Candidates are making avoidable mistakes when applying for jobs. These errors range from generic CVs to avoidable virtual interview blunders – but hiring managers say small errors continue to cost candidates opportunities in an increasingly competitive job market.

Breda Dooley, HR & Recruitment Manager at Matrix Recruitment Group, says many of the same issues appear repeatedly in applications and interviews. In a job market that is competitive, she highlighted that applicants should show preparation, professionalism and genuine interest in the role and avoid the following common but avoidable mistakes.

Virtual interview blunders

Breda noted that virtual interview etiquette is paramount in 2026, yet candidates still continue to undermine their performance through avoidable online interview mistakes.

One of the most common virtual interview issues Breda sees is not even down to the candidate themselves. She highlighted: 1) poor camera positioning, 2) weak internet connections that have not been tested beforehand, and 3) background noise or distractions in the interview environment as the most frequent issues in this regard.

Breda said disengaged body language is very easy to detect on-screen: "Virtual interviews require the same level of preparation as face-to-face meetings. Your setup, body language and focus all influence the impression you leave," she added.

Lack of research about the company

Breda has also seen many candidates arriving at interviews without a clear understanding of the organisation, its work or even the industry.

"Candidates who haven't taken time to research the company can struggle to explain why they are interested in the role or how they would contribute to the organisation," Breda said. "They stand out in the worst way; employers want to see that applicants understand the business and can explain how they would add value."

Over-rehearsed or generic interview answers

Breda said others then rely too heavily on memorised answers, which makes all their answers sound stilted and unnatural. Though being prepared is key, answers that sound rehearsed can come across as scripted and inauthentic.

"Interviews should still feel like a conversation," Dooley said. "Candidates should focus on sharing genuine examples that show how they approach challenges or deliver results. It's really important to give real-life examples and scenarios with clear facts. This will stick out in an interview and showcase your skills."

Rambling or unfocused responses

Overly long answers that lack structure are also a major red flag for hiring managers, says Breda, who urged candidates to outline the situation clearly, their actions, and the relevant outcome.

"Don't ramble," says Breda. "Clear and concise answers that focus on relevant examples tend to leave a stronger impression on interview panels."

Failing to ask questions at the end of the interview

Another red flag the recruitment expert cited was not asking follow-up questions at the end of an interview. Breda explained that employers want questions to demonstrate not only engagement and genuine interest in the role and the organisation, but also that you haven't zoned out during the interview.

"It's a two-way process," Dooley said. "Candidates should use the opportunity to learn more about the role, the team and the company culture. The fundamentals haven't changed: preparation, clarity and professionalism remain the factors that set strong candidates apart."

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