First impressions are of very important and for that reason, during a job interview, making a good first impression should be your priority. A job interview is your chance to sell yourself to potential employers—but even small mistakes can cost you the opportunity. In this article, we explore what not to do during a job interview, from arriving late to interrupting the interviewer. Avoiding these common missteps will help you appear professional, prepared, and confident.
During a job interview, each person has their style, their strategies and methods to best convey information about themselves. There is no written manual to guide each person to achieve the perfect interview. However, we are giving you a list of things you should avoid at all cost if you don’t want to ruin your opportunity to get the job.
This is what you should never do in a job interview:
ARRIVING LATE
You have not even started working for the company and you are already revealing a negative image about yourself. As a general rule, it is recommended that you arrive about 5 or 10 minutes before the time scheduled for the interview. Arriving on time for a job interview is important because it shows respect, responsibility, and professionalism—qualities every employer looks for. Here’s why it matters:
1. Shows Reliability
Being punctual demonstrates that you’re dependable and can be trusted to show up on time if hired.
2. Creates a Good First Impression
First impressions are powerful. Arriving late can immediately put you at a disadvantage, even if you’re qualified.
3. Reduces Your Stress
Getting there early gives you time to relax, collect your thoughts, and review your talking points.
4. Reflects Your Interest in the Job
It signals that you take the opportunity seriously and are respectful of the interviewer’s time.
5. Professional Courtesy
Interviewers often have tight schedules. Being late could delay others or cut your interview short.
Click here to learn How Early Should You Show Up for an Interview
WEARING INAPPROPRIATE/CASUAL CLOTHING
Your personal appearance tells a lot about your personality, so when you go for a job interview, keep in mind that you are to dress as someone who will be representing the company in the future. It is not necessary to wear a suit, this depends on each company, but you should always look professional.
Click here to learn How to Dress for a Job Interview
CAUSING INTERRUPTIONS
Causing interruptions during a job interview—such as talking over the interviewer, checking your phone, or making unnecessary noises—can leave a negative impression and harm your chances of getting the job.
Why Interruptions Are a Problem
- Shows Lack of Respect
Interrupting someone suggests you’re not listening or valuing what they’re saying. - Disrupts the Flow of the Interview
It can confuse or frustrate the interviewer and make the conversation feel disorganized. - Reflects Poor Communication Skills
Good communication involves listening carefully and responding thoughtfully—not talking over others.
APPEARING NERVOUS, ANXIOUS OR STRESSED OUT
Your body language is also very important for the interviewer, so avoid any gesture that denote your mood, especially if it is negative, for instance nail-biting, moving the chair, crossing your legs, tapping your pen. Also, looking constantly at your watch gives the impression that you may feel anxious or that you have more important things to do. Relax and pay attention to the interviewer.
Click here for 21 Smart Tips to Calm Interview Nerves: 2025 Ultimate Guide
FOCUSING ON THE MONETARY COMPENSATION
The job interview is not the right time to negotiate salary or wages. Too much focus on the monetary aspect, can cause a negative impression in the eyes of the interviewer and can be counterproductive. If asked how much money you expect to make, you can simply say that you are open to negotiate a fair salary. You can also share that you would like to have a better understanding of your job responsibilities and how well you meet the organization’s needs before negotiating a fair salary.
Pro Tip:
Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. Too early can be awkward, and too late sends the wrong message.
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