Common Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but making a few key mistakes can hurt your chances—even if you're the perfect candidate on paper. The good news? Most of these slip-ups are easy to avoid with a bit of preparation. Here are some of the most common interview mistakes and how to make sure you don’t fall into these traps.

1. Not Researching the Company

Walking into an interview without knowing anything about the company is an instant red flag. Employers expect you to have a basic understanding of what they do and why you’re interested in working there.

Fix it:

• Read up on the company’s mission, values, and any recent news.

• Check LinkedIn to learn about the team and your potential interviewers.

• Be ready to answer: Why do you want to work here?

2. Giving Long-Winded or Generic Answers

Interviewers don’t want your life story—they want clear, concise answers that highlight why you’re the right fit for the job. Rambling or being too vague makes it harder for them to see your value.

Fix it:

• Structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Prepare key talking points so you stay focused.

• Keep responses relevant and to the point.

3. Speaking Negatively About Previous Employers

Even if your last job was a nightmare, bashing a former boss or company makes you look unprofessional. Hiring managers don’t want to bring negativity into their team.

Fix it:

• If asked why you’re leaving, focus on growth opportunities, not past problems.

• Reframe challenges as learning experiences.

• Keep your tone professional and forward-looking.

4. Not Asking Any Questions

At the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked, "Do you have any questions for us?" Saying no suggests that you’re either not interested or didn’t prepare.

Fix it:

• Have at least three questions ready about the role, team, or company.

• Good examples:

  • What does success look like in this role?

  • What’s the team dynamic like?

  • What are the biggest challenges someone in this position will face?

5. Poor Body Language

It’s not just what you say—it’s how you say it. Fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or slouching can make you seem unconfident or disengaged.

Fix it:

• Maintain good posture and eye contact.

• Nod and smile naturally to show engagement.

• Avoid crossing your arms (it can come off as defensive).

6. Skipping the Follow-Up

You nailed the interview, but then… crickets. Not following up is a missed opportunity to reinforce your interest.

Fix it:

• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours—keep it short and genuine.

• Mention something specific from the conversation.

• Reiterate your excitement about the role.

Avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference in landing the job. Show up prepared, be confident in your experience, and focus on creating a strong, lasting impression. After all, an interview isn’t just about them evaluating you—it’s also about making sure the job is the right fit for you. For more interview help, shop Resume All Day’s Interview Prep Guide.

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