5 Job Interview Mistakes That Can Cost You A Job Offer
Your behaviour, preparation, and how you conduct yourself at the job interview can all play a crucial role in making sure you nail it.
By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM
Updated on 2024-10-30 at 7:12 AM
Making The First Impression At Job Interviews in Malaysia
First impressions can have a lasting impact, especially during job interviews. From the moment you step into the office or log into a virtual interview, you’re being evaluated—not just by your interviewer but by everyone you interact with. Your appearance, body language, and even small interactions like accepting or declining a glass of water can set the tone for the interview.
Being prepared for an interview involves more than just practising responses—it’s also about mindset, composure, and learning from others. In fact, surrounding yourself with driven peers can help sharpen your interview skills and build your confidence through shared insights and experiences. Many job seekers focus solely on their qualifications and responses but overlook key elements that can significantly affect their chances of getting hired. By recognising and avoiding these mistakes, you’ll improve your chances of success in your next interview.
5 Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid
These 5 subtle mistakes may not seem like much at a glance but could leave interviewers with a less than favourable impression of you.
1. Saying No to a Glass of Water
When offered a glass of water before an interview, it might seem like a trivial decision, but accepting it can help ease the interaction. This simple gesture serves as an icebreaker, providing an opportunity to establish a friendly rapport with the interviewer. Declining the offer can come across as stiff or overly formal, making the interview feel more rigid and less conversational.
Accepting a glass of water also gives you a few moments to calm your nerves before the interview officially starts. It provides a natural pause and helps create a more relaxed atmosphere.
When you’re offered a drink, graciously accept. Even if you don’t want water, the act of accepting it shows politeness and comfort. Take a sip when you need a moment to collect your thoughts during the interview—it’s a small but effective way to pace yourself and relieve any tension.
2. Not Doing Your Research About the Company
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in an interview is showing up unprepared, especially when it comes to knowing about the company. Not being able to answer common interview questions like "What do you know about our company?" or "Why do you want to work here?" reflects poorly on you as a candidate. It suggests a lack of initiative and disinterest in the company, which can be a major deal breaker for hiring managers.
Researching the company’s history, mission, values, and recent projects allows you to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest. This effort shows the interviewer that you are serious about the opportunity and have taken the time to understand the company's needs and goals. Sometimes, understanding the work culture and knowing how your personality fits can give you the upper hand.
3. Speaking Negatively About Your Past Employers
It can be tempting to vent about a bad experience at a previous job, but speaking negatively about your past employers is a major red flag for interviewers. While you may hope that your honesty or frustration will gain sympathy, the opposite is often true. Hiring managers may see this as a lack of professionalism or fear that you might bring a negative attitude into their workplace.
Instead of criticising past employers, focus on what you learned from the challenges you faced. This shows maturity and a willingness to grow, which are qualities that employers look for in potential hires.
If asked about previous roles or difficult work situations, avoid complaints. Instead, frame your answers around the lessons learned and how you handled challenges.
For example, say, "In my last role, I faced a lot of tight deadlines, but it helped me develop strong time management skills and stay focused under pressure."
4. Lying or Over Exaggerating About Your Skills
It’s tempting to inflate your skills or experience to impress the interviewer, but lying or exaggerating during an interview can have serious consequences. Hiring managers are skilled at detecting inconsistencies, and in many cases, they will verify your claims through references or skill assessments.
Even if you manage to secure the job by embellishing your abilities, you may quickly find yourself in a position you can’t handle, leading to poor performance and potentially losing the role. Employers value honesty and integrity. Being upfront about your current skills, along with a willingness to learn and grow, can be just as appealing to recruiters as being fully qualified for the role.
5. Fidgeting with Items
Nervous habits like clicking a pen, shaking your leg, or playing with your hair may seem harmless, but they can be distracting to interviewers. These actions may give the impression that you’re anxious, disinterested, or not fully engaged in the conversation.
Fidgeting also breaks the flow of the interview, drawing attention away from your answers and onto your restless behaviour. Good posture, calm body language, and maintaining eye contact are important to convey confidence and focus.
Conclusion
Job interviews are more than just answering questions—they’re about presenting your best self in every interaction. From accepting a glass of water to managing your body language, each detail matters.
Always remember to be polite, prepared, professional, and honest throughout the entire interview process. The little things can make a big difference in whether or not you land the job, so stay mindful of your actions, attitude, and how you present yourself from start to finish.
For more opportunities that align with your career goals, explore the latest jobs on Hiredly today! Every interview is a chance to move one step closer to your dream role.
By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM