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Interview Mistakes to Avoid: Insights from 40 Years in Staffing and Recruiting

Illustration of an interview setting with a candidate and interviewer, emphasizing top interview mistakes to avoid

Over the past 40 years in the recruiting industry, I’ve witnessed hundreds of candidates, from entry-level to executive, navigate the critical interview phase. At The AGA Group, we work to equip job seekers with the insights and tools needed to make a memorable, positive impact. Here are Interview mistakes to avoid. But no matter the industry, certain interview mistakes consistently hinder talented individuals. Here are the top 3 interview mistakes to avoid—and how you can correct them to boost your chances of success.


1. Arriving Late to the Interview

One of the biggest interview mistakes to avoid is arriving late. While there are rare occasions when this is unavoidable, showing up late to an interview is often perceived as a lack of respect for the opportunity and the interviewer’s time. In my experience, hiring managers want to see a level of commitment from the beginning. Being punctual is a simple yet powerful way to convey reliability and genuine interest.

How to Ensure Timeliness:

  • Plan Your Route in Advance: Use a map or GPS to ensure you know the exact location of your interview, and consider a practice run if it’s a new area.
  • Prepare a Contingency Plan: If your interview is during peak traffic times, plan to leave earlier than usual. It’s always better to wait a bit nearby than to risk showing up flustered and late.
  • Stay Calm if Delayed: Occasionally, delays do happen. Call ahead, briefly explain the situation, and provide an updated arrival time.

The takeaway? Being early shows respect and preparation. It’s a small detail that speaks volumes about your approach to the job and helps you avoid one of the most common interview mistakes.


2. Skipping Company Research

In my years of recruiting, I’ve seen candidates lose traction simply because they hadn’t done their homework. Failing to research the company is a critical interview mistake to avoid, as it shows a lack of preparation and genuine interest. At The AGA Group, we encourage candidates to learn about the organization, its market, and industry trends before the interview. Walking in prepared helps you engage meaningfully and shows that you’re not just there to fill a role—you’re there to contribute.

Steps to Show You’ve Done Your Homework:

  • Understand the Company’s Mission: Familiarize yourself with the organization’s values and culture. Be ready to talk about why those values resonate with you.
  • Check Out the Competition: Knowing the company’s position in the market and its competitors can give you a unique angle.
  • Prepare a Few Talking Points: Discussing recent news about the company or trends in the industry demonstrates a proactive approach and helps you stand out.

Ultimately, preparedness is noticed—and valued. It shows that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to hit the ground running. Avoiding this interview mistake can significantly improve your chances of success.


3. Failing to Showcase Your Unique Value

An impressive resume is just the beginning; an interview is your time to bring your experience to life. One major interview mistake to avoid is failing to effectively showcase your unique value. As someone who’s reviewed countless resumes, I can tell you that the interview is where you connect the dots between your skills and what the organization needs. I encourage candidates to craft and practice a value proposition statement that highlights what they uniquely bring to the table.

How to Present Your Value with Confidence:

  • Prepare a 90-Day Plan: Think about your first three months on the job. What contributions will you make, and what goals will you set? This level of preparation demonstrates your dedication and vision.
  • Back Up Your Claims with Examples: Refer to specific experiences or achievements that align with the role’s needs. Let the interviewer see how you’ve succeeded in similar situations.
  • Be Solution-Oriented: Identify ways you could address any challenges the company is facing and speak to those solutions in a way that is direct and relevant.

In interviews, your goal is to build trust. Help the hiring manager see that you’re a reliable, motivated team player who can start adding value from day one. By avoiding this common interview mistake, you’ll leave a lasting impression.


The Finishing Touch: Follow-Up Etiquette

After every interview, a timely and thoughtful thank-you note is a powerful professional gesture. Expressing gratitude not only shows professionalism but also reinforces your interest in the role. I often advise candidates to follow up with a concise thank-you email or handwritten note to avoid a commonly overlooked interview mistake.

Best Practices for a Professional Follow-Up:

  • Send a Thank-You Note: Email is generally acceptable, but a handwritten note adds a personal touch.
  • Reiterate Your Interest: Let the hiring manager know that, after learning more about the role, you’re even more excited to join the team.
  • Be Direct if Appropriate: Don’t hesitate to say you’re looking forward to the opportunity and eager to contribute to the organization.

Closing Thoughts

Your resume gets you in the door, but your interview is where you prove you belong. These three interview mistakes to avoid—lateness, lack of preparation, and failing to showcase your value—are common pitfalls I’ve seen over the years. With preparation, punctuality, and a clear sense of your unique contributions, you’ll make an impression that lasts.

Remember, at The AGA Group, we’re here to help professionals in every step of their career journey. Avoid these interview mistakes, keep refining your approach, and go into your next interview ready to shine. You are encouraged to contact us for interview coaching or job placement advice. Best of luck on your career path.


About the Author

Greg Ikner is the President and Founder of The AGA Group™, a leading healthcare staffing and recruiting firm. With over 40 years of experience in the staffing and recruiting industry, Greg has helped thousands of professionals achieve their career goals. He founded The AGA Group™ in 2009 to provide comprehensive recruitment services in healthcare that includes, medical, dental and executive search sectors. Recognized for his expertise and dedication, Greg continues to provide invaluable career advice to candidates at every stage of their professional journey.

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