- Business Insider asked an etiquette expert about the mistakes people make during job interviews.
- Many people forget to research the company and clean up their social media pages beforehand.
- Being on time and sending a thank you note are easy ways to make a good impression.
For many people, job interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience. Even with proper preparation, it’s common to struggle with this important step in the hiring process.
To help you avoid common mistakes, Business Insider asked business ethics expert Jacqueline Whitmore about the things candidates should avoid doing during an interview. Here’s what she said.
He does not come prepared for the interview
Whitmore told BI that a simple but common mistake candidates make is arriving at the interview unprepared.
“Most people don’t do proper company research. We have so many resources to use, including LinkedIn, websites and social media,” she said. “There’s no excuse for you to go to an interview and not know about the company and something about who might be interviewing you.”
Whitmore also said it’s important to ask the interviewer questions specifically tailored to the company.
Dressing too casually or not paying attention to small details
When preparing, it is important to pay attention to details. Drazen Zigic/Getty Images
According to Whitmore, dressing too casually is another common mistake she sees interviewees make.
“Very rarely do we see someone overdressed for a job interview,” she said. “They often don’t think too much about the details, like the color of their belt or that their shoes match their outfit.”
Whitmore told BI that even when candidates wear suits, they can overlook other key details, like forgetting to cut the tags or not opening the vents in the back.
“Why would an employer want to hire someone who doesn’t pay attention to detail?” Whitmore said.
Forgetting to do your best on social media
Employers are likely to look at your social media presence. Alistair Berg/Getty Images
Before walking into a job interview, it’s important to consider how you’re presenting yourself online, especially since Whitmore said the first thing an employer is likely to do is Google it.
“They will look at all your social media pages. They will look at what you eat, what you drink, what you wear, who you hang out with, what your lifestyle is – and they make judgements,” she told BI. .
For this reason, Whitmore suggested adjusting your privacy settings and cleaning up your social media presence to eliminate anything that could be used against you.
Use of expletives, insults or slang
When in a job interview, Whitmore told BI that candidates should never use inappropriate language, such as profanity, slang or terminology that the employer may not understand.
She also said to be wary of filler words and phrases such as “like” or “um” to avoid confusing the conversation.
Whitmore suggested recording yourself before the interview or practicing ahead of time to make sure you’re speaking clearly and accurately.
Turning off the camera during a virtual interview
Make sure your background is neat. Coloring Media/Shutterstock
One mistake to avoid in virtual interviews is refusing to turn on your camera.
Candidates may choose to keep their cameras off for a variety of reasons, such as concern for eye contact or feeling uncomfortable with face-to-face interaction. However, Whitmore said keeping the camera on is a good idea so the employer can see your facial expressions.
She added that candidates should be careful how their background looks and make sure their room looks tidy.
“If you just have to have a blank wall, that’s better than a big distraction. But I definitely recommend putting some thought into your background,” she said.
Arriving late to the interview
“Showing up late for an interview is a big no-no,” Whitmore said. “I’ve always said that when you’re on time, you’re still late. You have to show up early.”
Arriving early ensures you have enough time to find parking or the meeting room. Whitmore added that doing this also allows you to use the bathroom and gain your composure before the interview begins.
Not sending a thank you note
Whitmore likes to send a thank you email and a thank you note. Oscar Wong/Getty Images
Sending a thank you note is an important step in the interview process.
“I overdo it. I send a thank you email and a thank you note because this is an opportunity for you to get in the employer’s eyes at least twice,” Whitmore told BI.
Be sure to follow up within 24 hours of the interview and personalize the note.
“Tell the person by name. Tell them why you enjoyed the interview and why you’d be a good candidate,” Whitmore said.
If you’re feeling stuck, she suggested writing a note and using ChatGPT to polish it off.
