If you work in a business where you’re involved in the recruitment of new employees, it can be a tricky part of the job! The first time you interview someone, you might feel even more nervous than the candidate you’re meeting with. Over time, with practice, you’ll probably become more relaxed and develop methods and techniques to draw out responses from candidates that will allow you to assess their competency for the job.
But what if you’re the interviewee?
What Are the Biggest Interview Mistakes to Avoid?
Some interview mistakes can immediately create a negative impression, regardless of your qualifications.
We asked WRS colleagues, clients and candidates the dos and don’ts of interviews for a candidate meeting with a potential new employer for the first time.
Bad manners can cost everything.
Firstly, avoid swearing. No matter how relaxed your interviewer might seem, or might make you feel, blurting out expletives is inappropriate. Interviews are formal occasions and swearing might suggest you’re not taking it seriously or you might alienate your interviewer and close down conversation if they don’t feel comfortable with that language.
Don’t chew gum or suck sweets either. It’s extremely distracting and can be quite annoying, especially over a webcam or telephone where the noises are amplified. If you meet in person, avoid having a cigarette for an hour before hand and don’t eat food with garlic in it beforehand. Bad smells might turn your interviewer off very quickly.
Silence your phone
Don’t have your phone on loud or vibrate. In fact, we recommend that you turn it off completely for the hour or so that you’re in the meeting, to ensure there are no distractions that might interfere with you giving your best performance. If you know of an impending emergency which might cause you to receive a call during the interview, inform the interviewer at the start of the session.
You might win a shout-off, but you’ll lose a job offer.
Yes, the interviewer wants to hear you talk but they also want to see that you can listen too. Do not talk over your interviewer. Be sure to wait until they have finished their statement or question before you talk, to make sure you have fully understood what is being asked of you. After they have completed their question, think for a second or two before you answer – this shows you are putting genuine consideration into a response which is better than rushing.
What are the Body language dos and don’ts for an Interview?
Try not to slouch or lean too far forward, which prevents fresh air circulating around your body effectively. This impacts your concentration and ability to think and function, so sit up straight with your shoulders pulled down away from your ears. Resist the desire to stare at the walls, floor or windows – this suggests you are bored. After all, interviewers are human beings too. How would you feel if you were talking to someone and they were disengaged in the conversation? Would it enamor you to that person? Would you feel confident to continue talking?
Make the best impression you can by engaging with your interviewer and looking them in the eye when you talk.
Bad Form
We frequently get questions from candidates about what to do if they’re late for an interview. Best advice: don’t be late! In the unusual event that you find yourself behind schedule and in danger of being late, phone ahead to inform them. Prepare in advance by saving the phone number of the company you’re going to be interviewing at or your recruitment agent in your mobile phone so you can call them quickly and make them aware.
Make an effort to research your potential new employer. This should go without saying and is the minimum expectation for any decent interview preparation. Check out their website and look them up on social media. Ask yourself:
- What has this company been doing recently?
- Do they have any noteworthy achievements that you could talk about?
- What are the future plans of the company?
Dress professionally for your interview. Avoid wearing clothes with offensive slogans or anything that reveals too much flesh. But also remember you should wear something you feel comfortable in. If you’re unsure of the dress code and really want to be prepared, just call and ask. It will show that you have a serious interest in the job and respect for the company’s policies.
Please Do not ignore these tips. Do try to memorise them and do share them with others who maybe in need of some useful tips for their next interview. You never know they may help you to land your next role.
Conclusion
Interview success is not just about having the right qualifications or experience. Employers also evaluate your professionalism, communication skills, preparation, and attitude throughout the interview process. By avoiding common mistakes such as arriving late, interrupting the interviewer, or failing to research the company, you can create a positive and lasting impression. Following a good interview, etiquette helps you showcase your skills confidently and demonstrates that you are serious about the opportunity. With the right preparation and mindset, you can increase your chances of securing your next role.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare thoroughly by researching the company, role, and industry before the interview.
- Arrive on time and inform the employer immediately if unexpected delays occur.
- Dress professionally and choose attire that suits the company culture.
- Turn off or silence your phone to avoid distractions during the interview.
- Listen carefully and avoid interrupting the interviewer.
- Use positive body language, maintain eye contact, and stay engaged throughout the conversation.
- Avoid chewing gum, eating, swearing, or displaying unprofessional behaviour.
- Be honest about your skills, experience, and career goals.
- Ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate interest in the role and organisation.
- Follow up with a thank-you email to reinforce your interest and professionalism.
By following these interview dos and don’ts, you can approach your next interview with greater confidence and make a strong impression on potential employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dos and don’ts of an interview?
Interview Dos:
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
- Research the company and role beforehand.
- Dress professionally and appropriately.
- Maintain eye contact and positive body language.
- Listen carefully before answering questions.
- Provide clear examples of your skills and achievements.
- Ask thoughtful questions about the role and company.
- Keep your phone switched off or on silent.
- Send a thank-you email after the interview.
Interview Don’ts:
- Don’t arrive late without informing the employer.
- Don’t swear or use inappropriate language.
- Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
- Don’t chew gum, eat, or smoke before the interview.
- Don’t check your phone during the meeting.
- Don’t speak negatively about previous employers.
- Don’t exaggerate or lie about your experience.
- Don’t appear disengaged or distracted.
- Don’t attend the interview without researching the company.
Bottom line: Be prepared, professional, punctual, and engaged throughout the interview. Small details can make a big difference in creating a positive impression with potential employers.
What are 5 don’ts of interviewing?
The five most important interview don’ts are:
- Don’t arrive late without informing the employer.
- Don’t interrupt the interviewer while they are speaking or asking questions.
- Don’t use inappropriate language or swear during the interview.
- Don’t attend unprepared by failing to research the company and the role.
- Don’t use your phone or allow notifications to distract you during the interview.
Avoiding these common mistakes helps you appear professional, respectful, and genuinely interested in the opportunity.
What are the 5 dos of an interview?
The five most important interview dos are:
- Do research the company and role before the interview.
- Do arrive on time and plan your journey in advance.
- Do dress professionally and appropriately for the workplace.
- Do listen carefully and answer questions clearly and confidently.
- Do maintain positive body language, including eye contact and good posture.
Following these interviews, best practices can help you make a strong first impression and demonstrate your professionalism, preparation, and enthusiasm for the role.
What is the 30-60-90 rule in an interview?
The 30-60-90 rule refers to a 30-60-90-day plan, which outlines what you aim to accomplish during your first 30-60-90, and 90 days in a new role.
A typical 30-60-90-day plan includes:
- First 30 days: Learn about the company, team, processes, and job responsibilities.
- First 60 days: Begin contributing to projects, building relationships, and applying your skills.
- First 90 days: Deliver measurable results, take ownership of responsibilities, and demonstrate your value to the organisation.
Interviewers may ask about your 30-60-90-day plan to assess how you approach a new role, set goals, and contribute to business success. Having a structured plan shows initiative, preparation, and a proactive mindset.
About the Author
Apurva Agrawal is an SEO Specialist at Worldwide Recruitment Solutions (WRS), with three years of experience driving digital growth and visibility within the global recruitment sector.
This guide was developed in collaboration with and verified by Melissa Walsh, Marketing and Brand Manager at WRS, ensuring that all workforce data and service methodologies reflect WRS’s global standards and positioning.
