Interviews can be stressful for both new candidates and experienced professionals looking to change jobs. Perhaps after several interviews where you were not selected, you've asked yourself, “Why was I rejected?” Even if you believe you are the most qualified candidate, there could be unexpected reasons for your rejection.
These reasons might include other candidates being more qualified and a better fit for the position. Another possibility is that you made mistakes you didn’t even notice. Let’s take a look at common interview mistakes you may want to reconsider:
Carelessness
How you approach a job or task is evident from your very first step—the job application. Your CV is the first indicator. Grammar mistakes, sloppy formatting, or even simple spelling errors can immediately disqualify you. If you pass that stage, your performance during the interview becomes the next crucial moment. Any sign of carelessness will shape the interviewer’s perception of you.
A sloppy first impression might not be redeemed by your previous impressive job experience or the university you graduated from. For example, an unkempt appearance or inappropriate clothing choices can hurt your chances. Don’t show up wearing the clothes you wore to a party the night before or your favorite Sunday morning jogging outfit.
Appearing Disrespectful
Your clothing, speech, attitude when listening to questions, and the care you put into your answers all reflect your level of respect for the process. Try not to come across as too distant while aiming to be respectful, and don’t overdo it either. Rushed or thoughtless answers may give the impression that you're trying to dodge or manipulate the situation. Unless you’re severely pressed for time, it’s perfectly acceptable to pause briefly to think before answering a question you’re unsure about. Taking a sip of water or offering a smile are helpful ways to buy a moment and show poise.
If you're waiting in a reception area and feel all eyes are on you, it’s best to avoid burying yourself in your phone—even if you’re bored. There will likely be magazines or other reading material you can browse instead. This will make you appear more engaged. Also, your tone of address is important. Don’t behave as if you’re catching up with an old friend—but also not like you're speaking with someone you despise. Be natural and avoid unnecessary extremes.
Fading into the Background
While being respectful and well-mannered, avoid appearing timid or overly shy. You might value politeness and even offer someone else the chance to speak first by saying, “Please, go ahead,” if you both start talking at the same time. But in an interview setting, being overly polite can be worse than appearing confident.
In nearly every company culture, candidates who can stand out and show the right level of initiative are favored. Once you find the right balance among all these factors, success tends to follow. If you reflect on your past or future unsuccessful interviews, it might turn out that your tendency to fade into the background due to excessive politeness is a key reason.