Interview Mistakes You Must Avoid!
Written by: NxtGen Certified Resume Writing Team
Updated March 25, 2025
This article provides a practical and insightful guide on what not to share during a job interview. It effectively highlights common pitfalls that candidates may overlook, such as oversharing personal details, revealing unfiltered reasons for leaving a previous job, or unintentionally signaling a lack of commitment to the role. The advice is well-structured, offering both reasoning behind each tip and actionable ways to frame responses more strategically. The comparisons, like equating desperation in job searching to dating, make the content relatable and easy to digest. Overall, this is a valuable resource for job seekers looking to refine their interview approach and maximize their chances of success.
Land your next job faster with help from a certified resume writer.
Land your next job faster with help from a certified resume writer.
You’ve landed a big interview—congratulations!
Now, it’s time to make sure you ace it. As you go through the interview process, I want to help you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your chances. In this video, I’ll share some things you should avoid revealing during an interview.
Today, I want to talk about what not to share when speaking with a recruiter or hiring manager. With my background in recruiting, I’ve interviewed countless candidates and seen many instances where candidates made mistakes that didn’t work in their favor. To help you avoid those missteps, I’ve compiled a list of things you should keep to yourself—no matter how harmless they may seem.
Interviewing can feel like walking through a minefield—one wrong step, and you could end up in the rejection pile. Let’s review what to avoid sharing to keep your chances strong.
1. Too Many Personal Details
Oversharing personal information is often a sign of nervousness or a tendency to be long-winded—neither of which makes a great impression. If you’ve ever dealt with someone who talks too much in a professional setting, you know how exhausting it can be.
Employers assess your communication skills in an interview and connect them to how you’ll perform in meetings or client interactions. If you ramble or go off-topic, they may worry you’ll do the same on the job. Ideally, your interview responses should be concise, lasting around two to three minutes.
Additionally, sharing personal hobbies or interests might unintentionally create bias. If the interviewer doesn’t relate to or dislike what you mention, it could work against you. While finding common ground can be beneficial, it’s best to keep the conversation focused on your skills and the job.
2. Why You’re Leaving Your Current Job (The Real Reason)
While you should never lie about why you’re looking for a new job, you also don’t need to spill every detail. If you left due to a toxic work environment, a difficult boss, or feeling unchallenged, framing it negatively can raise red flags.
For example, saying, “I had a terrible boss, and we constantly clashed,” might make the interviewer think you’re difficult to work with. Instead, craft a more positive narrative, such as, “I’m looking for a role that allows me to grow my skills in a collaborative environment.”
If boredom drove you away, avoid making it sound like you lacked initiative. Employers want to hire proactive people who seek growth opportunities on their own. Think carefully about how you present your reasons for leaving.
3. Your Future Career Plans (If They Don’t Align With the Job)
If your long-term goal is to switch careers or start a business, be mindful of how you phrase it. Interviewers ask questions like, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” to gauge commitment. If you openly admit you’re using this job as a steppingstone to something entirely different, it can hurt your chances.
Employers want to invest in someone passionate about the work. If you’re planning a career change down the line, focus on what excites you about the current opportunity rather than your exit strategy.
4. Desperation for a Job
If you’re interviewing out of urgent necessity—whether due to a layoff or financial stress—avoid emphasizing your desperation. Employers want to hire candidates based on their skills and fit, not just because they need a paycheck as soon as possible.
This is similar to dating—if someone seems desperate, it can be off-putting. Even if you’re in a tough spot, project confidence and enthusiasm about the role itself, rather than your immediate need for employment.
5. Your Age
Unfortunately, age discrimination exists—whether you’re younger or older. Avoid making statements that directly reveal your age, such as “I’ve been in this industry for 35 years” or “I just graduated and don’t have much experience.”
Even subtle hints, like outdated technology references (e.g., listing a fax number on your resume), can unintentionally age you. Keep the focus on your skills and what you bring to the role, not how long you’ve been in the workforce.
6. Your Retirement Plans
If you’re in the later stages of your career, don’t mention that this will be your “last job before retirement.” Employers want to invest in employees who are in it for the long haul, even though the average tenure in today’s job market is relatively short.
If you say, “I just want to put in five good years before retiring,” an employer might worry about your long-term commitment. Instead, express enthusiasm for the role and highlight your ability to contribute value over time.
7. Medical Issues or Disabilities (Unless Necessary)
You’re not obligated to disclose medical conditions or disabilities unless they directly impact your ability to perform the essential duties of your job. Employers should assess you based on your skills and qualifications, not your health status.
If you require workplace accommodation, the most suitable time to discuss this is after you have received an offer. For example, if you have a condition like autism and require specific accommodation, that conversation can happen once the employer is ready to hire you—not during the interview.
Final Thoughts
Interviewing is all about putting your best foot forward while avoiding potential pitfalls. By keeping these points in mind and carefully framing your responses, you can ensure you leave a strong, professional impression.