Perhaps the most common mistake that job seekers make is overestimating their own interviewing skills. Many believe they can skate by on charm and a strong personality, without doing much by way of preparing for the interview itself.

Still others don't understand that there are ways of increasing their interviewing skills. There really is an art to interviewing. Familiarizing yourself with the common interviewing techniques, and the means by which to make a good, strong first impression, is critical to your success in interviewing for a new job - as is knowing and avoiding the most common interviewing mistakes.

According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, 51% of hiring managers cited inappropriate attire as the most detrimental mistake a candidate can make in an interview (see the ZoomInterviews' Guide to First Impressions for comprehensive guidance on the subject). Speaking negatively about a current or previous employer came in second on the survey at 49%, and appearing disinterested ranked third at 48%.

Other mistakes included appearing arrogant, not providing specific answers to interview questions, and not asking good questions of the interviewer. The ZoomInterviews team has assembled the most common interviewing mistakes we've encountered while working with our clients. Below you will find a compilation of the most common mistakes as well as recommendations to help you prepare for your interview.

  Not Preparing for the Interview

Remember that how you conduct yourself during a job interview is generally considered to be indicative of how you will perform on the job and conduct yourself if hired. This means that the impression you make, the way you communicate, and the initiative you show during your interview can either support the case for hiring you, or solidify an employer's decision to pass you over for another candidate.

• Not sufficiently researching the company with which you are interviewing is a simple way to say "I'm not that interested in this job." It's important to learn as much as you can about the company and subtly share that knowledge during the interview. Know the latest news and developments concerning the company and the industry. Understand the company's strategy and the unique challenges it faces. Show that you understand the specific job you're interviewing for, how that job fits into its department, and the role of the department in the company's operations.
• Not doing enough research on the job requirements can put your interview at risk. It's difficult to sell anything if you don't really know what the buyer wants, and this is true when it comes to the job interview. You are selling yourself as the best hire. Ensure that you understand the job duties, and be prepared to speak to why you are well suited for the role.
• Being unprepared to answer the most frequently asked interviewing questions may indicate to the interviewer that you are not a self-starter or that you lack initiative. It will be obvious that you've spent little to no time preparing for the interview, which does not bode well for how you will perform if hired (see the ZoomInterviews' Video Packages for guidance on how to most effectively answer the most frequently asked interviewing questions).
• Not preparing questions to ask in the end of the interview shows that you did not properly research the company. You should plan to ask between two and five smart questions at the end of your interview. This depicts your strong interest in the job, that you possess the initiative to prepare thoroughly for the interview, and the intelligence and inquisitive nature that will serve you and the company well if hired. Formulate and prepare several questions before the interview, just in case a couple are covered during the interview. You don't want to find yourself scrambling at the end to come up with new questions.

  Interviewing Etiquette Blunders

Every behavior, statement, and facial expression you show from the time that you walk in the door can potentially be assessed as part of the interview itself. This is why it is so important that you fully comprehend proper interviewing etiquette, including everything from communication style and timeliness to your manner of dress, and even whether or not you've brought a copy of your resume.

• Arriving late shows a lack of respect for the interviewer, and arriving too early may make your interviewer feel uncomfortable, knowing you're waiting on her. It is best to arrive early, but no more than ten to fifteen minutes prior to your interview.
• Keeping your cell phone on and even answering when it rings during the interview is a sign that the job is not really important to you. It indicates that your priorities are not where they should be and that, if hired, you probably won't be focused while on the job. Be present in the interview. Turn off your cell phone and focus entirely on the conversation at hand.
• Acting distracted or showing bad manners during your interview is also a sign that you don't possess the professional attitude or serious dedication that is needed in a job. You should avoid yawning, bad posture, chewing gum, checking your watch, and other behaviors which are generally considered rude. Don't take a seat prior to your interviewer, and be certain that you remember his or her name.
• Being rude to the receptionist is a surefire way to knock yourself down a few notches on the interviewer's ranking. It doesn't matter that the interviewer isn't present to witness the interaction. The receptionist is sure to report the behavior, and many companies use the manner in which an interviewee communicates and interacts with the receptionist as a more solid measure of their character than how they present themselves during the interview. After all, what is more accurate than how we act when we think no one is watching or paying attention?
• Resume presentation mistakes, like handing a wrinkled or stained resume to the interviewer, or failing to bring a resume at all, are signs that you're unorganized, unprepared, and not a forward-thinking individual. You should bring a few copies of your resume with you, in case you meet with several individuals during the interview, and transport those copies in a neat and tidy folder or portfolio.
• Showing arrogance or disrespect during the interview creates a negative impression of your character and personality. No one wants to work with someone who believes they know it all. You can present your knowledge of any subject in a positive and productive manner. Be sure to keep your ego in check while meeting with the interviewer and any other potential team members during the interviewing process.
• Becoming angry or defensive during the interview is another big indication of negative personality traits, poor communication skills, and potential problems working in a team-based environment. Many people become defensive if they feel they are trapped or backed into a corner. Even if you feel challenged during your interview, ensure that you respond in a respectful and appropriate manner. Treat the interview as you would any workplace communication: be respectful, patient, considerate and kind.
• Communicating desperation or insecurity during your interview is one of the most common mistakes job seekers make. Even if you were laid off from your last job, there is no reason to over-explain the reason. Formulate your explanation prior to the interview and make it a short and succinct one. Even if you've been looking for a new job for quite some time, you must not show that you are desperate for new employment. The interviewer will see that desperation as your reason to take any job that comes your way, and,not as real interest in the position for which you're interviewing. It can also raise questions about your potential job performance and value to the employer.
• Telling jokes or making sarcastic remarks during your interview is dangerous. Choosing a joke for any given situation is difficult and betting that your interviewer has a sense of humor similar to your own is very risky. It is best to keep your communications professional and let the interviewer inject humor, if joking is to be a part of the interview.
• Establishing a negative connection with the interviewer will certainly kill your interview. There is nothing more important than leaving your interviewer with a positive impression of your overall abilities, skills, communication style, character and personality.
  • Have a strong handshake that communicates confidence.
  • Show enthusiasm over the opportunity to interview for a position with the company.
  • Project self confidence through attentive listening, strong eye contact and good posture.
  • Don't fidget during the interview, even if you're nervous. You must appear confident and comfortable in a professional environment.
  • Ensure that you don't ramble in your responses to interviewing questions. Maintain positive two-way communications.
  • Avoid empty language, such as "you know," "like," and "um." Until you're ready to speak, maintain silence. Don't let your nerves get the best of you. Ensure that your statements carry weight.

  Answering Interview Questions

It's normal to be intimidated or anxious at the prospect of having to answer interview questions. The uncertainty over what questions may be posed is one of the biggest triggers of nervous responses from job seekers. You can eliminate some of that uncertainty and build your confidence through proper interview preparation.

• Forgetting the facts of your own resume is a common problem that is easily countered. Review your resume thoroughly prior to the interview so you're prepared to answer any specific questions the interview may pose in relation to its contents. Forgetting the basic facts of your employment history, education or previous job duties and achievements can be a red flag. It will make you appear untrustworthy or dishonest, as though you've doctored your resume to look more skilled or qualified than you actually are.
• Not employing careful and attentive listening and thoughtful consideration before responding to questions is a sure fire method of bombing your interview. Listen to the questions posed and take a moment to consider your response before answering. There is nothing wrong with a thoughtful pause before speaking. If you don't fully understand the question, ask for clarification. Don't answer the wrong question or provide a poor example of how you handled a work challenge in the past just because you weren't listening closely enough to the interviewer, or because you jumped too quickly into your response without giving it enough consideration.
• Speaking negatively of a former employer or boss is an absolute interview assassin. Complaining about a previous employer, speaking poorly of your former boss, or joking about the incompetence of your past co-workers are all behaviors that will raise suspicions about your character and your ability to be a strong member of a team. If you're unable to refrain from negative statements during an interview, the odds are this is how you will approach work on a daily basis, which will make you a negative addition to the company with which you're interviewing. Passionately mentioning how ineffective your last boss was and how everyone in the company was difficult to work with will show your lack of respect for company management, as well as an inability to get along with your colleagues. This display of bad judgment will put into question your ability to show good judgment and discretion when needed.
• Projecting a self-centered attitude during your interview will tank your reputation with the interviewer. You want to emphasize what you can bring to the job rather than what you will get from it. An employer is most interested in learning how you will contribute to the organization; therefore, you should tailor your answers to show how you will bring value to the organization rather than emphasize how the job or the company will elevate your career or your reputation.
• Focusing on the personal rather than the professional is a definite "NO" when interviewing. No boss wants their employees to bring all their personal drama to the workplace. Speaking about your personal life and providing irrelevant personal information can indicate that this is what you will do in the office once you're hired. Stick to the professional facts and avoid too much personal information.
• Failing to make the case for why you're the best person for the job indicates you've not done proper research about the position, cannot sell yourself, or are just not a good fit. Preparation is key to avoiding this problem. All employers want to know why they should hire you and not someone else. Make it clear to them in the interview.
• Being too modest during an interview will ensure the job goes to someone else. You don't want to be arrogant, but you also don't want to downplay your skills, abilities and qualifications. An interview is your time to shine.
• Not providing well thought out, structured answers to interview questions shows poor communication skills, a lack of rational thinking ability, and generally casts doubt on your qualifications as a strong contributor to a professional environment. Rambling, long-winded and unfocused answers to interview questions can be avoided with some practice and prep work. Learn frameworks for skillfully communicating during an interview through the SOAR and SOFT methods. These frameworks are explained in greater detail in the interview preparation materials included in the ZoomInterviews' Video Products.
• Not providing specific examples of previous work experience, or your ability to handle work related challenges, is an interview killer. Avoid speaking in generalities. Don't provide vague answers to pointed interview questions. Structure your responses in such a way that your examples show how you implemented strong business practices and top notch business acumen in your previous employment.
• Being too honest can be detrimental during an interview. The interviewer is looking for clear, open and honest communication, but sharing significant professional failures or personal challenges is too much. There is such a thing as being too honest, and sharing too much negative information can lead the interviewer to question your abilities or competence, for performing the job in question.
• Not being honest where needed is sure to remove you from the running. Often interviewers ask certain questions simply to test how you react to a difficult or challenging situation, and to get a measure of your conduct when under pressure. It's better to admit that you don't know something or don't have experience in a specific area than it is to lie. Most interviewers take notes during the interview and can cross check your answers with people you've provided as professional references. Don't get caught in a lie. If you don't have an answer to a specific question, admit that you have no experience in the area, and talk about what you believe would be the appropriate method of addressing the situation or problem instead. Such a response demonstrates a constructive approach and shows you're a problem solver.

  Wrapping Up the Interview

The conclusion of your interview and how you conduct yourself upon exiting are as important as the rest of the session. While you may be relieved that it's over, anxious about learning what the interviewer thought of you, or excited to know when a candidate will be selected, you must maintain your professional demeanor and exit the interview with grace.

• Asking too many questions at the end of the interview can be annoying and indicates that you don't have good judgment or proper appreciation for the responsibilities and commitments of others. You should have several good questions prepared prior to your interview and ask a few of them at the close of the session. Be cognizant of how much time you're monopolizing and the willingness of your interviewer to entertain questions. While asking insightful, intelligent questions is a positive in an interview, asking too many or unproductive questions can leave the interviewer with a poor impression of you. You should also ensure that any questions you do pose are new and do not cover answers already addressed during the interview.
• Not asking any questions at the end of the interview also leaves the interviewer with a negative impression. It indicates that you didn't do your homework or that you lack interest in the company or the job. It can also bring your communication skills into question.
• Focusing your questions on perks and benefits packages may communicate to the interviewer that you're mostly interested in getting as much from the employer as you possibly can. It's fine to show interest in the salary, benefits package, and work schedule, but you should be certain to balance your questions in order to show you have real interest in being a strong contributor to the organization as well.
• Failing to reiterate your interest in the position may leave the interviewer with the impression that you've lost interest after learning more about the job during the interviewing process. Be sure to revisit the topic before leaving. A simple statement about the attractiveness of the company, your excitement over the job opportunity, or your enthusiasm about becoming a strong contributor to the success of the organization will suffice.
• Not following up after your interview is not only improper interviewing etiquette but also may be seen as a lack of real interest in the position or the company. A follow up thank you email is sufficient, in which you reiterate your interest in the job and thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Don't overdo it and become a pest by sending too many messages or making numerous phone calls, but be sure to send off a short thank you.

  In Conclusion

Once you understand the common mistakes people make when interviewing, it'll be easier for you to avoid making them yourself. With just a bit of preparation and mindful consideration of the way you present yourself, you'll make a stronger and more positive impression, as well as increase your chances of being called back for a second interview or getting that coveted job offer.