11 Tips to Nail Your Job Interview
November 13, 2025
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This post was originally published in March 2021 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
Nailing a job interview goes beyond avoiding unappealing and unprofessional behaviors. It’s about standing out enough to be remembered and considered for the following stages of the selection process. Even if you’re the most qualified candidate, if you fail to be the most memorable, you’ll risk your chances of landing your dream job.
However, standing out during the interview process isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or delivering rehearsed answers. It’s about strategy and how you prepare, communicate, and leave a lasting impression. So, let’s break down some things to know and a few pro tips to distinguish yourself before, during, and after an interview.
First of all, let’s cover the basics. Since the pandemic, the interview process has undergone major changes; with the rise of remote work and virtual interviews becoming a more accessible and used tool, it’s worth settling down some essential interview do’s and don’ts to set the foundation for your success during the meeting.
Do:
Don’t:
Remember, you can gain insight and assistance from an expert talent search consultant in your industry to help you round up your preparation for your big meeting. Reach out to one of our recruiters or fill out our contact form, and one of them will contact you shortly.
Believe it or not, interviewers don’t expect you to break down every single skill or accomplishment you have; instead, they’ll evaluate who you are, what you offer, and how you’ll make their work easier or more effective.
So, aim to show self-awareness, preparation, and purpose before, during, and after the meeting, rather than guessing the “ideal”. Without further ado, here are our job interview tips to achieve a long-lasting impression that makes you stand out from other candidates.
First of all, be clear that receiving an invitation for a job interview in no way means you have an offer “in the bag.” Temper your expectations to avoid actions or comments that can negatively impact the outcome.
Instead of thinking about it as a mere formality, you want to spark your confidence and motivation while still remembering that interviews are an opportunity rather than a done deal.
This is the equivalent of doing your homework. It helps to arrive at a job interview with all your bases covered by brushing up on the basics about the company. Review their public information from websites and social media accounts to learn about their products or services, values, history, mission, and vision
If you know who will be interviewing you, check their professional background on LinkedIn. That small effort often translates into smarter, more personalized questions that reflect initiative and genuine interest, ultimately separating you from the competition.
If you’re passed up for the position but your professional goals align well with the company and people, connecting on LinkedIn will be an especially great idea. This way, in the future, if future opportunities that are a better fit for your skill set arise, you’ll be one of the first to know.
How you introduce yourself will set the tone for the entire conversation, and most certainly, one of the first questions you’ll receive is the famous “tell me about yourself.” As overwhelming as it may seem, this is a golden chance to give a long-lasting first impression that many waste with vague or lengthy answers.
If you don’t have a self-introduction pitch already, make sure to craft one as a part of your job interview prep. Something short—one or two minutes—following the below structure that reflects confidence, focus, authenticity, and capability is more than enough:
Speaking ill of previous co-workers or managers does much more damage than good, and so does self-deprecating your work. The way you communicate—especially in moments of tension—reveals a lot about your maturity and professionalism. So, be careful about what you say during your meeting.
Approach difficult past situations, struggles, and challenges with a reflective attitude. Doing so will help hiring managers see that you have solid emotional intelligence and can grow no matter the circumstances. It also suggests you can manage conflict constructively, an increasingly valued skill in modern teams.
Simple questions may suffice with a yes or no answer. Still, you can demonstrate that you’re fully engaged in the discussion by elaborating on a response or topic you’re familiar with. Be patient and avoid rushing to answer questions. Practice your active listening and read the room when deciding if it’s appropriate or necessary to dig deeper into the questions asked.
Spending a little more time to answer important questions thoroughly is a chance to showcase relevant talents, skills, and enthusiasm for the role. Take a pause if you need to think; brief silences can show confidence and thoughtfulness, and more importantly, will prevent you from using filler words or over-explanatory phrases.
While this might sound obvious, the purpose of your discussion should be showcasing your achievements, not the company you were with or are trying to leave. It’s okay to give some context, but make sure your focus is on the wins you were a part of and how you contributed to them.
Anyone can summarize what’s on their resume. What truly differentiates strong candidates is their ability to translate experience into measurable results. Even the most minor areas of progress or improvement are worth sharing if they’ll help demonstrate your compatibility for the position and new team.
Bringing a portfolio or sample work, or using numbers or tangible outcomes, adds credibility to your words. If you’re struggling to structure your answers, you can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give detailed examples. This keeps your responses clear and focused while helping the interviewer visualize your impact.
While a job interview is no laughing matter, there’s also no need for your meeting to be stiff and uncomfortable. Be yourself, and feel free to introduce some humor from time to time. It has been scientifically proven that a smile is the best way to connect with others. The key is finding the right balance between your professional and natural self. Have fun, be kind, and smile when you feel like it.
Even if humor isn’t your thing, it’s about loosening up the conversation a bit. Don’t be afraid of doing so by sharing hobbies or a personal story; believe it or not, good stories can boost rapport and, ultimately, your likability. However, also remember to be flexible, read the room, and adapt accordingly.
Crossing your arms doesn’t necessarily mean that you are lying or are uninterested, and most hiring managers don’t use these old parameters anymore. However, it’s true that nonverbal language speaks volumes even before you do. Simple actions, such as maintaining eye contact and smiling naturally, can bridge any gaps and elevate your image to be remembered.
However, that doesn’t mean you must focus your full attention on how you’re sitting or if you look anxious, since it will most likely distract your listening and thought process. Try practicing a comfortable yet attentive posture, and remember to relax. You’re in an interview, not an interrogation.
In addition, especially in face-to-face interviews, be mindful of your attire. Dress appropriately for the company culture—professional enough to convey respect but comfortable enough to help you move naturally. On the other hand, in virtual settings, double-check your setup: lighting, camera angle, and background.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions and clear the air about any concerns you may have about the open position, the company’s work culture, or the selection process’s next steps. You can even go back and expand on topics you want to clarify and explore if time permits, or even after the interview in a follow-up email.
Asking insightful questions about the position’s goals and career path will not only show you’re curious, but also that you’re a strategic thinker, leaving a stronger impression over someone who only asks about vacation days. However, remember the main point is to make sure you’re leaving each interview having gained and left all of the information necessary to make your next move.
Talking and asking about money during an interview is much more common nowadays. As long as it doesn’t come across as the only thing you care about or addresses the topic with no tact, it’s okay to be upfront with your needs, even the financial ones.
When asked about your salary requirements, be strategic but reasonable. You can give a range instead of a specific number if there are negotiable terms you’re interested in discussing. Make it clear that you’re willing to accept an offer on the lower side of the range if, in general, the job can fulfill your other expectations.
Even for professionals who had the most amazing interview, immediately receiving an offer is uncommon. It can take a few days to hear back from a company, and hiring processes, generally, can be quite drawn out. You can increase your odds of hearing back from potential employers by ending your job interview with conviction and stating that you hope to work together soon (as long as you mean it).
However, nothing makes you more noticeable after a job interview than a thank-you email. Follow-ups are the exceptional reminders that you appreciate the time spent and are genuinely interested in the open position, because, being honest, the interview isn’t over when you walk out or log off.
Even candidates who follow experts’ tips and tricks and the most superb preparation can lose momentum or give in to nerves. Even if you have a misstep, you haven’t lost the race, so be aware of these pitfalls and avoid them.
Standing out doesn’t mean being perfect; it means being prepared, aware, and authentic. However, a successful interview may look different from person to person. For instance, though the ultimate goal of an interview is to get a job offer, when well-navigated, there are benefits even if you don’t reach the hiring process.
If an offer isn’t extended after the first, second, or even third interview, you can still take comfort from standing out in successful networking and gaining confidence for other interviews.
The best way to handle tough questions is to practice storytelling. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and keep them relevant. Preparation helps you stay calm and confident, even when a question catches you off guard.
One of the biggest mistakes is focusing only on personal achievements instead of connecting them to the company’s goals. Others include not researching the company, talking too much, or failing to show enthusiasm. A great interview is as much about energy and curiosity as it is about skills.
Good posture, steady eye contact, and a genuine smile can make a powerful impression. Avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting, and use open gestures to show engagement. Confidence in body language helps reinforce your words and makes you more memorable.
Yes—thoughtful questions show genuine interest. Ask about company culture, growth opportunities, or how success in the role is measured. Questions that connect your goals with the company’s mission make you stand out as a proactive candidate.
Take a few deep breaths, review your notes, and remind yourself that the interview is also your opportunity to learn about the company. Shifting your mindset from “being evaluated” to “having a conversation” can ease anxiety and boost confidence.
Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Mention one or two points from the discussion that stood out to you. A personalized message reinforces your interest and professionalism—it’s a small gesture that leaves a big impression.
If possible, wait for the employer to bring up salary first. When asked, provide a range based on market research and emphasize that your priority is finding the right fit. This shows flexibility and professionalism without underselling your value.
Focus on the essentials: review the job description, research the company’s mission, and prepare two or three strong stories that highlight your skills. Confidence, enthusiasm, and clear communication can go a long way, even if prep time is short.
Contributed by Monica Martín del Campo, Mary Dominguez & Luis Arellano
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