We coach our candidates extensively before interviews with our clients. However, recently, I’ve seen an increase in mistakes made by candidates. These mistakes are things we didn’t discuss with the candidates since we believed they were “common sense”. Below are some common flaws pointed out by hiring managers to avoid in interviews:

1. Put your phone away – or better yet, don’t bring it in at all. Do not answer a call during an interview. Texting and e-mailing is also off limits. This is blatant disrespect of a manager’s time. It is best to leave your phone in the car – any alerts or calls during the interview are also a distraction.

2. Watch your mouth. No matter how casual the interview is, or even if the hiring manager curses during the interview, under no circumstances is it okay for you to swear in an interview.

3. Take pride in your appearance. Wear a suit (unless you were instructed otherwise). Iron your clothes and make sure they are free of pet hair. Get a haircut if needed and make sure your nails are clean. Dress to fit in with the culture of a company – if it’s a fashion company, you can add more accessories; if it’s a bank, you might want to stick to conservative colors such as black, blue or gray. First impressions are everything, especially if you are interviewing for a customer facing role.
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