You've updated your resume, landed the interview, and you're just a step away from getting hired. But here’s the catch: even qualified candidates can lose out on great opportunities by making basic interview mistakes.
So what really separates a great interview from a forgettable one?
We asked hiring managers what impresses them—and what turns them off. Their insights reveal what truly makes a candidate stand out (in both good and bad ways). Let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts that could make or break your next interview.
DO: Research the Company and the Role
Why it matters: Hiring managers want candidates who are genuinely interested—not just sending out mass applications.
How to impress:
Know the company’s mission, culture, and recent news.
Understand the job description and how your experience aligns.
Mention specific things you admire about the organization.
“I can tell within 60 seconds if a candidate has done their homework. It’s the difference between a conversation and a waste of time.” – Hiring Manager, Tech Industry
DON'T: Wing It
Why it’s a red flag: Lack of preparation shows a lack of respect for the role and the interviewer’s time.
Common mistakes:
Vague answers to basic questions like “Why do you want this job?”
Not knowing what the company does
Being unable to describe your past roles clearly
“A good resume gets you in the room. Preparation gets you the offer.” – Senior Recruiter, Healthcare
DO: Tailor Your Responses
Why it matters: Generic answers feel impersonal. Specific, tailored responses show you understand the company’s needs and how you fit.
Try this:
Connect your experience directly to the responsibilities listed.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give structure.
Share metrics or results to demonstrate your impact.
“I want to hear what you’ve done—not just what your team did.” – Hiring Manager, Marketing Agency
DON'T: Speak Negatively About Past Employers
Why it’s a red flag: Bad-mouthing past jobs (even if you’re right!) makes you look unprofessional and difficult to work with.
What to do instead:
Stay neutral and constructive.
Focus on what you learned or what you’re looking for next.
“If you blame others for everything, I assume you’ll do the same here.” – Director of Operations, Manufacturing
DO: Ask Thoughtful Questions
Why it matters: Questions show engagement and help you evaluate whether the role is right for you.
Great questions to ask:
“What does success look like in this role?”
“What are the team’s current priorities?”
“How do you support employee development and growth?”
“When someone asks smart questions, it tells me they care about more than just getting the job—they care about doing it well.” – HR Manager, Nonprofit Sector
DON'T: Overfocus on Salary or Perks Too Soon
Why it’s a red flag: Jumping into salary or PTO too early can make it seem like you’re more interested in the benefits than the job.
What to do instead:
Wait until the offer stage or when the interviewer brings it up.
Frame questions about benefits in the context of growth or fit.
“We want to know you’re excited about the role—then we talk numbers.” – Hiring Manager, Tech Startup
DO: Follow Up with a Thank-You Note
Why it matters: It’s polite, professional, and keeps you top of mind.
Best practices:
Send a short email within 24 hours.
Mention something specific from the conversation.
Reiterate your interest and enthusiasm.
“I’ve hired people who weren’t the top candidate—because they followed up in a thoughtful way.” – Senior Recruiter, Finance Industry
DON'T: Oversell or Exaggerate
Why it’s a red flag: Overstating your experience or dodging technical questions can backfire fast—especially in skills-based interviews.
What to do instead:
Be honest about what you know and what you're still learning.
Show a willingness to grow rather than faking expertise.
“I'd rather hire someone who’s coachable than someone who pretends to be perfect.” – Team Lead, Software Development
Final Thoughts
Interviews aren’t just about proving you can do the job—they’re about showing you’re a great fit for the team, culture, and company. By avoiding common pitfalls and following these hiring manager-approved tips, you’ll position yourself as a thoughtful, capable, and confident candidate.
Remember: The goal is not to be perfect—but to be prepared, professional, and authentically you.
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