7 ways to make a bad impression in an interview
So you landed a job interview, congratulations! Being asked to attend an interview is a great achievement, so pat yourself on the back. Now you face a new challenge: making an excellent first impression.
According to SEEK research, these are the top seven things people do in job interviews that leave the worst impression. Learn from their mistakes and you’ll be well on your way!
1. Being late
53% of hirers surveyed by SEEK said being late is the top way a candidate can leave a negative impression at a job interview.
There’s really no excuse for being late, although many of us have been there.
Deligiannis says being prepared is paramount. “Anticipate factors that may make you late, such as traffic, and make sure you leave the house earlier than you normally would. Look up your route the night before and arrive at least ten minutes early.”
2. Bad-mouthing your previous employer
The second best way to leave a negative impression with a potential employer is by bad mothing your previous employer - with 32% of hirers interviewed rating this as their number two.
“Some interviewees will badmouth their previous employer when asked why they’re looking for a new role. Practice phrasing your answer positively, as speaking negatively about your previous employer can make you look like someone who blames others for problems rather than seeks solutions,” says Deligiannis. And it makes you come across as very unprofessional.
3. Appearing untidy
SEEK found that 31% of hirers think a candidate coming to an interview and appearing untidy would leave them with a bad impression.
“It’s important to look and act professionally for job interviews. The interviewer will also consider how you dress when deciding if they want you to represent their organisation,” says Deligiannis.
“Dressing professionally is often not so much about the actual clothes as it is about being neat and tidy in overall appearance. For example, wear a neat, ironed shirt, and clean, tidy shoes,” says Deligiannis. It’s about showing respect for others and yourself, and knowing the company. You shouldn’t wear a suit to a company that is known for its laid-back culture.
4. Not showing passion or interest in the role
29% of hirers surveyed rated a lack of passion or interest in the role is a great way to give the wrong impression.
If you’re impolite, unfriendly or simply give off the impression that you don’t want to be there, you’re wasting both the employer’s time and your own.
“A big smile will do wonders when you first meet your interviewer,” says Nick Deligiannis, Managing Director of Hays in Australia and New Zealand. “Some small chitchat from the reception area to the interview room will show that you’re friendly and have good interpersonal skills.”
5. Being on your phone
SEEK found that 27% of hirers think a candidate appearing distracted or appearing to be on their phone would leave a bad impression in an interview.
Once again, this is about respect. The interviewer is taking time out of their day to meet with you, so the least you could do is give them your undivided attention. Checking your phone during a job interview sends a message that you don’t care; that you have other places to be.
So it should go without saying, but “don’t take phone calls or even leave your phone sitting on the table,” says Dickson. “The interviewer will not think you’re important, it’s just rude.”
6. Not doing your homework
25% of people interviewed think a candidate being unprepared would leave them with a bad impression. But there are easy ways to avoid making this sort of impression.
Research the company online and ask your recruiter where your role fits into the business, Deligiannis recommends. “By better understanding the company you can choose relevant examples from your work experience to show you’re the right fit.”
Have questions for the interviewer – ideally challenging ones. “It’s one of the most important parts of the interview,” says Mike Dickson, Partner and Executive Director of [axr]. “Make your question relevant – reference people, brands, have an opinion and challenge and engage your interviewer.”
To really blow your competition away, “be the person who invested the time and effort to align the business need (i.e. the job requirements) with your skills and experience,” says Matt Harrison, Founder and Managing Partner at Hope & Glory. “By doing this, you’ll put yourself at a huge advantage.”
7. Not taking an interest in the business or company.
And following on from not doing your homework, not having an interest or curiosity in the business could make hirers think twice.
“It’s easy think only about job you’re being interviewed for, but the best candidates elevate the conversation to talk about the business purpose and how they will contribute,” explains Dickson.
“That separates you from the candidates for today and turns you into a long-term business asset.” Showing this interest in the company and its purpose will help keep you front of mind for the interviewer.
Job interviews are great opportunities to prove yourself and make a positive impact, so go forth and wow those employers!
Source: Independent research conducted by Nature on behalf of SEEK interviewing 12,000 Australians annually. Published November 2024.
