Common Job Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Landing a job interview is a huge step forward, but it's also just one part of the process. Interviews give hiring managers a sense of who you are, beyond what's on your resume, and they offer a glimpse into how you might fit into the team. Even small mistakes, though, can impact the impression you leave and potentially stand between you and the job you want. Being aware of common mistakes — and learning how to avoid them — can make all the difference.

This guide covers typical pitfalls in four areas: pre-interview preparation, communication during the interview, body language, and post-interview follow-up.  

Pre-Interview Preparation Mistakes

1. Skipping Company Research

The Mistake: Failing to research the company before an interview is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes candidates make. Interviewers can usually tell when a candidate hasn't taken the time to learn about the company's goals, values, and current projects.

Why It’s Problematic: A lack of knowledge about the company suggests to hiring managers that you’re not fully invested or, worse, that you’re not detail-oriented.

Solution: Spend time on the company’s website, read recent news articles about them, and look up their mission statement. You can also check out the company’s social media and see what they’ve been posting lately. Being able to reference a current initiative or project they’re working on will show you’re genuinely interested.

Example: Imagine an interviewer asking, “What excites you about working at our company?” If you answer with a general statement like, “It seems like a great place to work,” it shows little thought. A better response would involve mentioning a specific project or recent milestone the company achieved, demonstrating you’ve done your homework.

2. Underestimating the Importance of Practice

The Mistake: Going into an interview without preparing responses to common questions, like “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” can lead to rambling or unclear answers.

Why It’s Problematic: Stumbling over basic questions can give the impression that you’re unprepared or unsure of yourself.

Solution: Practice answering common interview questions out loud, ideally with a friend or family member who can give feedback. If no one is available, record yourself. Aim to structure answers in a way that’s clear, concise, and relevant to the role.

Example: A candidate who’s prepared will answer “What are your strengths?” with something concrete, such as, “I have strong project management skills. In my last role, I led a team project that came in 10% under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule.” This is far more impactful than a vague “I’m organized.”

3. Poor Time Management

The Mistake: Arriving late to an interview, or even too early, can set a negative tone right from the start.

Why It’s Problematic: Arriving late reflects poorly on your reliability, while arriving too early can inconvenience your interviewer.

Solution: Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Test your route in advance if possible and account for potential delays. If it’s a virtual interview, set up your space and technology at least 15 minutes beforehand.

During-Interview Communication Errors

1. Talking Too Much or Too Little

The Mistake: Giving overly long answers can be just as problematic as giving one-word responses. Both signal a lack of awareness of the interviewer’s time and needs.

Why It’s Problematic: Rambling answers can lose the interviewer’s interest, while brief responses may suggest a lack of enthusiasm or engagement.

Solution: Aim for answers that are between 30 seconds to two minutes long, depending on the question. Practice keeping responses focused by using examples and summarizing key points.

Example: If asked about a challenging situation, briefly describe the context, the challenge, your actions, and the outcome (the STAR method). Avoid adding extra details unless asked.

2. Dodging the Salary Question

The Mistake: Some candidates become flustered or try to avoid answering when asked about salary expectations.

Why It’s Problematic: Not having a range or avoiding the question can make you appear unprepared or overly timid.

Solution: Do some research beforehand to understand the typical salary range for the role and company. Have a range ready that you feel is fair, and communicate it confidently if asked.

Example: A good way to phrase it could be, “Based on my research and experience, I believe a range between $X and $Y would be fair for this position. However, I’m open to discussing this further based on the company’s budget and needs.”

3. Being Negative About Past Employers

The Mistake: Speaking poorly about previous employers or roles can leave a bad impression.

Why It’s Problematic: This negativity can make you seem difficult to work with or unprofessional.

Solution: Even if your last job was challenging, frame your responses positively. Focus on what you learned and how you grew, rather than what was wrong with the last place you worked.

Example: Instead of saying, “My last boss was really disorganized,” try, “In my last role, I learned a lot about self-management and finding creative solutions to stay organized, even in a fast-paced environment.”

Body Language and Non-Verbal Mistakes

1. Poor Eye Contact

The Mistake: Avoiding eye contact or looking down too much can make you seem disinterested or unsure of yourself.

Why It’s Problematic: Strong eye contact signals confidence and interest in the role.

Solution: Maintain eye contact while answering questions, but avoid staring. Practice looking away naturally to prevent discomfort.

Example: Think of a recent conversation with a friend. You likely didn’t stare the entire time, but you maintained a comfortable level of eye contact. Aim for the same balance in your interview.

2. Uncontrolled Fidgeting

The Mistake: Nervous habits like tapping your foot, twirling hair, or tapping a pen can distract interviewers.

Why It’s Problematic: Fidgeting can make you seem nervous or unfocused, even if your answers are strong.

Solution: Identify your nervous habits and work on keeping them in check. Holding your hands lightly in your lap can help.

Post-Interview Follow-Up Errors

1. Forgetting to Send a Thank-You Note

The Mistake: Not following up with a thank-you note, either by email or handwritten, is a missed opportunity to reinforce your interest.

Why It’s Problematic: A thank-you note shows respect and helps you stand out, especially if competition for the position is high.

Solution: Send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours, highlighting something specific from the interview that reaffirmed your interest.

Example: “Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the role. I’m very excited about the possibility of joining the team and contributing to [specific project discussed].”

2. Following Up Too Often or Too Soon

The Mistake: Repeatedly checking in about the position can come across as pushy.

Why It’s Problematic: Following up too much can irritate the hiring manager and may even jeopardize your chances.

Solution: If they didn’t provide a timeline, it’s fine to send a polite follow-up email about a week after the interview. Respect their time and avoid more than one follow-up unless they’ve encouraged you to stay in touch.

Practical Tips

Research and Preparation: Look into the company’s latest projects, culture, and values. Use LinkedIn to find common connections who may offer insights.

Professional Appearance: Dress appropriately for the company’s culture, erring on the side of formality if unsure.

Time Management: Plan to arrive 10 minutes early and be set up for virtual interviews at least 15 minutes in advance.

Question Handling: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions concisely and effectively.

Salary Discussion: Research market rates, and prepare a range you’re comfortable with.

Follow-Up Etiquette: Send a brief thank-you email and limit follow-ups to avoid appearing over-eager.

Job interviews can be daunting, but preparation goes a long way in helping you feel confident and make a good impression. Small adjustments in your approach can have a big impact, from researching the company to controlling body language and following up thoughtfully. With these tips in mind, you’ll be better prepared to avoid common pitfalls, communicate your value clearly, and leave a lasting impression.