A successful job interview means selling yourself just the right amount.
But whilst it might seem simple to focus on your strengths, or get potential interview answers nailed, it’s also important to know what could be considered a mistake by a recruiter – because it could be costing you the job.
To make sure you’re not accidentally putting your interviewer off, here are 17 of the most common job interview mistakes, and how you can avoid them:
Communication blunders
It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Here are the verbal traps that trip up even the most experienced applicants.
1. You badmouth your previous employer
So you’re asked to talk about dealing with a difficult situation at work, but you somehow end up talking about how your old boss always cracked under pressure… with a special reference to that one time where he smashed your favourite mug.
True? Probably. Interview-appropriate? Nope.
How to avoid it: If you notice yourself veering into ‘I hate my boss’ territory, there’s always a way to bring it back. Change the tone of the conversation by referring back to your own actions, being positive, and apologising for going off topic.
2. You say yes to everything
‘The more willing I am, the more employable I’ll be, right…?’
Not necessarily. And unless you’re interviewing for an entry-level position or an internship, saying that you’ll do absolutely anything for the sake of any job offer (especially if it’s something that sits outside of your skillset) is unlikely to impress.
In fact, it could even demonstrate that you haven’t read the job description properly, make you seem uninterested in the employer and the position or, worse, just come across a little desperate.
How to avoid it: Be honest about your actual skills and expertise, and relate them back to the role. And, if you’re inexperienced in certain tasks, focus on showing a genuine interest in learning more about them. After all, saying yes is only impressive if you can actually follow through…
3. You don’t allow room for improvement
No matter how experienced you are, or what role you’re interviewing for, you should never imply that you’ve reached the peak of your knowledge.
Employers are looking for someone who’s willing to adapt and grow in line with their organisation, and an applicant who can’t move on from their current achievements and past work experience is unlikely to give that impression.
How to avoid it: You can be proud of your career – as long as you’re also clear about where it’s heading. Link your relevant knowledge back to the role, and explain how your expertise could help their business thrive and grow – and you’ll be on the right track. Because, let’s face it, no-one likes a know-it-all…
4. You share the wrong things
Sharing your skills and experience, great. Providing anecdotes to back up those skills, even better. Talking about the recent argument you had with your partner about them forgetting to hoover on Thursday – not OK.
No matter what it is, bringing up personal topics during an interview will do anything but improve your chances. In other words, there’s a time and a place for everything – and in the case of anything but your professional life, it’s not at an interview.
How to avoid it: Focus on keeping your answers relevant to the role and your professional background. Before you respond, do a quick mental check: does your answer highlight your skills or experience, or is it drifting into the personal? If you start to mention a story that isn’t work-related, steer it back to a professional example instead.
5. You swear
The heat of the moment is a dangerous place, often featuring body language disasters, slurred words, and even worse – the odd accidental profanity.
Although it may be acceptable whilst talking about something you’re passionate about, not all employers will be on board (N.B. this may also depend on the size of your vocabulary).
How to avoid it: If it happens, don’t ignore it, but don’t let it bring on total silence (cue: all of the crickets) either. Instead, apologise and move on – it should be enough to confirm you’re not a serial swearer.
6. You go off on a tangent
Explained how you delivered excellent customer service: tick. Provided real-life examples: tick. Talked about what you had for lunch that day: oh wait.
Remember: It’s easy to over-share under pressure, but try to stay on topic. No recruiter needs your entire autobiography.
How to avoid it: As soon as you notice you’re going off track, bring it back with ‘to go back to the question’, drawing the interviewer’s attention back to your skills and abilities. If in doubt, always wrap it up with results.
7. You rely too much on buzzwords or clichés
Using buzzwords like ‘innovative’, ‘results-driven’, or ‘team player’ might feel like a safe bet, but all they really do is blend you into the background.
Interviewers have heard it all before, and generic phrases can make your answers sound insincere or rehearsed.
How to avoid it: Focus on sharing honest, specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements. That way, you’ll show what you can actually do – without needing to rely on tired clichés. Remember, your real experience will stand out more than any buzzword ever could.
How to tell if an interview went well (or badly)
Preparation and presentation pitfalls
Even if your answers are perfect, poor preparation or a lack of self-awareness can ruin your chances before you’ve even taken a seat.
8. You’ve over-prepared
The worst thing you can do at an interview is forget to be human.
And although preparation is absolutely vital to your success, that doesn’t mean you have to let it hide who you are as a person. So rehearsing your answers word-for-word, memorising a range of facts about the company, and/or reeling off a scripted response for every question they throw at you, is not an ideal approach.
How to avoid it: The interviewer wants to see your personality as well as your ability to answer a question. This means less of the rehearsed question and answer scenarios, and more flowing conversation. That way, everyone has an input, and everyone has an opportunity to learn.
9. You have a wardrobe malfunction
So you’ve planned your outfit in advance, ironed it, and even checked for stains. What could go wrong? Apparently, a number of things.
Whether you spill coffee down your shirt on the way in, rip your tights, or turn up in casual wear when the office culture is strictly corporate, clothing mishaps can knock your confidence.
How to avoid it: Check the dress code beforehand (when in doubt, smart-casual is usually safer than tracksuits). If a spill happens en route, a light-hearted apology is often enough to let the interviewer know it was just a one-off accident.
10. Your phone rings
There’s nothing more awkward than the loud buzz of your phone echoing through an interview room – especially if your ringtone is particularly questionable.
But even if you do convince yourself that the Spice Girls are still cool, nothing’s going to convince the Hiring Manager that this phone call is worth their time.
How to avoid it: Whatever you do, don’t answer it. Instead, apologise for the interruption, switch it off (or on silent), and pick up where you left off.
11. You become painfully aware of your limbs
Normally, you aren’t overly conscious of your voice, limbs, or level of eye contact – but suddenly, it’s all you can think about.
Are you moving your arms too much? Is your handshake too sweaty? What do you usually do with your hands? Instead of focusing on the interview, this is all you can think about. Over. And. Over. And. Over.
How to avoid it: Practice your body language before the interview. Avoid fidgeting, slouching, or playing with your pen – and focus on being professional. And always take notes. It’s a great way to keep your hands occupied (and help reinforce your interest in the role).
How to prepare for an interview
Virtual interview slip-ups
With so many first-round interviews happening over Teams or Zoom, tech troubles are the new ‘late arrival’.
12. You haven’t checked your tech
It’s five minutes before the interview. You click the link. ‘Update required.’ Panic sets in.
Failing to test your camera, microphone, or internet connection before the call suggests a lack of attention to detail. The same goes for your background – because a pile of dirty laundry visible behind you isn’t the professional backdrop you’re aiming for.
How to avoid it: Do a full tech run-through 30 minutes before the slot. Check your lighting (don’t sit with a window behind you, or you’ll look like a silhouette), ensure your background is tidy or blurred, and close any tabs that might ping during the chat.
13. You forget you’re on camera
It’s easy to get comfortable when you’re in your own home. But slouching in your chair, looking out of the window, or checking your other monitor are all dead giveaways that you’re not fully engaged.
Your body language speaks volumes, and what might seem like a casual glance away can come across as complete disinterest to the person on the other side of the screen.
How to avoid it: Treat a video call like an in-person interview. Sit up straight, maintain eye contact by looking at your camera (not just the screen), and stay focused on the conversation. Placing a sticky note next to your webcam can be a great reminder of where to direct your gaze.
14. You talk over the interviewer
Virtual conversations can have a slight delay, which often leads to that awkward dance of ‘no, you go first’.
While it’s usually accidental, constantly interrupting or talking over the interviewer can make you seem impatient or like you’re not listening. It disrupts the flow of the conversation and can prevent the interviewer from getting their questions across.
How to avoid it: Practice active listening. Pause for a second or two before you start to speak, just to make sure the other person has finished their thought. If you do accidentally interrupt, a simple ‘Sorry, please go ahead’ is all you need to get back on track.
The ‘curveball’ mistakes
Sometimes, it’s the specific questions that trip you up. Here’s how to handle the tricky ones without stumbling.
15. You say you’re a perfectionist
When it comes to answering a question about your work-related weaknesses in an interview ( see: most terrifying interview question ever) – your answer means everything.
No matter what type of role you’re interviewing for, this question is likely to come up. Instead of pretending you don’t have any (no, you’re not a perfectionist), consider one of your actual weaknesses and detail the steps you’re taking to improve.
How to avoid it: Explain how you’re addressing it. In other words, it was a weakness – but it’s in the process of becoming a strength. Not only does this make you come across proactive, you’ll also draw the interviewer’s attention to something other than the negatives. It’s a win-win.
16. You can’t answer a question
Some interview questions will catch you off guard – no matter how long you prepared.
Luckily, the interviewer probably knows which questions are likely to have this effect, so don’t feel like you’ve failed if you can’t answer a question straight away.
How to avoid it: Instead of accepting your fate – give the question a chance. There’s nothing wrong with asking for a few moments to think about it. It might be enough to turn your blank stare into a great answer.
17. You don’t ask any questions
‘Do you have any questions for us?’
‘No, I think you’ve covered everything.’
This might feel polite, but it often translates to: ‘I haven’t done any research and I’m not that interested.’
How to avoid it: Always have at least three questions prepared. Ask about the team culture, the company’s direction for the next year, or what success looks like in the first six months. It shows you’re engaged and thinking about your future at the company.
Questions to ask at the end of an interview
Job interview nightmares revealed
Frequently asked questions
Is it a mistake to ask about salary in the first interview?
Generally, yes. Jumping straight into money talk can make it seem like you’re only interested in the pay cheque, rather than the role itself. It’s usually best to wait until the recruiter brings it up, or save it for the second interview or offer stage. However, if the salary wasn’t listed on the job ad, it is acceptable to ask about the salary bracket towards the end of the conversation to ensure you’re both on the same page.
What should I do if I’m running late?
Punctuality is key, but life happens. If you know you’re going to be late, call the interviewer immediately. Don’t rely on email, as they might not see it in time. Apologise sincerely, give an estimated arrival time, and ask if they would prefer to reschedule. Honesty is always better than walking in 15 minutes late with a flimsy excuse.
How do I recover if I realise I’ve made a mistake during the interview?
Don’t panic. If you realise you’ve given a wrong answer or gone off on a tangent, simply pause, smile, and correct yourself. You could say, ‘Actually, let me rephrase that,’ or ‘I realise I’ve strayed from the point, let me get back to your question.’ Interviewers appreciate self-awareness and composure under pressure.
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