"Common Interview Mistakes That Cost You the Job"

You walked out feeling great. Then got rejected.

What went wrong? After sitting through thousands of interviews, here are the mistakes I see over and over.

Arriving Late (or Way Too Early)

Late is disrespectful. But showing up 30 minutes early is awkward too – now someone has to deal with you.

Arrive 5-10 minutes early. Wait in your car or a nearby cafe if you’re earlier.

Not Researching the Company

“What do you know about us?”

If you can’t answer this, you look unprepared and uninterested. At minimum, know:

• What the company does
• Recent news or developments
• Why you want to work there specifically

Talking Too Much

I’ve seen candidates talk for 10 minutes straight without pause. Interviewers zone out after 2 minutes.

Keep answers to 2-3 minutes max. If they want more detail, they’ll ask.

Not Talking Enough

The opposite problem: one-word answers. “Yes.” “No.” “It was fine.”

This isn’t a police interrogation. Share relevant information. Give examples. Show personality.

Badmouthing Previous Employers

Even if your last boss was terrible, don’t say it.

Interviewers think: “If they’re saying this about their last employer, what will they say about us?”

Keep it neutral: “The role wasn’t the right fit for my career direction.”

Failing to Give Examples

“I’m a great team player.”

Says who? Prove it. Give specific examples with real outcomes.

Claims without evidence are just words.

Asking No Questions

“Do you have any questions for us?”

“No, I think you covered everything.”

Wrong answer. Always have questions prepared. It shows interest and engagement.

Good questions:

• What does success look like in this role?
• What are the biggest challenges?
• How would you describe the team culture?

Asking About Salary Too Early

Don’t bring up salary in the first interview unless they do. It makes you look more interested in money than the role.

Wait until you know they’re interested in you.

Not Following Up

A brief thank-you email within 24 hours is professional and memorable. Most candidates don’t bother.

It won’t get you a job you weren’t going to get, but it reinforces a good impression.

Body Language Fails

Things interviewers notice:

• Weak handshake
• No eye contact
• Crossed arms
• Fidgeting
• Looking at your phone

Project confidence even if you don’t feel it.

If you’ve been interviewing without success and can’t figure out why, book a mock interview session. I’ll identify what’s holding you back.