A job interview is a decisive moment. It’s when the recruiter compares what they saw on your resume with the real person sitting in front of them. However, many candidates end up sabotaging their chances by making simple — and entirely avoidable — mistakes. In this article, you’ll learn the 10 most common interview mistakes and, more importantly, how to avoid them with practical and objective tips.

1. Arriving Late

Punctuality is one of the first signs of commitment. Being late gives the impression of disorganization and lack of interest.
🚫 Mistake: Arriving exactly on time or late
✅ How to avoid: Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. For online interviews, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection at least 30 minutes in advance.

2. Not Researching the Company

Many candidates know nothing about the company they’re applying to. This is a major mistake that shows a lack of preparation and interest.
🚫 Mistake: “I don’t know much about your company…”
✅ How to avoid: Visit the company’s website, read about their culture, values, and main activities. This knowledge shows initiative and readiness.

3. Not Being Able to Explain Your Own Resume

You must be able to confidently talk about everything on your resume. Vague or contradictory answers create mistrust.
🚫 Mistake: “A colleague added that for me…”
✅ How to avoid: Review your resume before the interview and be prepared to explain your experiences with real examples.

4. Speaking Poorly of Former Employers

Criticizing previous companies or managers is a big mistake. It can come off as disloyalty and leave a negative impression.
🚫 Mistake: “My former boss was incompetent…”
✅ How to avoid: If you need to mention negative experiences, focus on what you learned, not the criticism.

5. Not Knowing How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

This is one of the most common — and most poorly answered — questions. Many candidates ramble or give disorganized answers.
🚫 Mistake: “Well… I was born in 1992…”
✅ How to avoid: Prepare a 1- to 2-minute professional pitch: who you are, what you do, your achievements, and your career goals.

6. Dressing Inappropriately

Your appearance reflects your professionalism. Dressing too casually or inappropriately can harm your image.
🚫 Mistake: Very informal, revealing, or unsuitable clothing
✅ How to avoid: Choose discreet clothing aligned with the company’s culture. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

7. Interrupting the Interviewer

Listening is just as important as speaking. Candidates who interrupt appear anxious and disrespectful.
🚫 Mistake: Cutting off the interviewer to rush answers
✅ How to avoid: Wait for the interviewer to finish their question and use short pauses before responding. This shows attentiveness and emotional balance.

8. Not Asking Any Questions at the End

Interviews are a two-way street. Candidates who don’t ask questions show little engagement with the role.
🚫 Mistake: “No, I don’t have any questions.”
✅ How to avoid: Prepare at least two thoughtful questions, such as:
• “What is the day-to-day like for this position?”
• “What are the next steps in the selection process?”

9. Being Too Informal or Making Inappropriate Jokes

Being friendly is great, but too many jokes, slang, or excessive familiarity can be misinterpreted.
🚫 Mistake: Treating the interviewer like a close friend
✅ How to avoid: Maintain a professional, polite, and respectful tone. Show friendliness with balance.

10. Lying or Exaggerating Skills

Lies are easily detected — if not during the interview, then through tests or on the job. They put your credibility at risk.
🚫 Mistake: Exaggerating job titles, salaries, language proficiency, or responsibilities
✅ How to avoid: Be honest about your career path and focus on your real strengths. Companies value authenticity.

Avoiding these 10 common mistakes can set you apart from many candidates in the hiring process. The interview is your chance to show who you really are — and small slip-ups can overshadow even the strongest resume.
Remember: preparation, authenticity, and professionalism are your greatest assets. Review these tips before your next interview and significantly increase your chances of success.