If you’re like most people, you probably spend time before, during, and after a job interview worrying that some inadvertent blunder can knock you out of the running. Sadly, that’s often what happens, despite your best intentions. Effective job interview preparation isn’t only about what you should do; it’s also about knowing what not to do.
What turns off the interviewing team? Here is some feedback from a handful of recruiters, where they divulged their pet peeves.
Whatever you do, they said:
1. Avoid Nervous Habits During Job Interviews
Don’t fidget during the interview. Nervous habits like tapping your fingers, shaking your leg, or playing with objects can be distracting and come off as unprofessional. One recruiter once recounted how a candidate’s constant pen-tapping made it nearly impossible for the interview team to stay focused. Even The Muse lists “don’t fidget” as a major body language mistake to avoid:
If you’re not sure how—or whether—you fidget, stage a mock interview with a friend. Ask your friend to clue you in to any nervous mannerisms you have such as twirling your hair or drumming your fingers. That way, you’ll know what bad habits to avoid during the actual interview.
2. Maintain Eye Contact to Show Confidence
Don’t avoid making eye contact with the interviewer. Meeting their smile with your own won’t make you seem too aggressive or brash—just calm and confident. Prospective employers will think: “Yes, this candidate must really mean what they are saying because they are looking right at me.”
3. Highlight Your Achievements with Confidence
Don’t downplay your achievements or abilities. Many people feel foolish or uncomfortable discussing their successes. Once again, practice is the key. During your mock interview, mention your past accomplishments. Keep practicing until, when talking about yourself, you sound very calm and polished. (NOTE: I can help you respond to questions where you—the job-seeker—can seamlessly weave in your achievements.)
4. Ask Questions About the Company and the Role You Would be Filling
Don’t forget to ask questions about the company and the job. It’s easy to just talk about yourself, but showing interest in—and familiarity with—your prospective employer impresses interviewers. This might feel like extra work, but even five minutes of research can make you stand out. How do you obtain this information? Google (1) “About [the name of the company in question]” and (2) “[the name of the company in question] in the news.” (NOTE: I include this information in my interview coaching sessions with my clients.)
5. Dress Professionally and Tastefully
Don’t dress too casually or, at the other extreme, wear too much make-up, jewelry, or fragrance. When in doubt, wear something conservative and tasteful—something that will cover up any tattoos. It may feel old-fashioned, but it still makes a difference.
6. Never Criticize Past Employers
Don’t criticize your present employer or co-workers under any circumstances. It makes you look like a complainer and raises red flags about how you might behave in the future.
7. Always Thank the Interviewer
Don’t forget to thank the interviewers as you’re leaving and again in a note (sending an email is perfectly acceptable here). A thank-you note is an easy way to leave a good impression. Since only 2% of job-seekers do so after an interview, this action will really help you—the job-seeker—positively stand out. It’s a small effort that pays off in a big way.
Why Choose The Regency Group?
When it comes to your career, you deserve a team that knows what they’re doing—and does it fast. At The Regency Group, we don’t just talk about experience and results—we deliver them, and we’ve been doing it for decades. Here’s why our clients have trusted us to help them put their best foot forward:
- We have faithfully served thousands and thousands of clients since 1985.
- We offer Canada’s only while-you-wait resume writing service. Why wait anywhere from 2–6 weeks to receive the first draft of your resume? By contrast, we will complete a “top-notch” resume and cover letter for you in mere hours!
- We sport the Province of Ontario’s first Certified Professional Resume Writer (there are—maybe—two dozen in Canada). This certification vows that we have exceeded the high standards associated with the resume writing industry and have mastered the craft of leading-edge resume preparation. We guarantee that you will receive primo service!
With hiring managers receiving hundreds of applications per job, a well-structured, keyword-optimized, and achievement-focused resume is essential to landing interviews. If you’re struggling to get noticed, don’t leave your career to chance—a professionally written resume can increase your chances of securing an interview by as much as 85%.
Final Thoughts
Successful job interview preparation means being intentional about every step—from how you present yourself to how you follow up. By avoiding these seven common mistakes, you’ll stand out as a confident, professional candidate who employers want to hire. And if you’d like extra support, The Regency Group is here to ensure you shine every step of the way.
Want to stand out among potentially hundreds of other job applicants? Then call us at 905.841.7120, email marian@resumeexpert.ca, or complete the form on our contact page today. Let us help you take the next step in your career!
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* This article includes AI generated content.
