What are bad behaviors during an interview?

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but knowing which behaviors to avoid can make a huge difference. Whether you're aiming for a technical role or a creative position, steering clear of these bad behaviors will help you leave a great impression.

Bad Behaviors to Avoid During an Interview

Arriving Late

Showing up late is a big no-no. It can make you seem unreliable and disrespectful of the interviewer’s time.

• Solution: Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Check the route and allow extra time for unexpected delays.

Poor Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes. Avoid crossing your arms, not making eye contact, or appearing disinterested.

• Solution: Maintain good posture, smile, and make appropriate eye contact to show engagement and confidence.

Talking Negatively About Past Employers

Speaking badly about previous jobs or colleagues can make you appear unprofessional and difficult to work with.

• Solution: Focus on what you learned from past experiences and how they’ve prepared you for this new role.

Lack of Preparation

Not knowing anything about the company or the role shows a lack of interest and initiative.

• Solution: Research the company’s mission, values, and recent projects. Prepare answers to common interview questions and have thoughtful questions ready to ask.

Interrupting the Interviewer

Cutting off the interviewer can come across as rude and impatient.

• Solution: Practice active listening. Let the interviewer finish their thoughts before responding, and take a moment to formulate your answers.

Overconfidence or Arrogance

While confidence is good, coming across as arrogant can be off-putting and may suggest you’re not open to feedback.

• Solution: Balance confidence with humility. Acknowledge areas where you’re still learning and express a willingness to grow.

Not Asking Questions

Failing to ask any questions might make it seem like you’re not genuinely interested in the position.

• Solution: Prepare a few insightful questions about the role, team, or company culture to demonstrate your engagement.

Poor Communication Skills

Struggling to articulate your thoughts clearly can hinder the interview process and make it hard for the interviewer to understand your qualifications.

• Solution: Practice speaking concisely and confidently about your experiences and how they relate to the job.

Recommended Courses

Boost your interview skills and avoid these pitfalls with these DesignGurus.io courses:

• Grokking Modern Behavioral Interview
• Grokking the Engineering Manager Interview

Utilize DesignGurus.io Resources

Make sure you’re fully prepared by leveraging these awesome resources:

• Mock Interviews: Practice with Coding Mock Interview and System Design Mock Interview to build confidence and receive personalized feedback.
• Interview Blogs: Check out the 5 Common Interview Mistakes and 6 Soft Skills for Clearing Technical Interviews for more tips.

Conclusion

Avoiding bad behaviors in your interview is just as important as showcasing your strengths. By being punctual, maintaining positive body language, speaking professionally about past experiences, and preparing thoroughly, you can make a fantastic impression. Use resources like DesignGurus.io to refine your skills and walk into your interview with confidence. You’ve got this—go ace that interview!