7 Interview Mistakes That Cost You the Job

Interviews are nerve-wracking. Even the most qualified candidates make mistakes that cost them the job.

After talking with thousands of job seekers and hiring managers, we've identified the seven most common interview mistakes—and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not researching the company. Many candidates walk in knowing almost nothing about the company. At minimum, you should know what the company does, recent news, and who you're meeting with. Fifteen minutes of research can set you apart.

Mistake 2: Failing to prepare stories. Behavioral interviews are standard. Yet many candidates struggle to come up with examples on the spot. Before any interview, prepare 5-7 stories that demonstrate key competencies like leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Mistake 3: Talking too much (or too little). Some candidates ramble for five minutes on simple questions. Others give one-word answers. Neither extreme works. Aim for responses between 1-2 minutes for most questions.

Mistake 4: Not asking questions. "Do you have any questions for me?" is not a formality. Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions that show you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the role.

Mistake 5: Badmouthing previous employers. Even if your last boss was terrible, speaking negatively about them raises red flags. Keep it professional and focus on what you're looking for, not what you're running from.

Mistake 6: Not following up. A thank-you email within 24 hours isn't optional. It's expected. Personalize it with something specific from your conversation.

Mistake 7: Letting nerves take over. Some anxiety is normal and even helpful. But if nerves are overwhelming you, practice, preparation, and deep breathing can help. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become.

Interview Maestro, our AI-powered practice tool, can help you prepare for all of these scenarios. Practice makes progress.

— Omar Hassan, Head of Career Intelligence