Adapted from 1st Financial Bank USA's blog
The day of your interview has arrived! You’ve likely thought about what to do, such as iron your pants, triple-check your resume, and familiarize yourself with the route to the interview site. However, it’s important to remember the things you shouldn’t do during the interview process. To avoid ruining your chance of landing the job, read through 12 interview mistakes to avoid.
First impressions start with timing. Arriving late suggests poor time management and even a lack of respect, but showing up early can also catch your interviewer off guard. Aim to arrive around 10-15 minutes early. This should give you enough time to plan for the unexpected mishap (your transportation runs late, you can’t find the entrance, or you need to use the restroom), as well as check in, gather your thoughts, and demonstrate punctuality without being disruptive.
If something unexpected happens and you’re running late, communicate with your contact at the company right away. A quick call or email can show maturity and professionalism.
It's smart to bring extra copies of your resume to the interview. Five is a good rule of thumb, especially if you’re meeting multiple people. Even if you’re sure the interview panel will have a copy of your resume, offering them a clean, printed copy shows preparedness and professionalism.
Depending on the job, you may also want to bring a relevant example of your work, such as an art portfolio or writing samples. Additionally, a cover letter can’t hurt your chances and really demonstrates your interest in the position. Bringing these materials in a folder or binder adds a polished touch and can help you stay organized.
Your interview begins the moment you enter the building and sometimes even in the parking lot. From the moment you set foot on company premises, you may be noticed by or interact with people who aren't your interviewer, such as a receptionist or hiring manager – and they may report back on your attitude and demeanor during the interaction.
Being professional and courteous with everyone you encounter can go a long way in the interview process. After all, these individuals could be your future colleagues.
Your body language can sometimes speak louder than words. It conveys confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism – or the opposite – before you even say a word. Nervous energy is normal, but it can send the wrong signals. From the moment you walk in, make sure your body language is communicating what you want it to.
For example, you never want to accidentally convey that you aren’t interested in the job or internship. Be engaged and attentive. Avoid slouching in your chair, crossing your arms, tapping your fingers, yawning, or appearing unfocused. Instead, maintain steady (but not intense) eye contact, sit up straight, and smile when appropriate. These small but effective adjustments will help you seem more confident and convey your genuine interest in the interview, even if you’re a bit anxious.
What you wear to an interview does matter. Your clothes demonstrate your attention to detail and your professionalism and show recruiters that you’re serious about the job. Choosing the right outfit can be tricky, but career experts say your goal should be to dress slightly more formal than the company’s day-to-day dress. For example, if the office dress code is casual, wear something that’s business casual, and always avoid anything that might be too flashy or revealing.
If you're unsure about the dress code, make an educated guess. Opting for business casual or trending professional attire is almost always a safe choice. For more specifics, you can look at “What to Wear to an Interview: 2025 Guide” by Coursera.
Giving your full attention during an interview is important for making a good impression. Checking your phone, whether it’s a quick glance or a text reply, can make it seem like you’re distracted or not fully present. Before entering the building, silence your phone and leave it in your bag or pocket.
This small step shows that your full attention is on the interviewer and the opportunity in front of you.
It’s common for an interviewer to ask you about your job history. Even if you had a terrible experience at your previous job, it's never a good idea to rant about your frustrations to a potential employer. Doing so can reflect negatively on you and your attitude.
Instead, find a candid but polite way to express your feelings about your previous work environment. For instance, avoid saying things like "I hated my coworkers, and my boss never let me have any time off." Instead, say something like, “I found that I didn't have a good work-life balance at my previous job, and I'm hoping to create meaningful connections with new colleagues. I have found both are important to me.” This way, you can be honest while still presenting yourself in a positive light.
Exaggerating your experience or credentials might get you through the interview, but it could hurt you later. Employers often verify job titles, skills, and accomplishments. Some even check your social media accounts, which is why it’s important to present yourself accurately when job hunting. Plus, if you’re hired for a role you’re not qualified for, you’ll be set up for a tough road ahead.
Be honest about your background and focus on your willingness to learn. Confidence is great, but it should be rooted in truth.
It’s easy to get carried away when answering open-ended questions, but long, off-topic responses can make you seem unprepared. Stick to clear focused answers that highlight your strengths.
Try using the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Practicing ahead of time can help you stay concise and relevant.
You may be asked an interview question about the company you are interviewing with. This is meant to separate the people who applied for the first position they found when they searched “summer jobs in college” from the people who are actually passionate about the company.
Before your interview, spend time on the company’s website, check out their social media, and read any recent news. Look for the company's mission statement, values, and culture. You can also look up the company’s competition and major players in the market. Even if you're not directly asked a question about the company, you can find ways to incorporate your company knowledge into the responses to the other questions. It shows initiative and helps you ask better questions.
Asking thoughtful questions during the interview is one of the best ways to demonstrate your interest to your employer. It also indicates that you are not afraid to ask for more information or clarification about the position, demonstrates your critical thinking skills, and shows that you are eager to understand how you can contribute to the job or team.
Employers take note when candidates come prepared with insightful questions. It shows initiative, a desire to contribute, and an understanding that interviews are a two-way street. It also gives you a chance to learn more about the company culture, expectations, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
While thoughtful questions about the job and company are important, experts advise candidates to avoid asking about salary or benefits until later in the interview process, such as during the second or third interview or when you’re presented with an offer. Also make sure to avoid asking anything you could easily find on the company website.
Indeed has some go-to questions you can use when you’re applying for an internship or a full-time position. These include:
Whether the job offer is put on the table or the company needs a little more deliberation, you should follow up with a thank you note. It is usually best to send a thank you email within 24 hours of the interview. Remember to be authentic in your follow-up. Mention something specific from your conversation, express your appreciation, and reaffirm your interest in the role. Make it clear that the sentiments expressed are from you, not from ChatGPT.
Sending a thank you is a small gesture that requires very little effort. This gesture also shows that you value their time and may give you an edge over other candidates. Although not as commonplace these days, sending or dropping off a handwritten note is going the extra mile.
It might seem like there are endless rules to follow during an interview, but it really comes down to just one: be polite and genuine. After you realize you only need good etiquette, you are free to focus on the things you should do in an interview, such as giving a firm handshake, making eye contact, and being yourself. With these tips in mind, you will hopefully be on your way to joining the company of your dreams in no time. You’ve got this!
For more information, see CollegeData Careers.