Experts say certain everyday habits during job applications and interviews can negatively affect first impressions and reduce candidates’ chances, even when they have relevant skills. Some advice focuses on small, visible behaviors, including how candidates present themselves while waiting, what they bring or use (such as audio devices or phones), and how they handle materials like notes.
Outlets frame the guidance as practical “do’s and don’ts” for contemporary workplaces. One recurring theme is that some modern behaviors—such as using AirPods in a waiting area, relying on a phone to read interview notes, or requesting drinks associated with casual or informal settings—may be perceived as unprofessional by hiring managers. While the sources provided emphasize these examples, they do not present a single universally accepted checklist; instead, they characterize the habits as potential signals to employers and suggest that professionalism, attentiveness, and preparedness matter.
