What could happen so badly that you don’t get the job?

Here is a list of some common mistakes that remain all too prevalent and continue to surface:

• Dressing unprofessionally
• Showing up late, unprepared, seeming in a hurry, etc.
• Displaying a lack of enthusiasm or interest during the interview
• Failing to make eye contact or engaging with the interviewer
• Providing vague or irrelevant answers to questions
• Criticizing a previous employer or coworker inappropriately
• Overlooking the importance of asking insightful questions about the role
• Neglecting to follow up with a thank-you note or email after the interview
• Demonstrating a lack of understanding of the job role or industry trends
• Appearing unprepared to discuss your skills and achievements
• Using inappropriate language or humor during the conversation
• Exhibiting poor body language, such as crossing arms, yawning, or looking around the room

No matter how qualified or confident a candidate may be, interviews can be challenging. Many people walk away from interviews realizing they could’ve done things differently. Here are some interview mistakes—and how to avoid them in the future.

Not Researching the Company Thoroughly

One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to go beyond surface-level research. Reading just the homepage or a few social media posts isn’t enough. When asked why they’re interested in the company, many candidates give vague or generic answers that fail to show genuine interest.

What to do instead: Review the company’s mission, recent news, and any key initiatives. Learn about their industry position, values, and even the background of your interviewer if possible.

Using Buzzwords Without Examples

Words like “team player,” “detail-oriented,” or “strong communicator” are commonly used, but without real-world examples, they fall flat. Hiring managers have heard all of the words.

What to do instead: Back up every trait with a specific story or measurable result. For instance, instead of saying “I’m good at problem-solving,” describe a time you successfully navigated a difficult project or situation.

Rambling or Over-Explaining

Nerves often cause candidates to talk too much, lose focus, or speak in circles. This can make answers unclear or show reduced confidence.

What to do instead: Practice giving clear, concise answers. It’s okay to pause and think before speaking—it shows confidence and thoughtfulness.

Asking Surface-Level Questions

When asked if they have any questions, many candidates default to basic ones like “What is a typical day like?” or “What’s the team size?” These don’t leave a strong impression.

What to do instead: Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate curiosity and critical thinking. Examples:

• “What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?”
• “What would success look like in the first 90 days?”

Skipping the Thank-You Note

Not sending a thank-you email can be viewed as a lack of follow-through. It’s a small gesture that can have a big impact.

What to do instead: Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours. Mention something specific from the conversation and express enthusiasm about the role.

Tales from Personal Experiences

#1: Mixing Up Resumes
I once interviewed a candidate who began talking about companies and roles that weren’t listed on the resume I had pulled up. Embarrassed, she admitted she thought the interview was for a completely different role. Mixing up the position and being unprepared revealed a lack of professionalism and research, and the interview ended shortly after.

Moral of the story: If you’re applying for multiple roles, keep track of your resumes and interview schedules. Preparation and attention to detail matter.

#2: Overexplaining “Tell Me About Yourself”
A candidate once answered this question by going into hobbies, foods, and vacation plans—but didn’t connect anything back to her professional background. Overexplaining or going off-topic like this can cause the interviewer to lose focus.

Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to stay on topic and highlight your contributions. Include measurable results to demonstrate impact.

#3: A Little Bit of Orange Luck
I worked with a candidate eager to break into IT. He had the right attitude and people skills but lacked confidence in his technical background. To give him a boost, I sent him an orange tie—a nod to the company’s branding.

During the interview, the hiring manager immediately noticed the tie and complimented him. He landed the job.

Lesson: Sometimes, preparation, confidence, and a small gesture can make all the difference.

#4: Showing Up Late and Unprepared
One candidate arrived 15 minutes late, underdressed, and gave vague answers. When asked if they had questions, they said, “No, I think you’ve covered everything.”

Takeaway: Small missteps—being late, underdressed, or disengaged—add up and can overshadow even the strongest resume.

#5: Wrong Address
Early in my career, I once showed up to the wrong office location for an interview. Thankfully, I had left early and managed to make it on time to the correct address.

Moral of the story: Always double-check interview details. Leave early, and confirm the address in advance.

No matter what you do during an interview, mistakes are bound to occur. However, it’s your response to those mistakes—and your overall preparation—that can truly shape the interviewer’s perception of you.