After submitting countless applications and tailoring your resume and cover letter for each potential employer (you are doing that, right?), you finally landed the interview. Don’t celebrate just yet — you still need to perform well and secure the position.
Success in an interview is more than a good performance during a single meeting. It’s the result of preparation that begins days before you sit down with the hiring manager.
Research, Research, Research
Interviewers frequently ask what you know about their company. Some will ask basic questions, while others will probe deeper. Employers want engaged, informed candidates—people who show they’ve invested time to learn about the company’s history, products, services, and market position.
If you can’t answer simple questions about the company, it sends a signal that you may not stay committed once hired. Interviewers will quickly move on if a candidate appears uninformed or uninterested.
Prepare Questions to Ask
Research won’t reveal everything, so bring thoughtful questions that show you’re curious and engaged. Identify gaps in your knowledge and use those to form meaningful inquiries about the company and the role.
Examples of good company-level questions:
- “What are the company’s key goals for this year/quarter?”
- “What are the department’s main deliverables?”
- “What recent successes has the company achieved?”
Questions about the role might include:
- “Is this a replacement role or a new position tied to growth?”
- “Who would this role report to?”
- “What are the key performance indicators for this position?”
- “What is the hiring timeline for this role?”
Plan Your Arrival
Confirm the exact office location in advance and check travel time for the scheduled interview hour. Make sure you’re going to the correct office—some companies have multiple locations. Check traffic projections and account for possible delays like construction or bad weather.
Arriving on time is part of making a strong first impression.
Get Adequate Rest
Save the celebrations for after you’ve received an offer. The night before your interview, prioritize sleep instead of late-night plans. A well-rested mind helps you stay focused and perform at your best.
Being well-rested also reduces the risk of showing up late with the common “I overslept” excuse that hiring managers rarely appreciate.
Wake Up With Time to Spare
Give yourself at least two hours before you need to leave (or before a phone interview) so you have time to prepare and handle unexpected issues. Rushing increases stress and leaves no margin for last-minute problems. That extra time will be valuable if something goes off course.
Dress for the Job You Want
Dress one level up from the position you’re applying for to demonstrate professionalism and ambition. A polished appearance is memorable to hiring managers and can work in your favor during future promotion decisions.
For video interviews, dress professionally from head to toe if possible; at minimum, ensure your upper half looks polished, style your hair, and present a tidy background. Looking the part reinforces your seriousness about the role.
Role-Play the Interview
Practice with a friend, partner, or roommate to simulate the interview environment. Role-playing reduces nerves, sharpens your responses, and helps you remember key points from your research. This rehearsal can make a meaningful difference in your confidence and clarity.
Bring What You Need
Arrive prepared with items that can support a smooth interview:
- A clean notepad (not covered in doodles)
- A working pen plus a backup
- Mints or gum to freshen breath—chew before the meeting and discard it before entering
- Several crisp copies of your resume
Bad breath is distracting, so freshen up beforehand. If you use gum, dispose of it before greeting the interviewer.
Allow Extra Time for the Unexpected
Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes early. Unforeseen events—flat tires, traffic jams, or slow-moving school buses—can happen. Arriving early demonstrates punctuality and interest; it also reduces stress before the interview.
Treat Everyone With Respect
Be polite to everyone you meet—receptionists, assistants, and other employees. Hiring managers often ask staff about a candidate’s behavior while waiting. Greet the receptionist warmly, state your purpose clearly, and be patient if you wait. Courtesy to everyone you encounter reflects well on your character.
Offer a Confident, Moderate Handshake
When meeting the interviewer, give a firm, confident handshake—not a crushing grip. A solid yet controlled handshake projects confidence without intimidation. If you’re nervous and sweaty, discreetly dry your hand before the handshake.
Make the Interview a Conversation
A strong interview feels like a two-way conversation, not just a series of answers. Expand beyond short responses by sharing stories and specific examples that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. This helps the interviewer imagine you on the team and reveals how you think and collaborate.
Use positive body language: avoid crossing your arms, maintain friendly eye contact (about 75–80 percent of the time), and gesture naturally. For phone interviews, wait a beat before responding to ensure the interviewer has finished and speak with energy. If you need a moment to collect your thoughts, bridge the silence with phrases like:
- “That’s a great question.”
- “No one’s asked me that before.”
- “I haven’t had to think about that, but…”
Avoid filler words such as “um” and “uh.”
Make Yourself Memorable
Strive to leave a positive, memorable impression without going overboard. Gimmicks like sending branded swag can come off as excessive and may not help. Instead, close the interview with a thoughtful question or a concise statement that highlights your unique value and how you would contribute to the company. Be confident but not arrogant.
Follow Up Professionally
After the interview, send a brief, polite thank-you note to the hiring manager. Reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity, remind them of one or two specific strengths you bring, and express continued interest. Keep it concise—four or five sentences are usually sufficient.
Avoid demanding or passive-aggressive follow-ups. Stay professional and courteous; a well-crafted follow-up can reinforce a strong interview and help you stand out.