Avoid These 3 Interview Mistakes, From A Recruiting Expert Who’s Seen It All

When preparing for a job interview, first impressions are everything. From arriving at the right time to presenting yourself professionally, understanding the nuances of interview etiquette can make or break your candidacy. To help you navigate these crucial moments, we turned to Emily Levine, Executive Vice President at Career Group Companies, who has conducted thousands of interviews over the years in her career.

‍

Here are Emily’s top tips for avoiding the most common interview mistakes:

1. Arriving Too Early or Too Late

Timing is a delicate balance when it comes to interviews. Showing up late can signal poor time management, but arriving too early can also be a misstep.

“If you show up too early, it might make the interviewer feel rushed,” Emily explains. “Ten minutes early is the perfect time to walk into your interviewer’s lobby.”

To ensure punctuality, plan to be parked or nearby 15–20 minutes early. This allows you to find the office and settle yourself, but ensures you’re not overstepping professional boundaries by arriving excessively early.

2. Letting Poor Presentation Overshadow Your Qualifications

Your professional qualifications should be the star of the show, not the way you look, smell, or act.

Whether your interview is virtual or in person, avoid casual missteps like chewing gum, wearing sunglasses on your head, or sipping coffee. For in-person interviews, Emily also advises against wearing heavy fragrances or arriving smelling like cigarette smoke.

“You want your interviewer to remember your skills and experience, not your perfume or cologne,” she notes.

Presentation is about striking the right balance—polished, professional, and distraction-free.

3. Sharing Confidential or Negative Information

How you speak about your previous roles reveals a lot about your professionalism.

“Never bad-mouth a previous employer or share proprietary information, especially if you’ve signed an NDA,” Emily cautions.

Not only does this reflect poorly on your discretion, but it can also create concerns about how you might handle confidential information in your next role, while also signaling a lack of professionalism. Speaking negatively about a past employer can raise concerns about how you might handle relationships and challenges in your next role. Focus instead on showcasing the value you added to past employers and framing challenges as learning experiences.

Final Thoughts: Professionalism Matters

From timing to presentation to communication, interviews are your opportunity to make a lasting impression. As Emily shares, the best candidates are thoughtful, professional, and respectful of the process.

“Your goal is to leave an impression based on your experience, your skills, and the value you bring to the table,” she says.

By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on what truly matters, you can set yourself apart as a standout candidate in any industry.

‍

Ready to find your next great role? Explore our current openings or connect with a recruiter today!

‍