The Top 10 Things NOT to Do in an Interview (And How to Do Better)
Don't be this guy in an interview (please, we're begging)
Interviews can be stressful, but they’re also a great opportunity to showcase your skills and personality. However, making certain mistakes during an interview can hurt your chances of landing the job. To help you avoid these pitfalls, here are the top 10 things you should NOT do in an interview—along with tips on how to do better!
1. Don’t Show Up Late
It may seem obvious, but arriving late to an interview gives off a bad first impression. It shows a lack of respect for the interviewer’s time and suggests poor time management.
Do This Instead: Always aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early. This not only shows punctuality but also gives you time to calm your nerves and mentally prepare. If something unavoidable happens (like a traffic accident), be sure to communicate it as soon as possible and provide an updated ETA.
2. Don’t Dress Inappropriately
Wearing overly casual or mismatched attire can signal that you're not taking the interview seriously. Your appearance speaks before you do! Whether it’s an in person or virtual interview, make sure to dress to impress. When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you crush interviews!
Do This Instead: Dress appropriately for the company’s culture. If you're not sure what the dress code is, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Research the company beforehand and dress in business casual or formal attire unless otherwise indicated.
3. Don’t Badmouth Previous Employers
Speaking negatively about past jobs or colleagues can make you seem unprofessional and difficult to work with.
Do This Instead: Keep things positive. If asked why you left a job, focus on your desire for new challenges or opportunities to grow, not on the faults of your previous employer. Keep your tone respectful and professional at all times.
4. Don’t Go in Unprepared
Showing up without knowledge about the company or role can make you seem uninterested. Lack of preparation leads to vague answers and missed opportunities to show your value.
Do This Instead: Always research the company, its culture, and the role you're applying for. Be ready to speak to why you want to work there, what value you bring, and how you align with their mission or values.
5. Don’t Ramble
Going off-topic or providing long, unfocused answers can make you appear scattered and unclear. It’s easy to lose the interviewer’s attention this way.
Do This Instead: Keep your answers concise and to the point. Use techniques like the STAR method to structure your answers. Focus on answering the question directly, and if you feel yourself veering off course, steer back to the main point.
6. Don’t Lie or Exaggerate
It’s tempting to embellish your experience, but getting caught in a lie (even a small one) can cost you the job.
Do This Instead: Be honest about your skills and experiences. If there’s a gap or area you’re lacking in, acknowledge it and highlight your willingness to learn or how you're already working to improve.
7. Don’t Forget to Ask Questions
When asked if you have any questions at the end of the interview, saying “no” can signal a lack of interest or engagement.
Do This Instead: Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role, team, or company. Ask about the company culture, challenges the team faces, or what success looks like in the role.
8. Don’t Give Generic Answers
Providing cookie-cutter responses or clichés like “I’m a perfectionist” can make you blend in with other candidates.
Do This Instead: Personalize your answers. Share real experiences that demonstrate your skills. For example, if asked about your strengths, give an example of a time you used that strength to solve a problem or contribute to a team.
9. Don’t Forget to Follow Up
Skipping a follow-up email makes you miss an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and thank the interviewer.
Do This Instead: Send a follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview. Thank the interviewer for their time, mention something specific from the conversation, and briefly restate your enthusiasm for the position.
10. Don’t Interrupt or Dominate the Conversation
Cutting off the interviewer or speaking too much can make you seem disrespectful or self-centered. It also prevents you from actively listening to key information about the role.
Do This Instead: Practice active listening. Let the interviewer finish their thought or question before responding. Use brief pauses to show that you’re considering their words carefully, and engage in a two-way conversation.
Conclusion
Interviews are a chance to shine, but they can also be tricky if you're not prepared. Avoid these common mistakes by staying calm, focused, and professional. With the right mindset and preparation, you can turn any interview into a winning opportunity.
Remember, it's not just about avoiding what not to do, but also about practicing how to improve. Every interview is a learning experience—one step closer to your next job offer!
