Expert says there’s one ‘pet hate’ that can ruin a job interview before it’s even started

When the interviewer asks: “Why do you want this job?” Unfortunately you can't just respond with: “Well, I’ve always been really passionate about not starving to death.”

It seems that eagle-eyed business owners aren't willing to put sarcastic millennials on their payroll and there's actually a list of things you need to make sure you're not doing in a job interview.

Business owners have opened up about the most common mistakes they see in job interviews. (Getty Stock Image)

In the UK, unemployment levels increased to 1.44 million people for those aged 16 and over from December 2023 to February 2024.

It really is tough out there to find work, but when you get through the stress of filling out a job application, only to be met with more stress when they actually want to interview you, it's worth being aware of the possible pitfalls on the day.

According to employers and recruiters, there are many common mistakes that they see during the interview process, as reported by Sky News.

Handshake mishaps

Paul Webley, managing director of Blaze Media Digital Marketing Agency, has opened up about his one ‘pet hate’ that can ruin a job interview before it’s even started.

"This one is a real pet hate and probably doesn't matter as much in the current world but... learn how to shake a person's hand. You have to do this within every job from time to time," he said.

"There is nothing more off-putting than a limp shake. Having a firm, polite handshake is a basic human skill in business and beyond."

Wearing a suit isn't always necessary. (Getty Stock Image)

Not dressing appropriately

Webley says that although it's important to 'dress smart', there is no need to rock up in a suit - something I have been guilty of.

"It's cute if you are but just dress how you would expect to dress in the job and, if in doubt, err on the side of being slightly smarter," he said.

"With us, there are loads of photos of the team in the office on the website and socials (which you should have looked at) so there is no excuse."

Complaining

The managing director explained: "We had someone a few months ago tell us that they didn't think they should have to come into the office for an interview. This was for an office-based role. If they don't think it's worth coming in then the job is not going to be for them."

Make sure you have a firm handshake. (Getty Stock Image)

Not checking your tech

Tas Ravenscroft, senior consultant at recruitment firm Cherry Pick People, says that you need to test your 'tech beforehand' as a lot of interview are done online.

She explained: "Overlooking details like the interview location or the platform being used (such as Teams), and not testing your tech beforehand, can disrupt the interview process. This is especially crucial as most first interviews are now conducted via video conferencing."

Talking too much

Andrew MacAskill, founder of Executive Career Jump, said: "Sometimes this is down to nerves, other times it is down to overthinking and often it is due to the questions being too broad, which leads to them saying lots and hoping the right answer is in there somewhere."

Under-preparation

Habiba Khatoon, director of Robert Walters UK, added: "This means they haven't researched the company, are unaware of the key aspects of the role they are interviewing for and can't make connections between their CV and experience and the role.

"Most interviewers can easily catch on when a candidate has turned up unprepared and when they do, they can lose interest in that candidate quite quickly."