Do’s and Don’ts in Interview 2025

Congratulations on getting that interview call! It means you’ve likely outperformed 6 candidates to reach this stage. But now is the time to prepare thoroughly and seize this opportunity. This guide will cover the essential do’s and don’ts in interview, along with the latest trends in recruitment for 2025, to help you leave a lasting impression.

Do’s of an Interview

The steps to ace your interview can be categorized into three stages: Pre-Interview Preparation, During the Interview, and Post-Interview Actions. Let’s break them down:

Stage 1: Pre-Interview Preparation

A. Send a Thank-You Email:

Acknowledge the recruiter for giving you the opportunity to interview. This small gesture showcases professionalism and gratitude.

B. Research the Company:

Understand the company’s operations, mission, and work culture. Use their website, LinkedIn profile, and news articles to gather insights.

C. Analyze the Job Role:

Review the job description carefully. Make a list of the required skills and responsibilities, and prepare examples that highlight your expertise in those areas.

D. Virtual Interview Checklist:

• Wear formal attire, even for virtual interviews.
• Check your background and ensure it’s clean and professional.
• Test your internet connection, microphone, and camera before the interview.

E. Practice Common Questions:

Prepare answers to frequently asked questions such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Tailor your responses to the role you’re applying for.

Stage 2: During the Interview

A. Maintain Positive Body Language:

• Sit up straight, make eye contact, and smile.
• Avoid slouching, fidgeting, or crossing your arms, as these can convey nervousness or disinterest.

B. Make a Strong First Impression:

• Within the first 7 seconds, people form opinions about you. Greet the interviewer with a warm smile, a confident handshake (if in person), and a clear introduction.

C. Be an Active Listener:

• Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions, acknowledge their points, and respond with concise and relevant answers.

D. Use Examples to Showcase Skills:

• When discussing your skills, back them up with real-life examples. For instance, if you claim strong leadership skills, share a specific instance when you led a team successfully.

E. Ask Thoughtful Questions:

At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and company. Example questions:

• “What does success look like in this role?”
• “What are the biggest challenges currently faced by your team?”

Stage 3. Post-Interview Actions

A. Follow Up with a Thank-You Note/Email:

Send a thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours. Express gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.

Sample Follow-Up Email:

Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity

Dear [Interviewer’s Name], Thank you for taking the time to meet with me [today/yesterday].

I enjoyed learning more about [specific detail about the role or company], and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to [company name]. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have further questions.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards, [Your Name]

B. Reflect on the Experience:

Evaluate what went well and what could be improved. Use the feedback (if provided) to prepare better for future interviews.

Don’ts of an Interview

To maximize your chances, avoid the following mistakes:

Stage 1. Pre-Interview Mistakes to Avoid

A. Skipping Research:

Researching the company and role is crucial to showcase your interest and preparedness. Failing to do so can result in vague or irrelevant responses during the interview.

B. Not Dressing Formally:

Your attire speaks volumes about your professionalism and seriousness towards the role. Even in virtual interviews, dressing in formal or business-casual attire creates a positive first impression.

C. Lying on Your Resume:

Exaggerating or falsifying information on your resume might help you secure an interview, but it will almost certainly backfire during the process. Recruiters often verify information and may ask detailed questions about your claims.

D. Neglecting to Prepare Your Introduction:

The introduction sets the tone for the rest of the interview. A poorly planned introduction can make you appear unsure or unconfident.

Stage 2. During the Interview Mistakes to Avoid

A. Interrupting the Interviewer:

Interrupting the interviewer is not only rude but also disrupts the flow of conversation. It shows a lack of patience and respect for the person speaking. Always let the interviewer finish their question or statement before responding.

B. Poor Eye Contact:

Maintaining good eye contact conveys confidence and interest in the conversation. Avoiding eye contact can make you seem disinterested or nervous. For virtual interviews, look directly into the camera to simulate eye contact with the interviewer, ensuring you come across as engaged and professional.

C. Over-Explaining Answers:

providing excessive details can confuse the interviewer and detract from your main points. Aim for concise, well-structured responses that directly answer the question.

D. Not Being Fluent with Answers:

Hesitating or stumbling over your words can create an impression of unpreparedness. Practice answering common interview questions to improve your fluency and confidence.

E. Displaying Poor Body Language:

Your body language plays a significant role in how you are perceived. Slouching, fidgeting, or avoiding gestures can signal nervousness or disinterest.

F. Being Overconfident or Too Casual:

While confidence is important, overconfidence can come across as arrogance. Similarly, being overly casual may signal a lack of respect for the interviewer or the process.

G. Asking Inappropriate Questions:

Avoid asking personal or irrelevant questions, as they can make the interviewer uncomfortable. Instead, focus on thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, or company goals that demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the position.

Stage 3. Post-Interview Errors

A. Skipping the Follow-Up:

Failing to send a follow-up email can make you seem indifferent or ungrateful. A well-crafted thank-you note not only shows professionalism but also keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind.

B. Repeatedly Messaging Recruiters:

Recruiters are often handling multiple candidates, so respect their time and space. Send one follow-up email within a reasonable timeframe and wait patiently for a response.

C. Pausing Your Job Search:

Relying on a single opportunity can be risky. Even if an interview goes well, it’s essential to continue applying for other roles.

Common Interview Trends in 2025

The recruitment landscape in 2025 is evolving. Here are some key trends:

Use of AI in Recruitment:

AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are now a standard part of recruitment processes. These systems filter resumes before human review, so ensuring your resume is ATS-friendly with the right keywords is essential.

Increased Value of Soft Skills:

Employers are placing more emphasis on emotional intelligence, communication, and adaptability.

Virtual Interviews Are Here to Stay:

With 81% of recruiters embracing virtual hiring, mastering online interview etiquette is crucial. This includes having a professional background, stable internet, and proper lighting during virtual interviews.

Recruitment Through Referrals:

Networking continues to be a powerful tool in securing job opportunities. Candidates referred by employees or connections often have an edge in the hiring process.

Lengthier Hiring Processes:

Companies are increasingly focused on finding candidates who align with their long-term goals. This has led to more thorough assessments, including multiple interview rounds and in-depth evaluations of cultural fit.

Conclusion

Interviews are a two-way street, a chance for the company to evaluate you and for you to assess whether the role aligns with your career goals. By following the do’s and avoiding the don’ts, you can present your best self and leave a positive impression.

Remember, every interview is a learning experience. Stay confident, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay authentic.

Frequently Asked Question