After tailoring countless resumes and cover letters for each employer (you are doing that, right?), you finally landed a major interview. Don’t celebrate just yet—you still need to perform well in the interview to secure the job.
Think of the interview as more than a single 30-minute conversation. While the meeting itself matters, success begins days before you sit down in front of the hiring manager. Preparation, mindset, and follow-up all contribute to a great outcome.
Research, Research, Research
Most interviewers will ask what you know about their company. Some will probe deeply, so basic awareness is not enough. Employers are looking for engaged candidates who understand the organization’s history, products, and market. If you can’t demonstrate basic knowledge—how long the company has been operating or what it produces—you’ll quickly undermine their confidence in your interest and fit.
Thorough research helps you answer questions convincingly and positions you as someone who cares about the role and the company’s mission.
Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Research won’t tell you everything. Bring a handful of thoughtful questions that fill gaps in your knowledge and show genuine curiosity. Ask about company priorities, recent successes, and expectations for the role. Examples include:
- “What are the company’s key goals this quarter or year?”
- “What are the primary deliverables for the team?”
- “Can you share a recent success the team is proud of?”
Also ask role-specific questions:
- “Is this position a backfill or a new role created for growth?”
- “To whom would this role report?”
- “What are the main performance indicators for this position?”
- “What is the expected hiring timeline?”
Plan Your Arrival
Confirm the interview location ahead of time—companies often have multiple offices. Check maps, estimate travel time given typical traffic at that hour, and identify potential disruptions such as construction or weather-related closures. Aim to leave extra time so you won’t arrive stressed or late.
Get Adequate Rest
Celebrate only after you’ve accepted the offer. The night before an interview, prioritize sleep over late-night activities so you’re alert, focused, and ready to perform. A good night’s rest reduces the risk of oversleeping and ensures you present your best self.
Wake Up With Time to Spare
Give yourself at least two hours before you need to leave (or before a scheduled phone interview). That buffer lets you prepare calmly, double-check details, and handle unexpected issues. Rushing increases anxiety and the chance of mistakes.
Dress for the Role You Want
Dress one level up from the position you’re applying for. If you want to advance, show that through professional attire and grooming. For video interviews, wear professional clothing even if only the top half is visible—better to be fully prepared. Managers notice attention to presentation when considering future promotions.
Role Play
Practice with a friend, partner, or roommate who can play the interviewer. Mock interviews calm nerves, help you refine your answers, and allow you to rehearse key examples from your experience. Role playing turns prepared content into natural responses.
Bring What You Need
Arrive with essential items and a couple of backups:
- A clean notepad
- A working pen and a backup pen
- A few pieces of gum to use before the meeting (dispose of gum before the interview)
- A clean, crisp copy of your resume
Bad breath is distracting—chew gum beforehand if needed, but don’t chew during the conversation. If you must remove gum, discard it discreetly before meeting the interviewer.
Allow Extra Time for the Unexpected
Leave for the interview at least 30 minutes earlier than your planned departure. Unpredictable events—flat tires, heavy traffic, or delayed buses—can derail even the best plans. Arriving early demonstrates interest and gives you time to collect your thoughts.
Treat Everyone With Courtesy
How you interact with receptionists, assistants, or other employees matters. Hiring managers often ask staff about a candidate’s demeanor in waiting areas. Greet the receptionist politely, state who you’re there to see, and thank them. Be patient if you wait; losing your temper over a delay reflects poorly.
Be courteous to everyone you encounter—small interactions may influence hiring decisions.
Use a Confident, Appropriate Handshake
When the interviewer greets you, offer a firm, confident handshake—no death grip. A steady wrist and a calm presence convey professionalism. If you’re nervous and sweating, discreetly wipe your hand before shaking. First impressions count.
Make the Interview a Conversation
Don’t simply answer yes-or-no questions. Expand your responses into engaging, story-driven examples that invite follow-up discussion. Share specific achievements and situations that demonstrate your strengths. For instance, rather than saying “I’m dedicated,” describe long-term client relationships or measurable results that prove it.
Use open body language—lean slightly forward, keep arms relaxed, and maintain about 75–80% eye contact. Excessive staring can be off-putting, while too little eye contact can suggest distraction or insecurity.
For phone interviews, pause briefly before answering to ensure the interviewer has finished speaking. Vary your tone, sound energetic, and avoid filler words like “um” or “uh.” If you need a moment to collect your thoughts, bridge the silence with phrases such as:
- “That’s a great question.”
- “I haven’t been asked that before.”
- “I need a moment to think about that—here’s how I’d approach it.”
Be Memorable—But Not Overbearing
Make a positive, memorable impression without going overboard. Extravagant gestures can miss the mark. Instead, close the interview with a thoughtful question or a concise statement that highlights the unique value you bring. Show how your skills align with the company’s needs, but avoid sounding arrogant.
Follow Up Professionally
After the interview, find the hiring manager’s contact information and send a brief, courteous thank-you note. Reinforce one or two key points about how you would contribute to the company. Keep it concise—four or five sentences is usually enough.
Avoid pushy or passive-aggressive follow-ups. A message that assumes rejection or pressures the manager reflects insecurity and can undo a positive interview. A thoughtful, composed follow-up can reinforce your fit and keep you top of mind.
With preparation, professionalism, and a strategic follow-up, you’ll maximize your chances of turning the interview into a job offer. Good luck.