10 Common Interview Mistakes That Could Cost You the Job

Interviews are often nerve-wracking experiences, and for good reason. It's your moment to shine, impress, and secure that new role. Yet, even the most qualified candidates can make common mistakes that end up costing them the job. If you’re heading into an interview, steer clear of these blunders to improve your chances of landing the offer.

1. Arriving Late

Being late to an interview signals a lack of respect for the interviewer’s time and shows poor time management skills. This can immediately set a negative tone, and for many employers, it’s a dealbreaker.

How to Fix It: Always plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. Check the route, account for traffic, and aim to give yourself some buffer time. If you’re running late due to an emergency, notify the interviewer as soon as possible.

2. Not Researching the Company

Failing to research the company before the interview is a major red flag. If you can’t be bothered to learn about the company’s mission, culture, or industry, why should they hire you? It gives the impression that you’re not really interested in the job.

How to Fix It: Spend time understanding the company’s history, values, recent projects, and competitors. You don’t need to know every detail, but you should be able to confidently discuss why you want to work there and how you’d fit in.

3. Giving Generic Responses

"Tell me about yourself." "Why do you want this job?" These are common questions that should come with thoughtful answers, but too many candidates respond with bland, boilerplate responses. Generic answers fail to show what makes you unique.

How to Fix It: Prepare specific, tailored responses that link your skills and experiences to the job. Use real examples to demonstrate your qualifications. Show how your background connects with the role and the company's goals.

4. Talking Too Much or Too Little

Finding the right balance between being concise and being thorough is tricky. Rambling can make it hard for the interviewer to find the key points in your responses. On the flip side, giving one-word answers can make you seem disengaged or unprepared.

How to Fix It: Focus on clear, structured answers that give enough detail but don’t overwhelm. A good guideline is the STAR method—describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result for relevant examples. Keep your responses focused, and ask the interviewer if they'd like you to elaborate where necessary.

5. Bad Mouthing Previous Employers

Even if your last boss was the stuff of nightmares, talking badly about previous employers will only make you look unprofessional. It could also lead the interviewer to wonder if you'll be just as negative about them in the future.

How to Fix It: When discussing previous jobs, focus on what you learned and how you’re looking for new opportunities. If you’re asked why you’re leaving, keep it positive and forward-thinking.

6. Being Unprepared for Common Questions

You will be asked questions like, "Why do you want to work here?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Stumbling through these is a clear sign that you haven’t put in the necessary preparation, which makes you look unprofessional.

How to Fix It: Rehearse answers to common interview questions so that you’re not caught off guard. This doesn’t mean memorising a script, but it does mean having clear, confident answers that demonstrate your thought process and fit for the role.

7. Not Asking Any Questions

The "Do you have any questions for us?" moment at the end of the interview is your opportunity to show you’re genuinely interested in the role. Saying you don’t have any questions comes across as indifferent and signals a lack of curiosity about the position or the company.

How to Fix It: Prepare a few thoughtful questions in advance. Ask about the company culture, team dynamics, or expectations for the role. This shows that you’re engaged and thinking about how you’d fit into the organisation.

8. Poor Body Language

You might not realise it, but your body language can say more than your words. Slouching, avoiding eye contact, crossing your arms, or constantly fidgeting can give the impression that you’re disinterested or uncomfortable.

How to Fix It: Practice good posture, maintain eye contact, and show positive body language by nodding or smiling when appropriate. Non-verbal cues can reinforce your enthusiasm and confidence in the interview.

9. Oversharing Personal Information

Some candidates fall into the trap of oversharing irrelevant personal details. While it’s great to connect on a human level, bringing up personal problems, controversial opinions, or unrelated hobbies can make the interview awkward and detract from your professionalism.

How to Fix It: Keep your responses professional and relevant to the role. It’s fine to add personality, but make sure you’re focusing on aspects of yourself that contribute to the job and the company.

10. Forgetting to Follow Up

Once the interview is over, many candidates make the mistake of leaving it there. A simple follow-up email can make a lasting impression and reinforce your interest in the position.

How to Fix It: Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. Keep it brief, express appreciation for their time, and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. This small gesture can set you apart from other candidates who skip this step.

Interviews may seem daunting, but they are really just an opportunity to showcase your best self. The great news is that most common mistakes are completely avoidable with a little planning and attention to detail. By being punctual, preparing thoroughly, and presenting yourself with confidence, you will stand out as a top candidate.

Each interview is a chance to learn, grow, and improve, so go in prepared, stay positive, and remember that you are just one step away from landing that job. With the right approach, you can turn potential pitfalls into stepping stones for success!

Got a question for us? Get in touch with Humanised Group for you next hire or job search today!