Interview Blunders to Avoid
- Frank Manfre
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Job applicants often make mistakes during interviews including a blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct that can hurt their chances of getting hired. Some of the biggest blunders include:
Lack of Preparation
Not researching the company, role, or industry
One applicant I interviewed actually asked me, “What do you guys do here?”
Failing to understand the job description and how their skills align
Making a Poor First Impression
Arriving late or too early
Wearing an excessive amount of cologne or perfume
Unkempt hair
Chewing gum
Weak handshake
Use of poor grammar and/or curse words. Even if the interviewer drops an F bomb don't follow suit!
Dressing inappropriately for the company culture. While it's better to be overdressed, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie for an interview at a lifestyle brand start-up known for its casual culture will probably be frowned upon. Check out the company website and social media posts. If the employees and execs are wearing polos and t-shirts, even in pics of meetings, it’s probably safe to go business casual. It is best to find someone that works there on LinkedIn and ask them about the dress code.
Talking Too Much or Too Little
Rambling and not answering the question directly. It's best to be clear and concise.
Taking control of the interview and grilling the interviewer. Almost all of them will find this off-putting
Giving one-word answers without elaboration
Being Negative
Speaking poorly about previous employers, colleagues, or experiences. I do like to ask, “Who was the worst boss you ever had?”
Keep in mind some interviewers might be friends or college classmates of a previous boss and could try to elicit your true feelings by saying something negative about them. Don't take the bait!
Displaying a bad attitude or lack of enthusiasm for the role
Failing to Showcase Skills & Achievements
Giving generic answers instead of providing concrete examples. Use the STAR method and practice them!
Underselling themselves or failing to highlight relevant experience. I have long said, “It isn't bragging if it’s true”. While you may not be a sales professional you do need to sell yourself as capable of doing the job you’re seeking. Tell them how and why with true stories - people remember stories a lot more than facts and figures.
Lying or Exaggerating
Embellishing skills, qualifications, or job history is a really bad idea
Getting caught in a lie due to inconsistencies in their resume or answers
Name dropping to appear important
Not Asking Enough and/or Good Questions
Showing a lack of curiosity about the company, team, or role is a bad look
Like the best sales pros, the best job candidates have the best questions. Asking an insightful, thought provoking question based on deep research about the company makes you stand out
Only asking about salary and benefits without discussing job responsibilities
Poor Body Language
Avoiding eye contact or slouching
Getting too close. “Space Invaders” are a turn off. So are “touchers”. It’s good to have a warm personality but save the pats and hugs for family members and friends
Crossing arms or fidgeting excessively. Tapping a pen or your foot will be viewed as distracting and convey discomfort
Overconfidence or Arrogance
Using “I” and “me” exclusively can indicate you’re not a team player and likely not open to asking for help
Acting as if the job is already theirs
Interrupting the interviewer or dismissing their concerns. Some applicants will even enter into a debate with the interviewer; bad idea :(
Failing to Follow Up
Not sending a thank-you email or note after the interview. Failing to do so means missing an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and the key points you made regarding your ability to be successful in that role as a member of their team
Sure, I know that these are obvious things to avoid but they must be stated. Surprisingly, all of these faux pas have occurred. Avoiding these mistakes can make a huge difference in how a candidate is perceived and improve their chances of landing the job.
Frank Manfre
Job Search Sherpa
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