12 Things You Can Do To Make Interviewers Hate You

Job interviews can be incredibly daunting. The pressure to perform perfectly can lead to mistakes that may jeopardize your opportunities.

Some missteps during an interview can be so detrimental that they might disqualify you from consideration in the hiring process.

Here are 12 common errors to avoid in interviews and tips on what to do instead.

Key Takeaways:

• Interviewers are human too—they appreciate that mistakes happen, but a series of errors can leave a lasting negative impression.

• Arriving too early or late can set a negative tone for your interview. Aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes beforehand.

• While interviewers want to learn about you, they are primarily interested in how you can add value to their organization, not your personal issues.

12 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Job Interview

1. Arriving too early. While it’s essential to arrive on time, showing up excessively early can also be problematic.

   • Arriving too early can pressure the interviewer to accommodate you, which may come off as inconsiderate. It can also make you seem overly eager.

   • Showing up 40 minutes early suggests that you have nothing else going on, which can be a red flag for employers.

   • Try to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your interview. If you arrive sooner, consider waiting in your car or at a nearby cafe until it’s closer to your scheduled time.

2. Arriving late. Being late to an interview is a significant faux pas. It shows a lack of respect for the interviewer’s time and indicates poor planning.

   Late arrivals can negatively impact the entire interview experience. Ensure you account for travel time, traffic, and potential delays, and confirm the exact location within the office.

3. Over-memorizing your responses. While preparation is key, memorizing your answers can come off as robotic.

   • Focus on engaging with your interviewer. Reciting memorized answers can hinder genuine conversation.

   • Have a general idea of your answers, but allow room for spontaneity to foster a natural dialogue.

   • Prepare relevant anecdotes to illustrate your skills and experience, so you can easily apply them to the questions asked.

4. Focusing solely on yourself. Interviewers want to know how you can benefit their organization, not just about your personal journey.

   • Save questions about salary and benefits for later stages of the hiring process. Discuss these topics only after receiving a job offer.

   • Demonstrating a clear understanding of how you can contribute to the company will make you a more attractive candidate.

   • Consider preparing a 30/60/90-day plan to showcase your understanding of the role and how you would approach it.

5. Not listening. While it’s natural to want to share your accomplishments, listening is just as important.

   • Being overly talkative can give the impression that you are difficult to manage. It’s essential to provide space for the interviewer to speak.

   • Taking notes (with permission) can help you remember key points and formulate thoughtful questions throughout the interview.

   • Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the conversation to maintain a more engaging dialogue.

6. Speaking poorly of past employers. Avoid negative remarks about previous bosses or organizations. This is a major red flag for interviewers.

   Such comments can lead employers to question your professionalism and how you might speak about them in the future. When discussing past experiences, focus on the lessons learned and how you’ve grown from those situations.

7. Commenting on the interviewer’s appearance. Regardless of your feelings about the interviewer’s looks, it’s best to avoid personal comments.

   Instead, stick to professional small talk about the company or current projects to keep the conversation appropriate.

8. Lacking basic courtesy. Good manners are essential in any professional setting, especially during interviews.

   Send a thank-you email within a day of your interview, and express gratitude at the close of the meeting. Polite gestures, such as making eye contact and shaking hands, contribute to a positive impression.

9. Involving your parents. It’s crucial to handle your job search independently. Having parents intervene in the hiring process can come across as immature.

   Employers expect candidates to manage their own professional interactions. Keeping your family out of the process demonstrates your capability and independence.

10. Oversharing personal details. Even in a casual interview setting, maintain professionalism and avoid sharing personal issues that may seem inappropriate.

    Gauge the interviewer’s interest in your personal life before diving into details. You want to present yourself as relatable without crossing boundaries.

11. Lacking preparation. Even if it’s your first interview, it shouldn’t be obvious that you’re inexperienced. Arrive equipped with the necessary materials and knowledge about the company.

    Being prepared shows initiative and respect for the interviewer’s time. Additionally, avoid distractions by turning off your phone.

12. Applying indiscriminately. When targeting a specific company, tailor your resume for the position that best matches your qualifications instead of applying to every open role.

    Submitting multiple applications can signal a lack of focus and commitment, so prioritize quality over quantity in your job search.

Common Job Interview Mistakes FAQ

1. What can ruin an interview?

   Arriving late, being disrespectful, and involving your parents can all damage your interview prospects. Additional pitfalls include:

   • Arriving too early.

   • Over-rehearsing your answers.

   • Only discussing yourself.

   • Failing to listen.

   • Speaking negatively about past employers.

   • Oversharing personal information.

   • Being unprepared.

2. How early should you show up for an interview?

   Arriving 10-15 minutes early is ideal. This allows you time to settle and collect your thoughts while ensuring you don’t overwhelm the interviewer by arriving too soon.

   If you find yourself arriving too early, consider waiting in your car or at a nearby café until it’s closer to your interview time.

Final Thoughts

Job interviews are pivotal opportunities to showcase your skills and professionalism. Your goal is to demonstrate your capability and fit for the role, not to come across as unprofessional or frustrating.

Employers approach interviews hopeful that they will find the right candidate. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing the job.

References

1. Harvard Business School – Five Common Mistakes People Make Before, During, and After a Job Interview

2. U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Structured Interviews

Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.