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· Workforce

12 Big Interview Mistakes HR Pros Don't Want To See A Candidate Make

Hiring a new employee is an important decision that companies don't take lightly. With so many skilled candidates out there, every little detail counts — and one small misstep on the applicant's part could ruin their chances of getting the job.

As professionals with extensive hiring experience, Forbes Human Resources Council members have been through their fair share of job interviews, and can easily spot key red flags that might disqualify a candidate from the position. We asked 12 of them to share a frequent mistake they've observed during the hiring process, and explain what a candidate should do to avoid making that error in the future.

1. Lack Of Research

The No. 1 mistake I've witnessed candidates make is not researching the company and the position they applied for. Know how a company makes money. Know who its top competitors are in the industry. Read the annual report and know what goals the company has set for itself each year. Research! - Tana Session, TanaMSession.com

2. Being Brutally Honest

When asked why you left a previous employer, be honest but also be aware of what information shouldn't be shared. If you left your last employer to avoid working with your psycho ex-girlfriend, don't state too many facts about how that went down. Make a simple statement like, "I left for personal reasons." Companies love honesty, but you can hold out on the details. - Tiffany Servatius, Scott's Marketplace

3. Assuming You're A Shoe-In

Applicants sometimes assume that because a recruiter reached out to them, they have an inside track to an organization — but obvious lack of preparation can make them seem flippant or arrogant. To avoid this, candidates should conduct thorough online research and reach out to former and current employees in their network as they prepare. It’s prudent to treat every interview like a dream position. - Stacey Browning, Paycor

4. Leaving Out Critical Details About Your History

Nothing is worse that having a great interview only to find out that the candidate conveniently left out important aspects of their past. If a candidate readily discloses everything I ultimately see on the background check results, then we have begun to build trust. Tell me what you have learned from your past, and describe how it makes you the ideal candidate for the position. - Cristin Heyns-Bousliman, Blake's Lotaburger, LLC

5. Not Asking Good Questions About The Job


Interviews are an opportunity for candidates to acquire insider insights about the company, the specifics of the job and what it might be like to work at the organization. I like to see candidates who are confident enough in their own value that they'll probe to ensure that my job opening is going to be a fit for their skills, aspirations and preferences. - Joyce Maroney, Kronos Incorporated

Learn more | forbes.com

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