Matrix Recruitment’s Breda Dooley finds that in a competitive space, candidates can’t fall foul to common faux pas.

Looking for a new job can be stressful, as you aim to progress your career and find a role that suits both your lifestyle and your ambitions. With that in mind, it is critical that you put your best foot forward, as even the smallest mistake during the interview and hiring process could be the deciding factor on whether or not that dream job becomes yours. 

Candidates are making avoidable errors, finds Breda Dooley, the head of recruitment at Matrix Recruitment Group. With mistakes ranging from generic CVs to costly blunders during virtual interviews, she noted that hiring managers often cite small errors as the reason a candidate missed out on an opportunity in an increasingly competitive job market. 

Explaining that candidates should always be prepared, professional and show genuine interest in the role, Dooley highlighted the areas in which mistakes are often made and offered advice as to how applicants can avoid an unnecessary blunder. 

We are firmly in the post-Covid era, with many of the rules and regulations brought in during the pandemic having long been disregarded. One element that has stuck around, however, is the virtual interview, as many roles exist now in a hybrid or remote capacity.

Yet despite the prevalence of online workplace engagement, Dooley finds that job applicants in 2026 are continuing to make avoidable mistakes: for example, poor camera positioning, a failure to test internet connection prior to the interview and taking the call in an environment with distracting background noise. Body language, too, should be controlled, in much the same way that you would regulate your face and emotions in an in-person setting. 

Dooley said, “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.”

The manner in which you choose to deliver your answers is also of importance, as too little or too much information could result in a negative interviewing experience for the employer and the loss of an opportunity for the applicant. 

That is to say, you should make a concerted effort not to overly rehearse your answers – generic, overly memorised responses can sound stilted and unnatural. Answers should be pre-prepared to a degree, but not so well crafted that they come across as being scripted or lacking authenticity. 

Dooley said, “Interviews should still feel like a conversation. Candidates should focus on sharing genuine examples that show how they approach challenges or delivered 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.”

The opposite is true as well, finds Dooley, as unfocused or excessively detailed answers can show an inability to structure a coherent response to a question.

“Don’t ramble. Clear and concise answers that focus on relevant examples tend to leave a stronger impression on interview panels.”

First impressions can last – however, it is possible that a recruiter will ignore a poor start if you pick yourself up and finish strong. A failure to connect with the place offering the job, or asking anything about the work at hand, though, can certainly leave the employer feeling as though you wouldn’t be a good fit. 

In asking additional questions once the conversation has come to a natural halt, you can show that you are genuinely curious about the organisation, that you want to engage further and that you understand the importance of communicating queries or concerns. 

“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,” said Dooley. 

In addition to showcasing your suitability for the role, asking questions also enables the applicant to fully assess whether or not the working environment is one in which they would be happy to work. Just make sure that the questions are in line with your current status as an applicant, and don’t unintentionally cross a professional boundary. 

So there you have it – the common mistakes many job applicants in 2026 are still making. Make sure you aren’t among them. 

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