Landing an interview is only half the battle — the real challenge is making a lasting impression that gets you the offer. Many candidates unknowingly sabotage their chances with small mistakes that add up. Here are 12 common slip-ups, along with practical fixes to help you shine in your next interview.
1. Neglecting the basics: research, resume, and prep
The mistake: Walking in unprepared, with only a vague idea of the company or role.
The fix: Research the company, tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills, and practice common interview questions.
2. Unprofessional appearance or poor etiquette
The mistake: Dressing too casually, arriving late, or forgetting simple courtesies.
The fix: Dress appropriately for the industry, arrive 10–15 minutes early, and greet everyone politely.
3. Weak body language and nonverbal signals
The mistake: Slouching, avoiding eye contact, or weak handshakes.
The fix: Sit up straight, maintain natural eye contact, and offer a confident but not crushing handshake.
4. Being overconfident or underwhelming enthusiasm
The mistake: Coming off arrogant — or looking like you don’t care.
The fix: Strike a balance: be confident in your abilities, but show genuine excitement for the opportunity.
5. Rambling, vague, or overly general answers
The mistake: Talking in circles without addressing the actual question.
The fix: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give structured, specific answers.
6. Asking too few (or wrong) questions
The mistake: Saying “No questions” or asking about perks too soon.
The fix: Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, or company culture.
7. Dropping negative comments about past employers
The mistake: Complaining about old jobs or managers.
The fix: Frame past challenges as learning experiences and keep the focus on growth.
8. Oversharing personal details or life drama
The mistake: Going off-topic or revealing too much personal info.
The fix: Keep your answers professional, concise, and relevant to the job.
9. Failing to mirror the interviewer’s energy
The mistake: Coming across as too stiff or too casual compared to the interviewer.
The fix: Match their tone and energy level while staying authentic.
10. No follow-up or thank-you note
The mistake: Skipping the post-interview follow-up.
The fix: Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours, reinforcing your interest.
11. Lack of note-taking — or too much jargon/superlatives
The mistake: Forgetting key details or overusing phrases like “I’m the best.”
The fix: Bring a notepad for brief notes and let your achievements speak for themselves.
12. Asking for money or small-talk taboos
The mistake: Jumping into salary talk too early or making awkward conversation.
The fix: Wait for the right stage to discuss compensation, and stick to safe small-talk topics.
Final Thought
Interviews aren’t just about proving your skills — they’re about showing professionalism, adaptability, and cultural fit. Fixing these common mistakes can turn an average interview into a winning one.
Credit:brightside.me
