10 Crazy Job Interview Mistakes People Actually Made

10 big job interview mistakes

If you’ve ever fumbled a job interview, comfort yourself with the knowledge that you likely didn’t commit any of the following interview atrocities. Here are 10 documented interview blunders that will have you shaking your head.

1. The candidate brought a “how to interview” book to the interview.
2. The candidate asked, “What company is this again?”
3. The candidate put the interviewer on hold during a phone interview. When they came back on the line, they told the interviewer they had a date set up for Friday.
4. The candidate wore a Boy Scout uniform and never told interviewers why.
5. The candidate talked about promptness as one of their strengths after showing up 10 minutes late.
6. On the way to the interview, the candidate passed, cut off, and flipped their middle finger at a driver – who happened to be the interviewer.
7. The candidate took off their shoes during the interview.
8. The candidate asked for a sip of the interviewer’s coffee.
9. When a candidate interviewing for a security position wasn’t hired on the spot, they painted graffiti on the building.
10. Federal authorities arrested the candidate during the interview when their background check revealed they had an outstanding warrant.

Common interview mistakes

While reading about outrageous job interview mistakes is amusing, job interviews are serious business. You have a limited time to present yourself as thoughtful and capable, with the skills employers want. HR managers understand that job interviews can cause anxiety and will likely cut you some slack. 

However, candidates sometimes make inexcusable mistakes that are entirely preventable. Before your next job interview, familiarize yourself with the following common interview mistakes that can derail your career hopes. 

1. Wearing inappropriate clothing to a job interview sends the wrong message.

Dressing for your interview is an easy way to make a good first impression. The business’s environment and the job’s details will dictate your outfit choice. Dressing too casually or sloppily for a position in a corporate setting may suggest inattention to detail and a lack of understanding of social cues. In contrast, dressing too formally for a casual workplace may signal that you’re not a good fit. 

No matter the job, avoid wearing clothing that detracts from your qualifications, and ensure your attire is clean, appropriate and makes you feel confident. 

2. Being uninformed about the organization says you don’t care. 

Organizations want to hire people who care about their mission and values. One of the best ways to show you don’t care is not knowing what the organization does. Displaying an utter lack of interest is an excellent way to disqualify yourself from consideration.

Research the company before heading to your interview. Go beyond its website landing page – find its About and Press pages, where you can familiarize yourself with recent company news. Seek out information about the company culture and its products and services. Use what you learn to prepare intelligent, thoughtful responses and questions.

3. Becoming distracted in a job interview is a red flag.

Life can be hectic. Slowing down and focusing is challenging for many of us. However, a job interview is a critical time to leave distractions behind and focus on the experience. 

Businesses are all too familiar with inattentive employees. Distracted workers cost money and lower productivity. Indicating your propensity for distraction during the interview is a huge red flag that your office presence won’t enhance operations. 

Turn off your phone and focus on your interview. Texts, apps, headlines and calls can wait.

4. Behaving rudely during a job interview is inexcusable.

It almost goes without saying that rudeness during a job interview is inexcusable behavior. However, sometimes people are unaware they’re being rude. For example, they may think there’s nothing wrong with chewing gum during or exhibiting their unique brand of humor during an interview. 

While you want to be yourself during an interview, be mindful of job interview etiquette and acceptable professional behavior. Be courteous and polite to the receptionist and any office staff you encounter, and don’t forget to say thank you when you leave. 

5. Acting entitled can derail your job interview.

You may not be interviewing for your dream job, but that doesn’t make it OK to be dismissive about the position or share that you see it as only a temporary stepping stone. 

Be respectful and show humility during your interview. Companies want people who will work hard and be loyal, and career advancement opportunities are often available from entry-level positions. 

Tips for a successful interview

In many successful hires, the applicant demonstrates hard and soft skills. They combine hard skills – specific skills and knowledge the position requires – with soft skills like emotional intelligence to present themselves as ideal candidates. 

To present yourself as favorably as possible and increase your chances of landing the job, consider these tips:

• Research beforehand. Have a firm grasp of the organization, including its mission and values.
• Be upbeat and attentive. Show your positive attitude and listen closely to better understand the position and its responsibilities.
• Understand your would-be role. Have a clear understanding of the position and its duties – and how your knowledge and skills would make an impact.
• Ask good questions. Prepare insightful questions that show you understand the industry and the organization’s role within it. Ask clarifying questions to better understand the position and how it interacts with the rest of the organization.
• Follow up. Send a post-interview thank-you letter soon after the interview where you reiterate your interest in the job. If you haven’t heard back about the position in the timeframe specified, wait a few days, and then contact the hiring manager who interviewed you, saying you’re still interested and asking if you can provide additional information. 

Land the job

Ultimately, interviewers want competent, enthusiastic and easy-to-work-with individuals. Being informed, upbeat and attentive helps demonstrate these traits. Your great resume speaks for itself; the interview is your time to showcase the personality traits and soft skills that will get you hired. 

Chad Brooks contributed to the reporting and writing in this article.