6 Avoidable Job Interview Mistakes (And What to Do Instead)

by Nicole Fallon

There's no denying that a job interview can be incredibly stressful. Most candidates secretly fear that nerves will get the best of them, making them lose their composure and, ultimately, the job.
One misstep during an interview doesn't necessarily mean you're out the door, but it's always best to make sure you're prepared to avoid mistakes. Two hiring experts shared six things you shouldn't do during a job interview, and what you should be doing instead:


Mistake No. 1: Pretending you can do it all. One common interview mistake is telling the hiring manager that you are good at or can do any task he or she describes, even if you can't. John Mahony, COO of staffing agency Kavaliro, said that honesty is the best policy. 

"In most cases, managers are looking for individuals that can stand out in a few specific areas," Mahony told Business News Daily. "Be honest in an interview and know your strengths and weaknesses. If you sell yourself on something you are not, you will be exposed very quickly if you do get the job."  

Mistake No. 2: Dismissing questions about social media. It's a well-known fact that recruiters use social media to find and research job candidates nowadays, and trying to avoid the issue isn't going to do you any favors. If you're asked a question about personal social media use during an interview, don't balk at it or dismiss it, because your answer could actually work in your favor.

"Use your online presence to discuss the latest trends you notice, how you view brands using social media, and to open up about your personal side," said Pete Kazanjy, founder of recruiter search engine TalentBin. "[If] recruiters and hiring managers reach out via social media channels, engage with them. You never know where it may lead."


Mistake No. 3: Bringing in negative energy. - More on mistake #3, 4-6, and the complete article