Top 20 Interview Mistakes that Can Cost You a Job Offer and How to Avoid Them
Olubunmi Aromona MBCS, MCIM, MAPM, MBA.
??LinkedIn Top Voice |??31k+ Followers | Digital Transformation Leader | Volunteer Head Digital Strategy & Social Media | Agile Coach | Consultant | Speaker | Writer | Ethical AI Enthusiast
Table of Contents
Introduction
According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 49% of employers know within the first five minutes of an interview whether a candidate is a good fit for the job. This highlights the importance of making a strong first impression.
A study by Classes and Careers found that 33% of bosses know within the first 90 seconds of an interview whether they will hire someone. This emphasises the significance of body language, appearance, and initial rapport.
According to a study by CareerBuilder, 67% of employers say that failure to make eye contact is a common nonverbal mistake made by candidates during interviews, while 38% say that not smiling is also a common mistake.
Please find below some tips:
1. Badmouthing Previous Employers
Why to Avoid
Badmouthing past employers or colleagues can reflect poorly on you and raise red flags for potential employers.
Better Approach
Focus on positive aspects and what you learned from previous experiences. For example, say, "I learned a lot about project management in my last role, and I am excited to bring that knowledge to your company."
2. Lying or Exaggerating
Why to Avoid
Dishonesty can be easily discovered and can lead to losing the job offer or being fired later.
Better Approach
Be honest about your skills and experiences. Highlight your strengths and show a willingness to learn.
3. Being Unprepared
Why to Avoid
Not knowing about the company or the role indicates a lack of interest and initiative.
Better Approach
Research the company and the role thoroughly. Prepare questions that demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm.
4. Speaking Too Much or Too Little
Why to Avoid
Rambling can show a lack of focus, while brief answers can signal disinterest.
Better Approach
Provide clear, concise responses, and elaborate where necessary to showcase your expertise.
5. Arriving Late
Why to Avoid
Being late shows poor time management and disrespect for the interviewer's time.
Better Approach
Plan to arrive early. If something unavoidable occurs, notify the interviewer as soon as possible.
6. Dressing Inappropriately
Why to Avoid
Inappropriate attire can make a poor first impression.
Better Approach
Dress professionally and appropriately for the company culture.
7. Using Filler Words or Slang
Why to Avoid
Overuse of fillers or slang can make you seem unprofessional.
Better Approach
Practice speaking clearly and confidently. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering questions.
8. Checking Your Phone
Why to Avoid
Looking at your phone during an interview is disrespectful and distracting.
Better Approach
Turn off your phone or set it to silent before the interview starts.
9. Failing to Follow Up
Why to Avoid
Not sending a thank-you note can be perceived as a lack of interest or appreciation.
Better Approach
Send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours, reiterating your enthusiasm for the role.
10. Discussing Salary and Benefits Prematurely
Why to Avoid
Bringing up compensation too early can seem like you are only interested in money.
Better Approach
Wait for the interviewer to bring up salary discussions. Focus on demonstrating your fit for the role first.
11. Not Researching the Company
Why to Avoid
Failing to understand the company’s mission, values, and recent developments can make you appear disinterested.
Better Approach
Spend time researching the company’s history, achievements, and culture. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the role and can also help you tailor your answers.
12. Ignoring Non-Verbal Communication
Why to Avoid
Non-verbal cues like poor eye contact or crossed arms can convey disinterest or discomfort.
Better Approach
Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and smile. These positive body language signals can enhance your verbal communication.
13. Interrupting the Interviewer
Why to Avoid
Interrupting can come off as rude and impatient.
Better Approach
Listen carefully and wait for the interviewer to finish speaking before responding. This shows respect and good communication skills.
14. Not Asking Questions
Why to Avoid
Failing to ask questions can indicate a lack of curiosity or interest in the role.
Better Approach
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. This demonstrates your engagement and eagerness to learn.
Example; "What are the company’s goals for the next year, and how does this role contribute to achieving them?" This question shows your interest in how the role aligns with the company’s long-term objectives.
15. Being Too Familiar
Why to Avoid
Being overly casual or familiar can undermine your professionalism.
Better Approach
Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor throughout the interview. Save personal anecdotes for more appropriate contexts.
16. Displaying Negative Body Language
Why to Avoid
Negative body language like fidgeting or avoiding eye contact can signal nervousness or disinterest.
Better Approach
Practice positive body language, such as nodding to show understanding and keeping your hands still.
17. Overemphasising Job Titles
Why to Avoid
Focusing too much on titles can make it seem like you are more interested in status than in contributing to the team.
Better Approach
Emphasize your skills and how you can add value to the company, regardless of the job title.
18. Failing to Tailor Responses
Why to Avoid
Generic answers can make it seem like you are not genuinely interested in the specific role.
Better Approach
Tailor your responses to align with the job description and the company’s needs. Show how your experience is directly relevant.
19. Overloading Your CV
Why to Avoid
A cluttered CV can overwhelm the interviewer and obscure your key qualifications.
Better Approach
Keep your CV concise and focused on relevant experiences and accomplishments.
20. Forgetting Important Documents
Why to Avoid
Showing up without necessary documents like your CV or portfolio can be seen as unprofessional.
Better Approach
Prepare a folder with extra copies of your CV, references, and any other relevant documents. Bring this with you to the interview.
21. BONUS TIPS TO CONSIDER:
Neglecting to Close the Interview ? Failing to express your continued interest in the role at the end of the interview. Make a closing statement. Example; "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I am really excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [Company Name]. I believe my skills and experiences align well with the requirements of this role, and I am eager to bring my expertise in [specific skill or experience] to help achieve your goals. I look forward to the possibility of working together."
Not Addressing Gaps in Employment ? Be prepared to explain any significant gaps in your work history.
Poor Body Language ? Slouching, avoiding eye contact, or fidgeting can make you appear nervous or uninterested. Here are some tips on how to use body language effectively, along with practical examples.
1. Maintain Good Posture
Example: Sit up straight with your back against the chair and your feet flat on the floor. This posture conveys confidence and attentiveness. Avoid slouching, as it can make you appear disinterested or lacking in confidence.
2. Make Eye Contact
Example: When answering questions or listening to the interviewer, maintain eye contact to show that you are engaged and confident. However, do not stare, as this can be intimidating. Aim for natural, steady eye contact.
3. Use Appropriate Gestures
Example: Use your hands to emphasize points naturally, but keep gestures controlled and not too exaggerated. For instance, if you are discussing a project you led, a gentle hand movement can underscore your point without being distracting.
4. Smile Genuinely
Example: A genuine smile can convey friendliness and enthusiasm. Smile when you greet the interviewer, when appropriate during the conversation, and when you part ways. Avoid forcing a smile, as it can come off as insincere.
5. Practice a Firm Handshake
Example: A firm handshake can set a positive tone at the beginning and end of the interview. Make sure your grip is firm but not crushing, and accompany it with a friendly greeting and eye contact.
6. Avoid Fidgeting
Example: Keep nervous habits, such as tapping your foot, playing with your hair, or fidgeting with a pen, in check. These actions can be distracting and may signal nervousness or lack of confidence. Instead, keep your hands rested on your lap or on the table.
7. Mirror the Interviewer’s Body Language
Example: Subtly mirroring the interviewer’s body language can create a sense of rapport. If the interviewer leans slightly forward, you can do the same. However, be subtle to avoid looking like you are mimicking.
8. Nod to Show Understanding
Example: Nod slightly when the interviewer is speaking to show that you are listening and understanding. This can encourage the interviewer to continue sharing information and can make the interaction more positive.
Not Applying the SEE Factors - Smile, Eye contact and Enthusiasm should be applied
Not making good first impression - applying the suggested approaches would make a good first impression.
Social Media Factor - please see statistics below:
Conclusion
Avoiding these common interview mistakes can greatly improve your chances of landing the job you want. Remember to stay prepared, professional, and positive throughout the process. Your next job interview could be your best yet—what other tips have helped you succeed in interviews?
Sources:
FAQs
Q: Why is it important to avoid badmouthing previous employers during an interview? A: Badmouthing previous employers can make you seem unprofessional and difficult to work with. It is better to focus on what you learned from past experiences and how they have prepared you for the new role.
Q: How can I avoid using filler words during an interview? A: Practice speaking clearly and confidently. Taking a moment to gather your thoughts before answering can also help reduce the use of filler words.
Q: When is the appropriate time to discuss salary and benefits? A: It is best to wait until the interviewer brings up the topic of salary and benefits. Focus on demonstrating your fit for the role first.
Q: How can I ensure I am prepared for an interview? A: Research the company thoroughly, review the job description, and prepare thoughtful questions. Also, practice your responses to common interview questions.
About the writer.
'Bunmi is an experienced Digital Strategy Leader, a LinkedIn Top Voice and an Agile Practitioner.
Please feel free to share your thoughts on the article in the comment section.
??LinkedIn Top Voice |??31k+ Followers | Digital Transformation Leader | Volunteer Head Digital Strategy & Social Media | Agile Coach | Consultant | Speaker | Writer | Ethical AI Enthusiast
3 个月According to a study by CareerBuilder, 67% of employers say that failure to make eye contact is a common nonverbal mistake made by candidates during interviews, while 38% say that not smiling is also a common mistake.
??LinkedIn Top Voice |??31k+ Followers | Digital Transformation Leader | Volunteer Head Digital Strategy & Social Media | Agile Coach | Consultant | Speaker | Writer | Ethical AI Enthusiast
3 个月A study by Classes and Careers found that 33% of bosses know within the first 90 seconds of an interview whether they will hire someone. This emphasises the significance of body language, appearance, and initial rapport.
??LinkedIn Top Voice |??31k+ Followers | Digital Transformation Leader | Volunteer Head Digital Strategy & Social Media | Agile Coach | Consultant | Speaker | Writer | Ethical AI Enthusiast
3 个月According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 49% of employers know within the first five minutes of an interview whether a candidate is a good fit for the job. This highlights the importance of making a strong first impression.