What to do and do not in a job interview

Key Points:

  • Candidates should avoid exaggerating their experience and instead focus on being coachable and open about their areas for improvement.

  • Speaking negatively about previous employers can create doubt in hiring managers; candidates should keep their comments factual and neutral.

  • Preparation and engagement during the interview are crucial, including maintaining eye contact and asking thoughtful questions.

A job interview is not an exam, and it is not a sales pitch. Yet we see the same mistakes every week, even from strong candidates.

Below we covered (in Dutch) the key do’s and don’ts during an interview, followed by three practical tips for after the conversation. Don’t understand Dutch? Just keep reading!

Common job interview mistakes to avoid

1. Do not exaggerate your experience

This is the most common mistake.

Especially for candidates under 25, hiring managers care less about perfect experience and more about potential. They want to understand:

  • How quickly you learn

  • Whether you are open to feedback

  • Whether you understand what you still need to improve

Overselling yourself almost always backfires.

A much stronger approach is to position yourself as coachable. Be open about:

  • Your weaker areas

  • What you find challenging

  • How you plan to improve

That shows maturity, not weakness.

2. Do not speak negatively about your previous employer

Even if the job was bad. Even if the situation was unfair. Even if you are right.

Speaking negatively about a former employer creates immediate doubt:

  • Will you talk about us like this later?

  • Do you take responsibility?

  • Is everything always someone else’s fault?

You do not need to lie. Keep it factual and neutral. Focus on what you are looking for next, not on what went wrong.

3. Do not be passive

Showing up unprepared, asking no questions, or sitting back disengaged. These signals matter.

An interview is a two-way conversation. If you show little interest, do not expect enthusiasm in return.

Essential job interview do's for success

1. Maintain eye contact and be present

It sounds basic, but it makes a real difference.

Eye contact shows confidence, attention, and engagement. This is especially important in commercial and client-facing roles.

2. Prepare questions in advance

Good interview questions show that you are thinking about the role, the team, and the business.

Examples:

  • What does success look like in the first six months?

  • What challenges is the team facing right now?

  • What separates top performers from average performers here?

Not asking questions is often seen as a red flag.

3. Send a short follow-up message

Keep it brief. No long emails. No repetition of your CV.

Thank them for their time, mention one thing you found interesting, and confirm your interest in the role.

Bonus: reflect honestly on your performance

Ask yourself:

  • What went well?

  • Where was I unclear?

  • Which questions caught me off guard?

This reflection will help you significantly in the next round.

Key takeaways for your next interview

  • Interviews are not about being perfect. They are about being credible.

  • Be honest about your level, professional about your past, and sharp in your questions. That is what hiring managers remember.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about do’s and don’ts during job interview

What is the most common mistake candidates make during interviews?

The most common mistake is exaggerating one's experience.

Why is it important not to speak negatively about a previous employer?

Speaking negatively can create doubt in hiring managers about the candidate's responsibility and attitude, leading them to question if the candidate would speak similarly about their company in the future.

What should candidates do to show they are engaged during the interview?

Candidates should maintain eye contact, prepare questions in advance, and actively participate in the conversation.

What should a candidate include in a follow-up message after an interview?

A follow-up message should be brief, thanking the interviewer for their time, mentioning something interesting from the interview, and confirming interest in the role.