10 Things You Should Never Do in a Job Interview—and What to Do Instead

I’ll never forget my first big job interview. I walked in with all the confidence in the world—until the interviewer asked me about the company’s latest project. My response? Crickets. Yep, I hadn’t done my research. Spoiler alert: I didn’t get the job.

Since then, I’ve learned a lot about what not to do in an interview, and trust me, avoiding these common mistakes is half the battle. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, here are 10 things you should never do in a job interview—and what to do instead. Let’s make sure you’re the one walking away with the offer!

Before the Interview

1. Failing to Research the Company

Imagine this: you’re sitting across from the interviewer, and they ask, “What do you know about us?” You pause, scramble for words, and finally mumble something about their website having a nice color scheme. Ouch.

The Problem- Not knowing the basics about the company signals disinterest. It makes you seem unprepared, and worse, unmotivated. The Solution- Take 15 minutes to browse their website, check out their LinkedIn, and Google recent news about them. This not only shows initiative but also helps you tailor your answers to their values and goals.

2. Arriving Late or too Early

I once showed up to an interview 30 minutes early thinking it would make me look eager. Instead, I ended up awkwardly loitering in the lobby, making everyone uncomfortable.

The Problem- Are you being late or too early throwing off the interviewer’s schedule? Does it make you seem unreliable or overeager? The Solution- Just aim to arrive 5–10 minutes early. That’s the sweet spot! Use Google Maps to plan your route and account for delays.

3. Overlooking the Job Description

You might think you know the role you’re applying for, but skipping a deep dive into the job description is a rookie mistake.

The Problem- Without fully understanding the role’s requirements, you risk mismatching your skills or missing key expectations during the interview. Imagine being asked, “How do your qualifications align with the specific responsibilities of this job?” and realizing you don’t have a clue what they’re looking for. Awkward, right?
The Solution- Before the interview, go through the job description line by line. Highlight the key skills and qualifications, and prepare examples from your experience that directly tie into these requirements. Mention how your expertise can fulfill those needs.

Pro Tip: Print out the job description and bring it with you as a reference. It shows you’re serious about the role and well-prepared to discuss specifics.

During the Interview

4. Talking too much or too little

Pro Tip: Print out the job description and bring it with you as a reference. It shows you’re serious about the role and well-prepared to discuss specifics.

5. Badmouthing Previous Employers

“Oh, my last boss? Total micromanager.” Stop right there! Even if it’s true, airing dirty laundry never lands well.

The Problem- Criticizing past employers makes you look unprofessional and negative. It raises red flags about how you might talk about them someday. The Solution- If asked about challenges at previous jobs, frame your answer positively. For instance, “I learned a lot about time management under tight deadlines.” Pro Tip: Think of this as your “no gossip” zone.

6. Ignoring Body Language Cues

Slouching, avoiding eye contact, or crossing your arms can say more about you than your words.

The Problem-Poor body language screams disinterest or anxiety. It undermines your verbal responses, no matter how good they are.

The Solution-Sit up straight, smile, and mirror the interviewer’s energy.

Fun Fact: Studies show that smiling—even if you’re nervous—boosts your confidence. Try it!

After the Interview

7. Forgetting to Ask Questions

When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” and you say, “Nope, I’m good,” you’ve missed a golden opportunity. The Problem- Not asking questions makes you seem disinterested or passive. It’s a chance to stand out—and you’re skipping it.

The Solution- Prepare 2–3 thoughtful questions, like, “What does success in this role look like?” or “How would you describe the company culture?”

Pro Tip: Curious candidates = memorable candidates.

8. Not Following Up

Think your job is done after the interview? Think again. Skipping the follow-up email is like leaving a thank-you note unsigned.

The Problem- You miss a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.It can make you seem forgettable in a sea of candidates. The Solution- Send a brief, personalized thank-you email within 24 hours. Mention something specific from the interview to show you were paying attention.

Quick Template: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I’m especially excited about [specific project discussed] and how I can contribute to its success.”

9. Bringing the Wrong Items

Ever walked into an interview and realized you forgot your resume? It’s a panic-inducing moment, trust me. The Problem- Being unprepared makes you look disorganized. It forces the interviewer to scramble, creating a bad first impression. The Solution- Bring multiple copies of your resume, a list of references, a pen, and a notepad. Bonus points if you also have a portfolio or relevant work samples.

Pro Tip: Think of it as packing for a mini presentation—you wouldn’t show up without your slides, right?

10. Focusing Only on Yourself

You’re there to sell yourself, yes, but it’s also about what you can do for them. The Problem- Focusing solely on yourself can make you seem self-absorbed. It overlooks what the company needs from you. The Solution- Highlight how your skills align with their goals. For example, “I noticed your team is expanding into new markets. My experience in international sales could support that growth.”

Conclusion

Now that you know what not to do in an interview, you’re already ahead of the game. Remember, preparation is key, communication is everything, and a positive attitude goes a long way.

Ready to ace your next interview? Reach out to us! Let’s work together on your job search so you can focus on making your next interview your best one yet.

Nailing the First Impression: The First Interview

You know what they say about first impressions—they stick. When I went to my first in-person interview, I wore the world’s squeakiest shoes. Every step sounded like a rubber duck quacking. Needless to say, I stood out, but not in the way I want

Walking into a room (or logging onto Zoom) and realizing you’ve got no idea what to say or do can throw anyone off their game But here's the thing: if you come across as underprepared or overanxious, it can overshadow your actual qualifications. You don’t want to be remembered as the “clammy handshake candidate,” do you?

Dress appropriately for the role (and test your outfit for squeaks!). Research the company’s vibe—business formal for a corporate setting or smart casual for a startup. For first-timers, confidence is key. Don’t dwell on your lack of experience; instead, highlight transferable skills and your eagerness to learn.

Let’s break it down with some pros and cons of each type of recruiter to help you decide which is best for you:
Pro tip: When asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” never say no! Ask about team culture or how success is measured in the role.

Mastering Question Techniques: From Behavioral to Strategic

You know what they say about first impressions—they stick. When I went to my first in-person interview, I wore the world’s squeakiest shoes. Every step sounded like a rubber duck quacking. Needless to say, I stood out, but not in the way I want Walking into a room (or logging onto Zoom) and realizing you’ve got no idea what to say or do can throw anyone off their game

But here's the thing: if you come across as underprepared or overanxious, it can overshadow your actual qualifications. You don’t want to be remembered as the “clammy handshake candidate,” do you?

Dress appropriately for the role (and test your outfit for squeaks!). Research the company’s vibe—business formal for a corporate setting or smart casual for a startup. For first-timers, confidence is key. Don’t dwell on your lack of experience; instead, highlight transferable skills and your eagerness to learn.

Pro tip: When asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” never say no! Ask about team culture or how success is measured in the role.

Mastering Question Techniques: From Behavioral to Strategic

The dreaded behavioral questions. They can feel like a trap, but they’re actually a chance to shine. I once flubbed the “What’s your biggest weakness?” question by joking, “Chocolate cake.” Crickets… Never again!

It’s easy to ramble or freeze up when asked to recount past challenges or mistakes. But generic answers like “I work too hard” (cue eye-roll) won’t cut it. You need to stand out while staying authentic.

Prep for the most asked interview questions by using STAR or the lesser-known CARE (Context, Action, Result, Evolution) method. For instance, “Tell me about a time you solved a problem at work” can become a concise, engaging story with these tools. If you’re stumped, just take a breath—it’s okay to ask for a moment to collect your thoughts.

Pro tip: Always tie your answer back to the role. For example, if discussing teamwork, explain how the experience makes you a better fit for their collaborative environment.

Excelling in Specialized Scenarios

Final interviews and management roles can feel like climbing Everest without a guide. I’ve been in those meetings where the panel seems to channel Simon Cowell-level scrutiny Feeling like you’re in the hot seat, with every word scrutinized, can rattle even the best-prepared candidate.

But crumbling under pressure isn’t an option. You’re here to show leadership, confidence, and poise—while secretly wishing for a break to gulp some water. For final job interview tips, focus on addressing any lingering doubts. Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and share insights about what you’ll bring to the team. If interviewing for a management position, emphasize your ability to lead, resolve conflicts, and drive results. Have anecdotes ready that showcase these skills.

The Aftermath: Following Up for Success

Think of the post-interview phase as your encore performance. I’ve sent my share of generic “Thank you for your time” emails, and let me tell you—they don’t exactly wow anyone. Skipping the follow-up or sending something bland can make you forgettable.

But going overboard with a four-paragraph essay might seem desperate. Finding the sweet spot is tricky. Send a concise, personalized thank-you note within 24 hours. Mention specific topics discussed during the interview, like a project you found exciting or a challenge you’re eager to tackle. Keep it professional but warm. Pro tip: If you don’t hear back in a week or two, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Interview Success

Job interviews don’t have to feel like walking a tightrope. With the right preparation, a sprinkle of humor, and a few solid frameworks in your back pocket, you’ll leave a lasting impression. Need more personalized help with interview prep or navigating tricky career transitions? Reach out to us! Let’s work together on your job search so you can focus on making your next interview your best one yet.