What Not To Do During An Interview.

The importance of dressing appropriately cannot be overemphasised. Dress well and look the part. As much as you might not like it, how you look also matters to them because they want to employ someone who would represent their brand properly, and if you are looking all unkempt, it communicates a wrong image to them.

It is probably wiser to lay out whatever you are going to wear before time. Be simple but classy and elegant, stay away from heavily fragranced perfumes or too colorful clothing.

It would not do well for your interview if your phone comes on during an interview. It is rude and should not even happen. Your best bet is to keep your phone off so as not to avoid taking chances altogether or, at the very least, put it on silent. It doesn’t speak well of you, no matter how you want to look at it.

The interviewers are not your buddies; you are not best friends, even if they are friendly and try to create some kind of rapport. So keep your “mate, bro, yolo, ain’t” to yourself.

The best language to go with, which would keep you on the safe side, even though they operate in a casual and informal environment there is to stick to formal language.

When you get employed, you can learn the language of the company, but for the interview, keep it formal.

You do not want to go for an interview looking like you were forced there or looking fidgety. No, maintain eye contact with the interviewers, shake them firmly, and sit confidently. Try to relax, but do not slouch like you are in your bedroom. Try not to look bored as well; that would not help you score good points with the interviewers.

It is very normal if you have something against your past or current employer, but that is not an interview discussion. You can complain to friends and family if you deem fit, but the interviewers are definitely not the right people to complain to. You do not want to come across as one who is carrying a grudge. It would make them feel that if they fall into a past employer someday, you would do the same to them. Loyalty is very attractive.

Not asking questions can make you come across as not intelligent or unserious. They believe that if you have done your homework and read up about them, you would have questions about something you read but are unclear about or something the interviewer said during the course of the interview.

So ask questions if given the opportunity, and if not, ask for permission to ask. It gives you leverage over others.

Asking unintelligent questions is as good as not asking questions. Do not go there asking generic questions like, “What does the company do?” What does … abbreviation stand for?” You could have gotten answers to questions like that if you had done proper research. You have no excuse, especially not in this age of technology.

You might have the skills and be more qualified than the next person, but if the next person appears humble and teachable, he or she would be prepared over you. Nobody wants to work with Mr. “know it,” they are looking for a team player who can work with others. Act like one.

Stay away from your phone, nails, or any other props that would make you look fidgety. You should know not to text or call, or receive a call during an interview. Let your attention be completely on the hiring managers and look like you want to be there.

Sometimes, silence is indeed golden. When the interviewer is talking, please do not interrupt. Let them communicate their thought before you talk. Talking too much is not going to help you get a job; restraint can be attractive as well.

There are quite a few phrases that the interviewer has heard so much that they have become trite. Phrases like “I am a perfectionist,” “I am a hard worker,” “I work well under pressure,” and a few others have been overused. Stay unique; take your time before the interview to think up answers to possible questions.

The interview is not about you; it is about getting the best candidate for the job, so try not to make it about you. Whatever you do, do not show anger because the line of questioning is not what you expected, or the interview is not going as you expected.

Remain polite no matter the pressure, even in the face of a rejection. You never know if you would need to pass through their doors again, the last thing you need is to burn bridges because you became emotional about an interview.

It might sound trite, but do not sit when you have not been invited to. When you enter, greet and wait for them to offer you a seat, and then thank them before taking it. Taking a seat yourself is impolite and can come off as rude.

A lot of people do not miss opportunities to work at their dream job because they lack qualifications; no, they miss it because they are not familiar with the blunders that interviewers look out for. If you pay attention to all these and take note to avoid them, you would find you would have a better chance at doing well at interviews.

FAQs

What should I avoid saying during a job interview?

Avoid speaking negatively about past employers, colleagues, or workplaces. Also, avoid oversharing personal information, using slang, or giving vague answers. Stick to professional language and focus on your skills, achievements, and how you can contribute to the company.

Is it wrong to arrive too early or too late for an interview?

Yes. Arriving late shows poor time management and a lack of respect for the employer’s time. Arriving excessively early can also cause inconvenience. The ideal time is 10–15 minutes before the interview.

Can using your phone during an interview affect your chances?

Absolutely. Checking your phone, receiving calls, or letting it ring during an interview is considered unprofessional. Always switch your phone to silent or turn it off entirely before the interview starts.

What body language mistakes should I avoid?

Avoid poor posture, lack of eye contact, crossing your arms, fidgeting, or appearing distracted. These habits can make you seem uninterested or nervous. Instead, sit upright, maintain appropriate eye contact, and show attentiveness throughout the conversation.