Interview Mistakes: 5 Surefire Ways to Blow a Job Interview

Preparing for a job interview is essential, whether you are currently unemployed, changing your career or getting ready for a new position in the same company.  Understanding the most common ways people blow a job interview will help you avoid interview mistakes that can cost you the job.  

Arriving Late 

Arrive at your job interview early to show the potential employer you are punctual, responsible, and organized. Showing up late and making excuses for your tardiness is the first strike against you. Set an alarm on your phone to help you stay on track and factor in things like picking out an outfit, potential traffic, and finding a parking spot once you arrive. If you aren’t familiar with the area, do a test drive days before the interview, so you know the amount of time it will take for you to travel to your destination. Aim to arrive in the parking lot 15 minutes early and sign in with the front desk 10 minutes early. 

The same rules apply to a virtual interview. Although you won’t have to worry about traffic, there may be a last-minute technical glitch you must address. The day before, find a bright, quiet room in your house that allows you to shine both personally and professionally. Plan these things ahead of time, so you don’t make the interview mistakes of arriving late and making excuses. 

Discrediting Your Former Boss and Peers

Talking poorly about your last job won’t sit well with your potential new employer. Even if there were issues with a former boss or co-workers, an interview is not the time to vent. If you must bring up a difficult topic, discuss how you worked to effectively resolve the issue, concentrating on the positive outcome rather than the negative. Show respect for your past employment opportunities. Even in the worst of circumstances, there is always something optimistic that can be mentioned to help you avoid this interview mistake.

Sharing Confidential Information Your Previous Job

Sharing confidential information about a previous company or employer is never appropriate. You will appear unprofessional, untrustworthy and lacking character. Never reference topics such as finances, strategies, earning reports, client relationships and employee records, even if the recruiter asks. It should be a red flag when someone asks these questions in an interview. 

Talking Talk Too Much and Saying Very Little

There’s a difference between sharing insightful information and rambling. If you feel nervous about your interview, you might not realize you’ve been talking for a while or veered off course from the question the recruiter has asked. One way to avoid this is to break up your answers by asking your own list of questions. An interactive exchange is required in order for both of you to make educated and informed decisions on the next steps. Answer each question in detail for approximately 60 to 90 seconds and ask follow-up questions. 

Arriving Unprepared

One of the biggest interview mistakes you can make is not being prepared. Asking the recruiter to tell you about things you could easily find online is a fatal flaw. You should know as much or more about the company and the history than the person interviewing you. This means you must do your research and find unique nuggets of information. When asked why you want to work at the company or what interests you most about the position, you may want to reference what you have learned and how it has inspired you to work for the company. The better prepared you appear, the more valuable to will appear to your future boss. 

For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Virtual Interview Etiquette, In-Person Tips. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.