Readers Respond: Worst Interview Mistakes

Responses: 78

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

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In a job interview I was asked would you be comfortable working under a lady my answer was no 'coz the interviewer was a male and eventually I failed in the interview at that a lady hr manager was sitting behind the interviewer and it proved to be a big loss for me and I regret that.
—Guest ren

You must prepare yourself before going to the interview and show them that. They might even ask you how did you prepare yourself for the interview. So make sure that you know enough about whatever you're applying for.
—Guest grace

During an interview an applicant said that the difficult co-worker she dealt with invited her to the parking lot to fight.
—Guest Sary

An applicant came to a the interview with his sunglasses on and all the time during the interview he was playing with the sunglasses. He had shorts and dark sunglasses and he was sitting down with his arms crossed. A bit intimidating and obviously wasn't consider for the position.
—Guest Sarita

On an interview panel once, we had a standard question for all candidates: "we've heard a lot about your strong points. Would you care to elaborate a little on your weak ones?" A couple of candidates paused and confidently replied "I don't have any". That was a red flag for us, as it indicated a lack of maturity and willingness to be self-critical. Be honest about your weaknesses and - most important - what you already do to address them.
—Guest Peter

I was interviewing for an Entry Level position and asked a new graduate "What separates you from other recent graduates?" She said, "I have a LOT of experience and education."
—Guest AA

At a job interview, the interviewer asked me a question and I responded that I can't think of one. That was my mistake I make and I didn't get the job.
—Guest sammie

My interest is in a male dominated field of Security. I think my interview mistake was talking too long regarding my mid-life career change from the Health field into Security. I feel the interviewer was unprepared to do the interview as he just sat staring at me.... what should I have done different? I made constant eye contact, gave strong handshakes, arrived early, had all information, answered all Q's, asked several re the company & job, and still feel it was a good interview. Yet no job was offered. I dress according to the position I am applying for, always come prepared ,and would like some imput.
—Guest Michele

It was a walk-in interview and I didn't have an extra resume with me and I forgot to write the reference in the resume.
—Krish123

I told the interviewer that "I am in need of money and I have lot of dreams to fulflill like buying a flat, buying a car, etc, etc, and because of these things I want to change companies.
—Krish123

This was one of the greatest mistake of my life.I didn' t even prepare for 'tell me about yourself question'. I thought I would give the answers instantaneously.
—Krish123

I got a call from my friend during the interview. I asked for 'a second' to the interviewer and put the mobile in the silent mode and said "sorry" to the interviewer.
—Krish123

During an interview a person said um so much they got lost in what they were trying to say. It was distracting and threw the whole interview off.
—Guest sir_umms_alot

I was at an interview and tried to make my interviewer laugh. I received a blank stare and an awkward pause. He finished the rest of the questions and told me he had to continue interviewing other people. I didn't get the job.
—Guest michelle

Alison Doyle
Job Searching Guide