15 Things You Should NOT Do at an Interview | Michael Page (2024)

If your résumé and cover letter have been impressive enough to get you an interview, the job could be yours—provided you perform well at the interview. Even the most seasoned professional can get flustered and spoil their chances, so with a little preparation, you can avoid these common interview blunders:


Not Doing Your Research

You might have the skills to do the job, but do you know the how the company operates? Check the ‘About Us’ link on the company website and read their mission statement. Find out who the competition and major players in the market are.

Turning Up Late

Unless you have a very good excuse and call ahead to rearrange, turning up late for an appointment will not endear you to any employer.

Dressing Inappropriately

While smart casual might be the current trend, professional attire is still proper business etiquette for interviews. It’s all about first impressions.

Fidgeting With Unnecessary Props

This can include cell phones, nail files, and chewing gum. They all have one thing in common –they don’t belong at the interview table.

Poor Body Language

Eye contact, good posture, a cheerful demeanor and a firm handshake will get you a long way in an interview.

Unclear Answering and Rambling

Take time to think before you answer questions and avoid bumbling to an uncomfortable halt; it doesn’t inspire confidence. Also, don’t mumble; the interviewer doesn’t want to have to ask you to repeat an answer or have to strain to hear every word you’re saying

Speaking Negatively About Your Current Employer

Never complain about your current employer, no matter how despotic or ineffectual they are. Badmouthing won’t reflect well on you.

Not Asking Questions

Employers want to see you’re interested enough to hear more about the post or company and will look kindly on any well-placed questions.

Lying on YourRésumé

Anything written on your résumé could be discussed at an interview and a fabrication about your work or education record could damage your reputation in the long run.

Getting Personal or Too Familiar

Avoid giving sob stories about how much you need the job due to the mountain of debt you’ve accrued. Also, don’t behave in a conceited or over-familiarmanner; it never makes a good impression.

Not Bringing Along Additional Resumes

If you’re unsure how many people will be interviewing you, bring along surplus copies of your résumé to hand out. It will show that you’re highly prepared.

Sitting Down Before Invited

It’s common courtesy to wait until you’re shown a seat to sit down. Also, avoid slouching or putting your feet anywhere but firmly on the ground.

Discussing Money or Time Off

Unless an offer is put on the table, it’s not recommended that you discuss money or future working and vacation arrangements.

Cursing

Using foul and inappropriate language is generally not acceptable at any time in the workplace, so it is an especially bad idea in an interview.

Not Following Up

You might not think you’ve performed well in an interview, but a simple email reiterating your interest is a courtesy that might just pay off in the long run.

Want to know what you should be doing in an interview to be remembered? These tips for making a lasting impression will help ensure your interview goes well.

15 Things You Should NOT Do at an Interview | Michael Page (2024)

FAQs

Which of the following is not what you should do during an interview? ›

What not to do in a job interview
  • Be arrogant. Avoid arrogance during your interview. ...
  • Avoid eye contact. Avoid looking down or refusing to meet the interviewer's eyes. ...
  • Be late. Avoid arriving late to the interview. ...
  • Be too early. ...
  • Lie. ...
  • Fidget. ...
  • Show a lack of accountability. ...
  • Check the time.
Jun 9, 2023

What are five 5 do's and don'ts for a job interview? ›

Top five interview dos and don'ts
  • Do your homework. ...
  • Make a good first impression. ...
  • Listen and respond accordingly. ...
  • Prepare smart, open ended questions to ask the interviewer. ...
  • Sell your strengths and expertise. ...
  • Don't speak poorly about your present or former employers. ...
  • Don't falsify information. ...
  • Don't speak over the interviewer.

What are the 3 worst mistakes you could make in an interview? ›

Top 5 job interview mistakes
  • Being unprepared.
  • Dressing inappropriately.
  • Talking too much or not enough.
  • Criticising previous employers or colleagues.
  • Failing to ask questions.

Is there anything I shouldn't do in the interview? ›

E.g Do not dress inappropriately for an interview, do not sit before you are asked to; do not arrive late at the venue; do not forget to ask questions at the end of the interview session; don't put your hands on the table while talking to the interviewer, do not appear arrogant ; do not speak negatively about your ...

What is not allowed in an interview? ›

You may not ask questions about race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, or ancestry. You may not ask in a series of interviews for a given position, questions directed at one sex and not of the other.

Which behavior should you avoid when in an interview? ›

Avoid correcting the interviewer or asking probing questions that might flip the script and turn the interview into you interrogating the interviewer. If you have a bad habit of always trying to get the last word in, remember: You wouldn't want to work with someone who always must be right about everything.

Which of the following should you not do after an interview? ›

After the interview
  • Too much follow-up. It's all right – and even expected – to follow up after the interview, but don't overwhelm your potential employer with multiple messages and phone calls. ...
  • No follow-up. ...
  • Missing personalization. ...
  • Ghosting communication.
Nov 8, 2023

What is the biggest failure interview question? ›

The first step is to choose a relevant and recent failure example that relates to the job or the skill you're applying for. You want to show that you have faced similar situations or challenges before and that you have learned from them. Avoid choosing a failure that is too trivial, too personal, or too catastrophic.

What is the biggest mistake interview question? ›

Start your response by explaining your past mistake. Remember to take accountability for your actions and choose a situation that you were able to fix. It's best to discuss minor mistakes rather than large ones. Focus on work-related mistakes rather than personal situations.

What is the single largest mistake an interviewee can make? ›

The biggest mistake all our experts mentioned is going into an interview unprepared. This might mean failing to research the company, not taking the time to understand the role, or not knowing who you're meeting. But it could also mean not planning out what you're going to talk about.

Which one is a don't in interview etiquette? ›

Don't make negative comments about previous employers or professors (or others). Don't falsify application materials or answers to interview questions. Don't treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice.

What are the three rules of an interview? ›

The three golden rules of an interview are: 1) Research and Preparation, 2) Demonstrate Professionalism and Engagement, and 3) Follow-up and Thank You.

How to answer tell me about yourself? ›

The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.

Which of the following is something you should not do for an interview? ›

15 Things You Should NOT Do at an Interview
  • Not Doing Your Research. ...
  • Turning Up Late. ...
  • Dressing Inappropriately. ...
  • Fidgeting With Unnecessary Props. ...
  • Poor Body Language. ...
  • Unclear Answering and Rambling. ...
  • Speaking Negatively About Your Current Employer. ...
  • Not Asking Questions.

What is not appropriate for an interview? ›

Avoid ill-fitting, itchy, or uncomfortable clothing that may cause you to be more focused on what you are wearing than what is happening during the interview.

Which of the following should an employer not do during an interview? ›

Final answer:

An employer is not allowed to ask about a candidate's religious practices or future plans for attending college in a job interview. However, asking about a candidate's weakness is generally acceptable.

Which of the following should you do during an interview? ›

during the interview

Focus on the positive aspects of your training and experience. You don't have to apologize for any perceived lack of experience or background. Use clear and direct language. Avoid using filler words such as “um” or “like.” Make your point and don't ramble.

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