Great CV? Check. Interview booked? Check. Accidentally ruin your chances by turning up 25 minutes late? Unfortunately, also check.

An interview is your opportunity to show an employer who you are beyond your resume. But even great candidates can trip themselves up with a few surprisingly common mistakes.

At iPlace Recruitment, we’ve seen plenty of interview situations over the years — and while nerves are completely understandable, there are a few things you can do to make sure your interview starts on the right foot.

Here are our five biggest interview mistakes to avoid.

1. BEING LATE

This one seems obvious, but it happens more often than you might think.

Traffic, parking, getting lost in a giant office complex or discovering that Google Maps has apparently developed a sense of humour — there are plenty of reasons you might be running behind.

But to an interviewer, arriving late can suggest poor time management or a lack of consideration for their time.

Our advice: Aim to arrive in the general area 10–15 minutes early, giving yourself time to find parking, locate the building and compose yourself.

And if something genuinely unavoidable happens? Call ahead. Don’t leave the interviewer wondering whether you’re coming at all. 

2. BEING TOO EARLY

Yes, there is such a thing as being too early.

Arriving 30–45 minutes before your interview might seem like you’re impressively organised, but it can actually create an awkward situation for the employer particularly if they’re not ready for you.

Imagine someone arriving at your house 45 minutes before dinner saying, “Don’t mind me, I’m ready!”

Instead, arrive at the building around 10–15 minutes early and check in a few minutes before your scheduled time.

If you’re ridiculously early because you’ve allowed extra time for traffic, grab a coffee, sit in your car, take a breath and remind yourself why you’re a great candidate.

3. NOT RESEARCHING THE COMPANY

This is one of the biggest missed opportunities.

You don’t need to memorise the company’s annual report or become an overnight expert in its entire history. But you do need to know who you’re interviewing with.

At a minimum, understand:

• What the company does
• What products or services it offers
• Who its customers are
• A little about its culture and values
• Why you’re interested in working there

One of the quickest ways to lose an interviewer’s interest is to respond to “What do you know about us?” with a blank stare.

Do some research beforehand and use it during the conversation. It shows preparation, genuine interest and initiative. 

4. NOT DRESSING APPROPRIATELY

First impressions count — and unfortunately, your outfit can make one before you’ve even said hello.

What you should wear depends on the company and the role. A corporate finance position may require a very different look from a role in a creative or casual environment.

When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly more polished.

Your interview outfit should say: I’m taking this opportunity seriously.

Not: I was told there would be a Zoom call, so I wore track pants.

Make sure your clothes are clean, neat and appropriate for the workplace. And don’t forget the basics — shoes, hair, grooming and even things like strong cigarette smoke or overpowering perfume can make an impression for all the wrong reasons.

5. NOT HAVING THE CONFIDENCE TO ASK QUESTIONS

This is the one we really want candidates to remember. An interview isn’t an interrogation. It’s a two-way conversation.

Yes, the employer is deciding whether you’re right for the role — but you’re also deciding whether the company and position are right for you.

So when the interviewer asks: Do you have any questions for us?

Please don’t respond with: No, I think you’ve covered everything.

This is your opportunity to show confidence, curiosity and genuine interest.

Try asking questions such as: What’s the process from here?

This shows you’re interested in progressing and gives you clarity about what happens next.

Or, if you’ve built a good rapport during the interview:

“Based on our conversation today, do you think I’m a good candidate for the role?”

It might feel a little scary to ask — but it can be a fantastic question. It gives the interviewer an opportunity to raise any concerns while you’re still in the room, and it demonstrates confidence in your ability.

Other great questions include:

• “What would success look like in this role after the first six months?”
• “What do you enjoy most about working here?”
• “What are the biggest challenges facing the person coming into this position?”
• “Is there anything about my experience you’d like me to clarify?”

Remember, asking questions doesn’t make you seem difficult or demanding. It makes you look engaged.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation goes a long way.

Be on time (but not too early), research the company, dress appropriately and, most importantly, have the confidence to participate in the conversation. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be prepared, professional and genuinely interested.

And if you’re sitting there thinking, “But what if they don’t like me?” — remember, they’re not just interviewing you. You’re interviewing them too.

Good luck — and whatever you do, don’t be late!!!

Cher & Kylie