Interview mistakes and how to rectify them

Making the right impression with HR administration during an interview is a key factor toward landing a position. However, there are some tactics job applicants deploy that may severely hinder their chances.

According to a recent survey of 3,000 employees from CareerBuiler and Harris Interactive, these mistakes include answering a cellphone or texting (77 percent), appearing disinterested (75 percent) and dressing inappropriately (72 percent). What's more, respondents were not pleased when applicants appeared arrogant (72 percent) or spoke negatively about a current or previous employer (67 percent). Lastly, it's important to speak clearly during an interview, and 63 percent of respondents felt negatively about gum chewers.

"It may seem unlikely that candidates would ever answer a cellphone during an interview, or wear shorts, but when we talk to hiring managers, we remarkably hear these stories all of the time," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder. "However, for most job seekers avoiding a big mistake isn't the issue - it's standing out from the crowd."

We're all human, so mistakes are to be expected - it's how one recovers from the setback that matters. CareerBuilder explains in a separate article that one way to rectify a situation is to apologize to the interviewer and explain a lesson that was learned. This demonstrates character and honesty.