- 5 blunders you need to avoid
- 1. Not doing your research
- 2. Carrying a drink into the interview
- 3. Being on your phone during the interview
- 4. Dressing like you’re going to the club
- 5. Zoning out during the interview
- Can you recover from an interview blunder?
- Key takeaways
Everyone makes mistakes from time to time, but if you're interviewing for a job, it’s important to avoid a major faux pas that can take you out of the running. This article covers ways you can avoid interview blunders.
We all have moments of awkwardness, especially when we’re feeling nervous or anxious. And interviews are prime time for committing careless mistakes, no matter how prepared you are. But, it’s important to know what you shouldn’t do. Interview blunders—large or trivial—can mean the difference between getting a second interview or a “thanks but no thanks” email in your inbox.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
5 interview blunders to avoid
Can you recover from an interview blunder?
5 blunders you need to avoid
It’s common to have little mess ups during an interview, but there are some serious blunders that can ruin your chances of getting the job, and we’re not talking about mispronouncing words. While it’s impossible to achieve perfection, think of these as the top interview blunders you want to avoid:
1. Not doing your research
At some point during the interview, you're likely to be asked something along the lines of, "So, why do you want to work here?" If you haven't done your homework, the interviewer will be able to tell that you have no idea what you're talking about. It also shows that you're really not interested in the job and couldn't be bothered to research.
2. Carrying a drink into the interview
Avoid bringing things like a coffee mug or water bottle into the interview with you. You need to be 100 percent focused on the interview, not sipping on a coffee or wiping the condensation from your stainless steel jug. Finish your drink (and visit the restroom) before your interview starts so you’re properly focused on the interview.
3. Being on your phone during the interview
It should go without saying, but we'll say it anyway: silence your phone before walking into the interview. And absolutely do not read or type a text message while you're talking to the interviewer. Not only is it rude, it shows that you'd rather be doing something else. If you forget to silence your phone and you get a text, ignore it, or quickly turn off the ringer if you get a call (and then apologize).
4. Dressing like you’re going to the club
Interview Etiquette 101 demands that you dress professionally for the interview. Now, what you wear, whether a business suit, skirt, or a pair of khakis, will depend on the type of business you’re interviewing with (conservative businesses like law firms will require a suit, and a start-up might be more casual). According to job interview statistics, 71 percent of companies won’t consider an applicant if they haven’t dressed appropriately. Regardless of the type of work environment, you shouldn’t look like you’re going to a party.
5. Zoning out during the interview
Asking the interviewer to repeat the question because you were daydreaming is not a good look. It may call into question your ability to do the job. Remain focused on the interviewer and listen closely to the questions they’re asking.
Expert Tip
If focusing on the tasks at hand doesn’t come naturally to you, try this trick: spend time before the interview practicing your active listening skills. Per the LD Resources Foundation, it may be helpful to focus on what the interviewer is saying and respond appropriately instead of getting distracted by what you're going to say next. And it's okay to take notes when you're researching the company and refer to them during your interview (just don't use them as a crutch).
Can you recover from an interview blunder?
Yes, depending on the severity. You’re a human being, and interviewers understand this. Own up to interview blunders. For example, if you’re late, be proactive and call to let the interviewer know you’re running behind. Once you get there, explain what happened, take ownership, and then send an apology note after the interview. It may be enough to salvage the situation.
If you get nervous and draw a blank when trying to answer a question or blabber on a bit, don’t despair. Acknowledge your nerves and ask the interviewer for a moment to regroup. They may very well appreciate your candor, and support your need to get your head together. Making the effort will put you in a good light, and avoiding the major blunders listed above will hopefully keep you in the running for the job.
Need help polishing your interviewing skills? Career.io’s Interview Prep tool will give you the confidence you need to ace the interview, with practice interview questions, recorded sessions, and AI-powered feedback and insights.
Key takeaways
It's common to have little mess-ups during an interview, but there are some serious blunders that can ruin your chances of getting the job.
Common interview blunders to avoid include dressing inappropriately, bringing in a drink to the interview, not paying attention, being on your phone, and not researching the company.
It is possible to recover from a blunder, depending on the situation. It’s important to take ownership of the error and apologize.
