Worst Interview Mistakes And Best Way To Avoid Them

Interviews are carried out by employers on their candidates, to know what you as a job seeker or candidate can do, to know your qualifications, skills and abilities just to be sure that you can handle the position you are applying for.

With interviews, both the candidate and the employer can get to know each other and build working relationships.

Unprepared

Lack of preparation before a job interview can reduce your chances. It only shows a lack of respect for the chance and the interviewer’s time.

Some applicants arrive at the interview with no prior knowledge of the business or about the position they are applying for and this is bad.

Employers need people who are hardworking, employees who do their homework and stay creative.

While applying for a job position and before an interview make sure to visit the company’s official website to get more information about the company and the position you are applying for, these information can help you answer most of the interview questions.

Arriving Late

Obviously, you have to get to your place of interview early. It shows respect for the interviewer’s time and professionalism.

As easy as it sounds, many job seekers still find it hard to comply with, intentionally or unintentionally, as a result of poor planning, not accounting for traffic time, commuting time, and some possible security checks at checkpoints.

If you find yourself getting late to an interview unintentionally, there is no cause for alarm, if you did your research properly you will probably have your interviewer email address or contact number, send a text or an email apologizing and briefly explaining why you may get to the interview late.

Being Negative Or Complaining

Being negative or complaining during a job interview is never a good idea. Employers are seeking candidates who they feel will be assets to their business and are optimistic and motivated.

Being negative or complaining too much can send a wrong impression, interviewer might see you as unfit for the workplace culture. It’s preferable to concentrate on highlighting more about your experience and expressing enthusiasm for the chance to work for the organization.

Worst interview mistakes

Also Read: How To Write A Perfect Resume (CV)

Talking Too Much Or Not Enough

Talking too much or little can also cause an impacted on the outcome of your interview. Doing the lot of talking can give the impression as unfocused, verbose, or unable to express your ideas clearly.

And on the other hand, if you don’t speak up enough during the interview, the interviewer might think you’re uninterested, unconfident, or unable to add value to the conversation.

The whole idea of this is to find a balance between talking too much and not talking enough, answering the interviewer’s questions briefly and on point, going into detail about your experience and credentials, and expressing your enthusiasm for the job.

Additionally, it’s important to pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and give thoughtful answers, as doing so will show your interest in the job and engagement with your interviewer’s conversation.

Not Dressing Appropriately

To make a good first impression and show your professionalism, it’s critical to research the company’s dress code and dress according to their dress code or required dress code for attending an interview.

Dressing appropriately for the company culture and role shows respect and professionalism.

Failing To Ask Questions

Failing to ask questions about the company, role, or future opportunities can indicate a lack of interest or engagement.


Asking thoughtful questions shows that you have done your research and are serious about the position and your engagement can influence the interviewer’s assumptions and decisions.

Bringing Up Salary Discussions

Salary question during a job interview is a very sensitive issue, and it’s important to approach it in an appropriate manner.

When it comes to salary talks you need to be careful, here is how you can go about it:

  • Find the Right moment: Salary discussions can be very sensitive so it is better left for later. it is better discussed after you as the candidate and the interviewer may have gotten to know each other, basically after reviewing your eligibility for the job.
  • Be proactive: If the interviewer hasn’t brought up salary, you can initiate the discussion by saying something like, “Can we talk about compensation and benefits? I will like to make sure we’re both on the same page.”
  • Be honest: Let the interviewer know what your salary expectations are, but also be open to hearing their counteroffer.
  • Focus on your value: When discussing salary, emphasize your skills and experience and how they align with the requirements of the job. This can help to justify your desired salary.
  • Be flexible: Be willing to compromise and be open to negotiating the terms of your employment, including salary, benefits, and other perks.

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