No matter how many interviews you go on its possible to make mistakes. You get nervous, or a question throws you off your game, or maybe you just didn’t think a move through. Below are the top 5 most common interview mistakes. Take note of them and be sure to avoid these when interviewing for your next job.

Mistake #5: Winging the Interview
Although I am a big fan of “faking it until you make it,” this is not one of the times I would apply the theory. There is a reason the human resource department schedules your interview a few days out from the initial call—to give you time to prepare. You should research the company, practice questions with a friend, and get yourself put together before you go in there. Although you don’t want to lose the natural “you,” it is important to be prepared for every interview prior to walking in there.

Mistake #4: Bad Mouthing Anyone
Don’t do it under any circumstance, even if you are clearly not at fault in a past dispute with colleagues or superiors. It reflects poorly on you to address the instance in a blaming manner. Your interviewer may take your negativity as signs of what is to come (i.e. workplace drama, difficulty working in teams, etc). If you have to bring up a past incident state it in a neutral way, “although we tried, him and I couldn’t seem to see eye-to-eye, and I feel it would be best for both sides if I pursue other options.” This demonstrates your professionalism as well as your commitment to success.

Mistake #3: Being Unprofessional
Take the interview seriously. This is a catch all statement for making sure you approach all interviews professionally. Always overdress, you would rather error on the side of “too professional” than not enough. Don’t chew gum, make too many jokes, or ask personal questions of your interviewer. Although it’s important to remember you too need to make sure it’s a good fit for you, it important to remember you are trying to show the best side of yourself and catch their attention for the right reasons, not the wrong ones.

Mistake #2: Freezing Up
Be sure to smile. It seems easy enough, but sometimes when people are nervous they freeze up. It’s important to relate with your interviewer and make them aware of your personable side, so even if you freak out after the first question, make sure to smile and give them something to work with. A smile goes a long way…hopefully all the way to a second interview.

Mistake #1: Not making it Clear you Want the Job
Before you leave the interview make sure to ask what the next step is, or if they need anything further for their review of your credentials. Those small steps show the interviewer that you are very interested and willing to bend over backwards to make their job the easiest possible. It also gets your job application process on a more definite schedule so you don’t spend the next week wondering if you should call and follow up, or email, etc. It makes it a much easier process for all parties involved.