Did you know that 33% of hiring managers decide whether to hire someone within the first 90 seconds of an interview? Landing a job interview is a major milestone in your career journey, but even small missteps can cost you that coveted position. In this guide, we outline the 10 most damaging mistakes candidates make and provide essential interview etiquette tips that every job seeker should master. Read on to discover how to make a lasting positive impression and avoid the common pitfalls that derail promising opportunities.

1. Arriving Late

Why It Matters: Punctuality is a non-negotiable element of professional behavior. Arriving late—even by a few minutes—signals a lack of respect for the interviewer's time and immediately creates a negative first impression that's difficult to overcome.

Real Scenario: "I once interviewed a candidate with an impressive resume who arrived 15 minutes late without calling ahead. Despite her qualifications, the tardiness raised immediate concerns about reliability that she couldn't overcome during the interview." — Senior Hiring Manager at a Fortune 500 company

In-Person Interview Tips

• Plan Your Route: Always map your journey in advance and allow extra time for traffic, parking difficulties, or public transit delays.
• Aim Early: Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to check in, settle your nerves, and mentally prepare.
• Practice Run: If possible, do a test run to the interview location at the same time of day as your scheduled interview to gauge typical traffic conditions.

Virtual Interview Tips

• Test Your Technology: At least 24 hours before your interview, test your WiFi connection, audio, and video settings to ensure everything works smoothly.
• Log In Early: Enter the virtual meeting platform 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to address any unexpected technical issues.
• Prepare a Backup Plan: Have an alternative connection ready (such as a mobile hotspot) in case your primary internet fails.
• Optimize Your Environment: Ensure your interview space is quiet, well-lit, and free of visual or audio distractions.

2. Failing to Research the Company

Why It Matters: Walking into an interview without company knowledge can leave you unprepared for key questions and unable to demonstrate genuine interest in the organization.

What To Do Instead: Thoroughly research the company's history, mission, products/services, recent news, and culture. This preparation enables you to ask insightful questions and connect your experience to their specific needs.

Pro Tip: "I always ask candidates what they find most interesting about our company. Those who provide specific, thoughtful responses immediately stand out from those who offer generic answers." — TPD Recruitment Specialist

3. Overusing Your Phone

Why It Matters: Checking your phone during an interview signals distraction and disrespect, suggesting that something else has higher priority than this career opportunity.

What To Do Instead: Before entering the interview space, turn your phone to silent or airplane mode and keep it completely out of sight. If you're expecting a truly urgent call, mention this briefly at the start of the interview.

Quick Example: Instead of placing your phone on the table (even face down), keep it in your bag or pocket where notifications won't tempt you to glance at it.

4. Speaking Negatively About Past Employers

Why It Matters: Criticism of former employers raises red flags about your professionalism, discretion, and attitude toward workplace challenges.

What To Do Instead: Focus on what you learned from previous experiences and how those lessons prepared you for this new opportunity.

Better Approach: Instead of saying "My last manager never provided clear direction," try "I thrive in environments with clear communication and defined expectations, which is one reason I'm excited about your company's transparent leadership approach."

5. Neglecting Body Language

Why It Matters: Your non-verbal communication often speaks louder than your words. Poor body language can contradict your verbal responses and undermine your professionalism.

Key Elements to Monitor:

• Eye Contact: Maintain natural eye contact without staring to demonstrate confidence and engagement.
• Posture: Sit up straight with your shoulders back to project confidence.
• Hands: Keep your hands visible and avoid nervous habits like tapping, fidgeting with jewelry, or excessive gesturing.
• Facial Expressions: Be mindful of your expressions, ensuring they match the tone of your conversation.

Pro Tip: "Record yourself in a practice interview to spot unconscious habits. Many candidates are surprised to discover they have distracting mannerisms they never noticed." — Career Coach

6. Interrupting the Interviewer

Why It Matters: Interruptions disrupt the conversation flow and suggest poor listening skills, impatience, or lack of respect for others' perspectives.

What To Do Instead: Practice active listening by focusing completely on what the interviewer is saying rather than formulating your response while they're still speaking. Wait for a clear pause before responding.

Technique: If you're worried about forgetting points, jot down brief notes as the interviewer speaks, which also demonstrates your attentiveness.

7. Not Asking Thoughtful Questions

Why It Matters: Having no questions can signal lack of interest, preparation, or critical thinking skills. The questions you ask are often as revealing as the answers you provide.

Powerful Questions to Consider:

• "How would you describe the team culture and what type of person thrives here?"
• "What are the biggest challenges the person in this role will face in the first six months?"
• "How does this position contribute to the company's overall mission and goals?"
• "What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?"

Insider Insight: "The candidates who stand out to me always ask questions that show they're already thinking about how they can contribute to our team's success." — TPD Hiring Manager

8. Overcompensating or Bragging

Why It Matters: While confidence is essential, overcompensating or exaggerating accomplishments can make you appear arrogant or inauthentic.

Finding Balance: Clearly articulate your achievements with specific examples and metrics, but also acknowledge team contributions and learning experiences.

Example Approach: Instead of "I single-handedly increased departmental revenue by 50%," try "I led a revenue growth initiative that achieved a 50% increase through collaborative efforts with our marketing and sales teams."

9. Dressing Inappropriately

Why It Matters: Your attire creates an immediate visual impression and signals your understanding of the company culture and your respect for the interview process.

How to Get It Right:

• Research the company's dress code through their website, social media, or by asking your recruiter.
• Dress one level above what employees typically wear in that workplace.
• Ensure your clothing is clean, wrinkle-free, and properly fitted.
• Minimize distracting accessories or overwhelming fragrances.

Quick Guide: For conservative industries (finance, law), opt for formal business attire. For creative or casual environments, business casual is usually appropriate, but never go too casual even if the workplace is.

10. Forgetting to Follow Up

Why It Matters: Neglecting to send a thank-you note can be interpreted as lack of interest, poor follow-through, or inadequate professional etiquette.

Effective Follow-Up Strategy:

• Send a personalized email within 24 hours of your interview.
• Express genuine appreciation for the interviewer's time and insights.
• Briefly reinforce why you're excited about the opportunity and how your skills align with their needs.
• Reference a specific topic from your conversation to remind them of your discussion.

Template Example: "Dear [Interviewer's Name], Thank you for taking the time to discuss the [Position] role with me today. I particularly enjoyed learning about [specific project or company initiative], and I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to your team's goals through my experience in [relevant skill]. I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the process."

Modern Interview Challenges: Navigating Today's Hiring Landscape

Video Interview Special Considerations

• Camera Position: Position your camera at eye level for the most flattering and professional angle.
• Virtual Background: If using one, keep it simple and professional without distractions.
• Screen Sharing: Close unnecessary tabs and notifications before sharing your screen.
• Connection Issues: If your connection fails, have the interviewer's phone number ready to call immediately.

AI-Screening Interviews

• Speak Clearly: AI systems may have difficulty with accents or fast speech.
• Use Keywords: Naturally incorporate industry-specific terminology and keywords from the job description.
• Avoid Filler Words: Minimize "um," "like," and "you know" as these can impact AI assessments.

Pre-Interview Checklist

✓ Researched company thoroughly
✓ Prepared specific examples demonstrating key skills
✓ Practiced answers to common questions
✓ Outfit selected and prepared
✓ Portfolio/resume copies ready (for in-person)
✓ Route planned with buffer time
✓ Technology tested (for virtual)
✓ Questions prepared for interviewer
✓ Reference list updated
✓ LinkedIn profile updated

Conclusion

Mastering interview etiquette isn't just about avoiding mistakes—it's about demonstrating that you're a thoughtful professional who would represent the company well. By avoiding these common pitfalls and implementing our expert tips, you'll set yourself apart as a prepared, confident, and polished candidate.

Remember that preparation is your most powerful tool. Each interview provides valuable experience, even if it doesn't lead to an offer. Stay positive, keep refining your approach, and maintain confidence in your abilities.

Ready to put these strategies into practice? If you're currently searching for new opportunities, visit TPD's job board to discover positions that match your skills and career aspirations. Our recruiting team is committed to helping candidates like you connect with employers who value the professional approach you'll bring to your next interview.