15 interview tips that will help you stand out and get the job
You’ve landed the interview, now it’s time to make it count.
Whether it’s your first job or your fifth career move, interviews can be intimidating. But with the right mindset and preparation, you can turn pressure into presence and make a lasting impression for the right reasons.
These 15 interview tips will help you show up with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
1. Research the company deeply
Go beyond the homepage. Look at recent news, leadership, values, and product updates. Mentioning something specific shows you’re genuinely interested, not just going through the motions.
2. Understand the job description
Highlight the key requirements and responsibilities. Be ready to map your skills to what they’re looking for.
3. Prepare your STAR stories
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your success stories. Focus on challenges you’ve solved, impact you’ve made, and lessons you’ve learned.
4. Practice common interview questions
- “Tell me about yourself”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Why do you want to work here?”
Don’t memorize, structure. Aim for natural and clear responses.
5. Prepare questions for the interviewer
Thoughtful questions make you memorable. Try:
- “What does success look like in this role?”
- “What are the team’s current priorities?”
- “What do you enjoy most about working here?”
6. Dress for the company culture
Match the tone of the company, not too casual, not overdone. Neutral, clean, and professional is always safe if you’re unsure.
7. Test your tech (for virtual interviews)
Check your internet, webcam, audio, lighting, and background. Log in a few minutes early to avoid last-minute stress.
8. Arrive early (but not too early)
For in-person interviews, arrive 5–10 minutes ahead. Too early can make interviewers feel rushed. Too late is never a good look.
9. Bring or review your résumé
Have a copy handy, printed or open digitally. Be ready to walk them through it naturally, especially your most recent roles.
10. Listen as much as you speak
Good interviews are conversations, not monologues. Show active listening: nod, take notes, and ask follow-up questions.
11. Be specific, not vague
When you talk about results or experiences, use data, outcomes, or concrete examples.
Example: “I led a campaign that increased conversions by 18% in 6 weeks.”
12. Don’t speak poorly of past employers
Even if your last job was rough, stay professional. Focus on what you learned or what you’re looking for next, not what went wrong.
13. Mind your body language
- ✅ Sit upright
- ✅ Maintain eye contact
- ✅ Smile (genuinely!)
Confidence is non-verbal too. Even on video.
14. Send a thank you email afterward
Follow up within 24 hours. Mention something specific from your conversation, reaffirm your interest, and thank them sincerely.
Tip: A short, thoughtful thank you email can reinforce your professionalism and help you stay top-of-mind.
15. Reflect on what went well (and what you’d improve)
After the interview, take 5 minutes to jot down what you did well and what you’d tweak next time. This helps you grow, not guess.
Final thought: Preparation creates confidence
The best interview tip? Don’t try to be perfect. Be prepared, present, and genuinely curious about the role and team you might join.
Final thought: Employers don’t hire robots. They hire people: real ones, with insight, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn. Show up as that version of yourself, and you’ll stand out.