Top 10 Worst Interview Blunders

You might think it's obviously not the thing to do, but you would be surprised what people think they can get away with...

The previous evening’s entertainment comes to the interview with you

If you’ve had a particularly heavy night out the night before there’s usually no way of hiding it. You may think that your charm and quick thinking will disguise your hangover but the bloodshot eyes and stale smell of booze are a dead giveaway.

The only solution? Just don't go out boozing the night before an interview.

Can I borrow your handkerchief…?

Plan to get overheated on the tube, then have to rush around finding the right street, whilst simultaneously suffering with a cold, hayfever and an allergy to air. And pack tissues accordingly.

No right-minded interviewer will mind a little bit of nervous sweating or a sneeze or two… but if you wipe it on your hand they won’t want to shake it!

Nice to meet you, this is my mum

Unbelievably this is a more common mistake than you might think.

If you’re spending the rest of the day with your boyfriend, your priest or your third cousin’s dog the rule is always the same - they wait somewhere else.

Wearing a rucksack

1. It doesn’t look good with a suit.
2. It makes you look special, and not in a good way.

White socks with a suit

See above.

You call to rearrange at short notice or are late

You can recover from this in the short term and it probably won’t lose you the job in 90% of cases.

There’s a bigger problem though - if you’re late for the interview you’re probably the type of person that’s normally late for most things. You may still get the job but your new boss won’t be so understanding when you’re late again on the first day. Get there on time and save up your brownie points for later.

You explain why you’re interested based on bad information

This is extremely common and really annoys the interviewer. The key thing is to find out what they are looking for in the right candidate and explain why you fit the bill.

Don’t make assumptions and always stick to what you know. If you’re not sure ask for more information – it shows you’ve got a brain, can communicate and you’re interested.

You’re boring

People hire people that they like. Smile, look directly at the person you’re speaking to and act like you’re enjoying it and you’re half-way there. Unless you wore a rucksack.

You talk over the interviewer

The person interviewing you is looking for evidence that you’re the right person for the job. Think about why you’re being asked certain questions and answer them concisely and directly – in most cases rambling is just feeding out more rope to hang yourself with – balance clear answers with a more conversational tone by opening up your body language, smiling and asking questions.

Too much info

Strictly it’s an issue that starts on the Interests section of your CV but it also happens in interviews so worth mentioning – don’t go on and on about what you get up to at the weekends or in your own time.

It’s unlikely that your interviewer will share your passion for rollerblading or sheep dipping and it’s irrelevant, save the 'getting to know' session for your first Friday Pint with your new team.