Most Common Candidate Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Late arrival? Lying on your CV? We reveal typical blunders and advise you on how not to repeat them.

In 15 years, we have seen thousands of interviews – and unfortunately hundreds of great candidates who closed the door to their dream job due to a single unnecessary mistake. The good news is that most of these missteps are easy to avoid. Let's go through the most critical ones and mainly – how to fix them.

Before the Interview: Preparation Makes the Difference

Mistake #1: Zero Company Research

How it manifests: "So... what does your company actually do?"
Why it's a problem: It shows a lack of interest and an inability to prepare.
How to fix it:

  • Study the company website (not just the homepage)

  • Read the latest news and press releases

  • Look at the LinkedIn profile of the company

  • Find out who will be interviewing you (LinkedIn)

  • Prepare 2-3 relevant questions

Mistake #2: Late Arrival (or Too Early)

How it manifests: Running up the stairs 5 minutes after the start.
Why it's a problem: First impressions are about reliability and respect.
How to fix it:

  • Leave with a 30-minute buffer

  • Arrive 15 minutes early, enter the building 5-10 minutes before

  • Have a contact number in case of delay (traffic jams happen)

  • For online interviews, connect 5 minutes early

Mistake #3: Inappropriate Attire

How it manifests: Arriving in jeans at a bank or in a suit at a startup.
Why it's a problem: It shows you don't understand the company culture.
How to fix it:

  • Ask HR about the dress code

  • Dress one level more formally than employees

  • When in doubt, choose business casual

  • Details matter (clean shoes, ironed shirt)

During the Interview: Critical Moments

Mistake #4: Lying or Embellishing

How it manifests: "I master Excel like a pro!" (only knows basic SUM).
Why it's a problem: It always comes out. You lose trust forever.
How to fix it:

  • Be honest about your abilities

  • Use scales (basics / intermediate / expert)

  • Show willingness to learn: "I work with Excel, but I would like to improve in macros"

  • Prepare for concrete examples of your work

Mistake #5: Badmouthing Former Employers

How it manifests: "My boss was a total idiot..."
Why it's a problem: You appear as a problematic employee.
How to fix it:

  • Talk about what you are looking for, not what you are running from

  • Be diplomatic: "I am looking for an environment with clearer communication"

  • Focus on positive motivation for change

  • Show professionalism and discretion

Mistake #6: Passivity and Lack of Interest

How it manifests: One-word answers, no questions.
Why it's a problem: You seem like you don't care about the position.
How to fix it:

  • Prepare examples and stories (STAR method)

  • Maintain eye contact and listen actively

  • Prepare 5-7 thoughtful questions

  • Project enthusiasm (authentically)

Mistake #7: Overconfidence or Insecurity

How it manifests: "I am the best, who else would you find" vs. "I'm not sure if I can handle it".
Why it's a problem: Both discourage – they look for a balanced person.
How to fix it:

  • Speak confidently about successes, but stay humble

  • Use "we" instead of "I" for team successes

  • Admit areas for growth, but with a plan for improvement

  • Practice answers beforehand (to prevent mumbling)

Communication Mistakes

Mistake #8: Not Knowing Your Own CV

How it manifests: "Wait, where was I doing that...?"
Why it's a problem: You look unprepared or as if you lied.
How to fix it:

  • Have a copy of your CV with you (or on screen online)

  • Refresh all data before the interview

  • Prepare a story for every experience listed

  • Be ready to explain gaps in your CV

Mistake #9: Poor Salary Negotiation

How it manifests: "Mainly ensure it's a lot" or "Money isn't important".
Why it's a problem: You seem either greedy or unrealistic.
How to fix it:

  • Do research on salaries in the field

  • State a realistic range

  • Emphasize that it is about the total package

  • Leave detailed negotiations for later

Mistake #10: Inappropriate Personal Information

How it manifests: Talking about health problems, family dramas.
Why it's a problem: TMI (Too Much Information) seems unprofessional.
How to fix it:

  • Stick to professional topics

  • Mention personal things only if relevant

  • To personal questions, answer briefly and return to work

  • Remember: an interview is not therapy

After the Interview: Mistakes That Spoil Everything

Mistake #11: No Follow-up

How it manifests: Absolute silence after the interview.
Why it's a problem: You lose a chance to remind yourself and show interest.
How to fix it:

  • Send a thank-you email within 24 hours

  • Mention a specific thing from the interview

  • Reiterate your interest in the position

  • Keep it brief (max 5 sentences)

Mistake #12: Overzealousness

How it manifests: Calling every day "how does it look?"
Why it's a problem: It acts as desperate and annoying.
How to fix it:

  • Respect the agreed timeline

  • One follow-up after a week is OK

  • Ask about the process, not the decision

  • Have patience (selections take time)

Online Interview: Modern Pitfalls

Mistake #13: Technical Fiasco

How it manifests: "Hello, can you hear me? I can't see you..."
How to fix it:

  • Test technology the day before

  • Have a backup plan (phone)

  • Stable internet > everything else

  • Quiet room without disturbances

Mistake #14: Unprofessional Environment

How it manifests: Mess, unmade bed in the background, running children.
How to fix it:

  • Neutral background (or virtual)

  • Good light from the front

  • Inform the household about the interview

  • Turn off all notifications

Golden Rules for the Conclusion

  1. Authenticity wins – be your best self, not someone else

  2. Preparation is half the success – but don't overdo it

  3. First impressions cannot be repeated – invest in them

  4. Every mistake is a lesson – don't hang your head, new world won't end

  5. Professionalism in everything – from the email to the goodbye

Did you make a mistake? It's not the end of the world We are all human and errors happen. If you realize it, admit it with humor. The ability to recognize a mistake and learn from it is also a valuable trait.

Remember: Every interview is an experience that moves you closer to your dream job. Fingers crossed!

Need help with preparation? Our consultants will be happy to guide you through a mock interview, teach you company culture, and prepare you so well that you won't make a single mistake.

Contact us at kandidati@no77.eu or +420 733 224 516.