25 Interview Mistakes to Avoid in 2025 (And What to Do Instead)

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also an opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers. However, some missteps can cost you the job. To help you ace your interviews, here are 25 pitfalls to avoid, along with tips on what to do instead.

1. Arriving Late

What not to do: Showing up late to an interview gives the impression that you’re unorganized or don’t value the interviewer’s time. It simply is rude.

What to do instead: Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. Factor in potential traffic delays or other unforeseen circumstances. Punctuality demonstrates professionalism and respect.

2. Dressing Too Casually

What not to do: Wearing overly casual or inappropriate attire can signal a lack of seriousness about the role.

What to do instead: Research the company’s dress code and aim to dress professionally, or ask the interviewer how to dress. For most interviews, business attire is the safest choice unless otherwise specified.

3. Neglecting Company Research

What not to do: Going into an interview without knowing about the company or the role can make you appear uninterested.

What to do instead: Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your knowledge.

4. Speaking Negatively About Past Employers

What not to do: Criticizing previous employers or coworkers makes you come across as unprofessional and could raise red flags.

What to do instead: Focus on what you learned from past experiences, even challenging ones. Speak diplomatically and avoid blame. Companies are looking for people who can solve problems in a constructive way.

5. Memorizing Generic Answers

What not to do: Giving canned, rehearsed answers makes the conversation feel robotic and inauthentic. Avoid answers like “My biggest weakness is that I work too hard” or “I am a perfectionist.”

What to do instead: Personalize your responses with examples from your experiences. Be genuine but concise. When it comes to weaknesses, show how you are addressing them.

6. Expressing You Will Take Any Job You Can Get

What not to do: Saying you’ll take any job you can get can make you seem unfocused, unprepared, and desperate. It also sends a message that if something better comes along, you will most likely leave.

What to do instead: Show enthusiasm for the role by explaining how your skills and experience align with the position.

7. Interrupting the Interviewer

What not to do: Cutting off the interviewer can come across as rude or overly eager.

What to do instead: Listen actively and wait for your turn to speak. Show respect by allowing the interviewer to finish their thoughts.

8. Focusing Solely on Yourself

What not to do: Talking exclusively about your needs—like salary, benefits, or perks—without addressing how you can contribute to the company.

What to do instead: Companies want to know what you can do for them. Balance the conversation by discussing how your skills can solve their challenges and meet their needs.

9. Failing to Adapt to Virtual Interviews

What not to do: Ignoring common virtual interview etiquette, like ensuring a quiet setting or good lighting.

What to do instead: Test your technology beforehand and choose a professional background. We all have a tendency to look at the person interviewing us on the screen; instead, maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. Make sure no one will interrupt, including pets.

10. Being Overly Humble

What not to do: Downplaying your achievements can make it hard for the interviewer to see your value.

What to do instead: Speak confidently about your skills and accomplishments. Use evidence to back up your claims without sounding boastful.

11. Oversharing Personal Details

What not to do: Sharing too much personal information, like family issues or unrelated hobbies, can come across as unprofessional.

What to do instead: Focus on relevant experiences and achievements. Keep personal details minimal and professional.

12. Avoiding Eye Contact

What not to do: F

25 Interview Mistakes To Avoid In 2025 (And What To Do Instead)