also help you stand out from other candidates, and keep you in the mind of your interviewer. You want to send a personalized, concise, and error-free email, or a handwritten note if appropriate, to each person who interviewed you. You want to thank them for their time and attention, mention something specific that you discussed or learned, and reaffirm your fit and enthusiasm for the role. You also want to include a call to action, such as asking for feedback, next steps, or contact details.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?