Job Interviews in Malaysia: 7 Mistakes That Could Cost You the Job

Acing a job interview isn’t just about having the right skills. Avoid these 7 common mistakes that could make employers think twice about hiring you.

By Matt Khoo on 2025-02-24 at 4:10 AM

Updated on 2025-02-24 at 4:30 AM

A job interview is your one shot at making a lasting impression on potential employers.

You might have the perfect qualifications, a great resume, and relevant experience, but one small mistake during the interview can ruin your chances of getting hired.

If you've been struggling to secure job offers despite multiple interviews, it’s time to take a step back and identify what might be going wrong.

Here are 7 job interview mistakes that could cost you the job—and how to fix them.

1. Not Researching the Company

Imagine walking into an interview and being asked, “What do you know about our company?” only to blank out. Not doing your homework shows a lack of preparation and interest.

✅ What You Should Do:
✔ Research the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements.
✔ Understand their products, services, and competitors.
✔ Check the company’s website, LinkedIn page, and recent news articles.

2. Talking Too Much or Too Little

Some candidates over-explain every answer, while others say the bare minimum. Both can be deal-breakers.

✅ What You Should Do:
✔ Keep your answers concise and relevant—don’t ramble.
✔ Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✔ Practice answering common interview questions without memorizing scripted responses.

3. Failing to Ask Questions

At the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” Saying “No” makes you seem uninterested or unprepared.

✅ What You Should Do:
✔ Ask about the company’s work culture, growth opportunities, or team structure.
✔ Avoid asking about salary or benefits in the first interview (unless the interviewer brings it up).
✔ Show enthusiasm by inquiring about what success looks like in the role.

📌 Good Example: “What are the biggest challenges someone in this role would face?”

4. Dressing Inappropriately

First impressions matter. Dressing too casually or too formally can send the wrong message about your professionalism.

✅ What You Should Do:
✔ Research the company’s dress code—corporate jobs require formal attire, while startups may prefer smart casual.
✔ When in doubt, dress slightly more formal than the company’s typical dress code.
✔ Ensure your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and wrinkle-free.

5. Undermining Yourself in Salary Negotiations

Many job seekers struggle with salary discussions, either accepting a lowball offer too quickly or failing to justify their salary expectations.

✅ What You Should Do:
✔ Research industry salary benchmarks before the interview.
✔ When asked about salary, give a reasonable range rather than a fixed number.
✔ Be confident when negotiating but avoid sounding overly demanding.

📌 Good Example: “Based on my experience and market research, I believe a salary range of RM4,000–RM5,000 would be reasonable for this role.”

6. Speaking Negatively About Previous Employers

Badmouthing your previous boss or company—even if they were terrible—makes you look unprofessional and can raise red flags for employers.

✅ What You Should Do:
✔ Keep your responses neutral and professional.
✔ If asked why you left your last job, focus on career growth and new opportunities.
✔ Avoid sounding bitter or complaining about past experiences.

📌 Good Example: “I enjoyed my time at my previous company, but I’m looking for new challenges that align better with my career goals.”

7. Not Following Up After the Interview

Many job seekers assume that once the interview is over, their work is done. However, not sending a follow-up email can make you forgettable among other candidates.

✅ What You Should Do:
✔ Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview.
✔ Express gratitude for the opportunity and briefly reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
✔ Keep it short and professional—no need to overdo it.

📌 Good Example:
"Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I truly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the team and the exciting projects ahead.
I’m very excited about the possibility of contributing to your company and look forward to hearing from you soon. Please let me know if you need any further information from my end.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but avoiding these common mistakes will increase your chances of landing the job. The key to impressing employers is preparation, confidence, and professionalism. Want to know which job best fits your personality? Take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to find your ideal career path! Looking for exciting job opportunities? Explore the latest Malaysia job vacancies on Hiredly and take the next step in your career.

By Matt Khoo on 2025-02-24 at 4:10 AM