Candidates at junior, mid-career, and senior levels frequently make three key interview mistakes. Arriving late, even by minutes or repeatedly, signals unreliability and often eliminates candidacy. Badmouthing current or former colleagues undermines teamwork credentials; callers who described teammates as lazy received no offers. Oversharing medical conditions or caregiving obligations shifts focus away from qualifications and can harm prospects. Recruiters focus on punctuality, professionalism, constructive workplace relationships, and clear evidence of fit for the role. Candidates should avoid offering excuses and instead emphasize relevant experience, reliability, and specific examples of team collaboration that demonstrate fit.
A classic one is showing up late. It still happens. A few weeks ago, a candidate for a senior supply-chain position was a few minutes late for an interview with me. The next day, he was about 30 minutes late for an interview with a director. He didn't get an offer. I don't ask for excuses or want to hear them. If someone can't get to a job interview on time, they won't get to a job on time.
Another common flub is when candidates speak poorly of their current or former colleagues. Don't do this. Getting along with your coworkers and having positive work relationships are critical. During a recent interview for an assembly-line position at a manufacturing plant, a candidate described his former teammates as lazy and bad at their jobs. He had nothing positive to say about anyone. He didn't get an offer either.
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