There are hundreds of ways to ruin an interview, but here are 15 that are dear to me, or that candidates have pulled on me in the past.

  • Show up late

    • It's inexcusable. Drive there the day before to make sure you know you can get there in time.

  • Be unprepared

    • Your first assignment at this company is to show up prepared. Don't fail it.

  • Smoke, or smell like smoke

  • Have bad breath or body odor

    • Nobody wants to smell your smells. Eradicate them.

  • Shake hands like a fish

    • Don't shake hands with a death grip, but don't wuss out, either.

  • Come underdressed

    • If you find yourself asking "Do I have to do X?" for the interview, play it safe and do it. That means wear a suit.

  • Speak ill of anyone, especially past employers

    • If you complain at the interview, you'll complain all day at work, too. No boss wants to deal with that.

  • Complain; discuss your problems

    • Your boss has his own job-related problems to deal with. He doesn't want to hear about yours.

  • Bring up your needs, such as money or benefits

    • Your interview is all about what you can do for the company, not what they can do for you.

  • Lie

    • You'll be found out, and you'll be worried about it until you are.

  • Appear uninterested

    • No boss wants to hire someone who doesn't care about the job she's going to be doing.

  • Fail to ask your own questions

    • The best way to show that you care, and that you have a mind for business, is to ask your own questions about what you've discussed during the interview.

  • Appear desparate

    • Enthusiasm is one thing. Desperation is another.

  • Leave your phone on

    • There's no way you could be expecting a call that's more important than this interview.

  • Cut the interview short

    • Allocate adequate time for an interview. A longer interview is always better, so plan for the good. Don't try to squeeze in an interview on a long lunch hour. Make sure your kids are adequately covered and you don't have to say "Sorry, I have to leave, my sitter can only keep my kids 'til 4:00."