Part 1 of 5
It’s about you
I’ve recently been thinking about interview processes, and I want to start sharing some tips and ideas that might help you land that dream job.
So here’s my number one piece of advice for anyone out there actively interviewing: be yourself. Seriously, don’t try to sell a version of you that isn’t real. Employers appreciate authenticity, and they want to know the real you.
When you’re talking about your experience, focus on what you did. Sure, the companies you’ve worked for and the projects you’ve been part of matter, but what really counts is your involvement, and how you contributed to making things happen.
Part 2 of 5
Preparation
Preparing for an interview is a crucial step. It shapes your confidence and the impression you’ll leave. In the days leading up to your interview, focus your research on these areas:
1. Company background
Familiarise yourself with the company’s history, mission and values. Understand their market position and major competitors. Read recent news articles, press releases or updates about the company, such as new product launches, mergers or changes in leadership.
2. Role-specific knowledge
Review the job description thoroughly and pinpoint the key responsibilities and qualifications needed for the position. If there are qualifications listed that you don’t currently have, plan how you’ll address them. Research the industry trends and challenges that may influence the role. Having this knowledge will help you discuss them confidently in the interview.
3. Company culture
Explore the company’s culture by visiting their website, particularly sections like “About Us” or “Careers”. Look for employee testimonials or reviews on platforms like Glassdoor, and follow the company’s social media channels to get a sense of how they engage with customers and present their brand.
4. Your interviewers
If you know who will be interviewing you, research their professional backgrounds on LinkedIn or the company website. Understanding their roles and career paths can help you connect with them during the interview.
Your performance in an interview depends a lot on how well you prepare, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Bonus tip: spend at least 5–10 minutes trying out the company’s product before your interview. Think about your first reaction when you started using it, what you liked, and what you felt was missing.
Part 3 of 5
Making a positive impression
After years of debriefing hiring managers, I can tell you the feedback rarely comes down to one big answer. It’s usually the small stuff that tips it.
Be early, and be ready. Turning up flustered, or logging in late to a video call, puts you on the back foot before you’ve said a word. Test your camera and link the day before.
Bring the energy. Hiring managers want people who actually want the job. Be warm with everyone you meet, show genuine interest in the role, and keep it positive about past employers, however your last job ended.
Watch the non-verbals. Sit up, smile, and look at the person (or the camera). It sounds obvious, but nerves make people forget.
Answer the question that was asked. Be clear and to the point, lead with your most relevant example, and don’t rush. Taking a second to think, or asking them to clarify, comes across as confident, not unsure.
One thing I always tell candidates: the interview starts the moment you walk in, and ends when you’ve left the building.
Part 4 of 5
Practice, practice, practice
Once you’ve done your preparation and researched the company, you can turn your attention to getting some practice in. Like anything, practice makes perfect, and that applies to interviewing too.
Think of questions that might come up and how you could answer them. Even better, think about your achievements and how you can present them and work them into your answers.
Ask a family member, friend or peer to play the interviewer. If you’ve written down questions you think you might be asked, give them to that person, role-play your answers, and review how you could improve.
Use the earlier tips in this series to check your answers. Did you give an example that supports your answer? Did you make sure you talked about you and your experience on the project?
Part 5 of 5
After the interview
Before you leave, ask what the next steps are and when you can expect to hear back, and thank them for their time.
Once you’re out, jot down the questions you were asked and how you answered while it’s still fresh. It’s the best prep you’ll get for your next interview.
There are two ways it can go:
- An offer. Congratulations! Take a moment before you accept. Check the details, think about whether it’s the right move, and talk it over with the people closest to you.
- Not this time. Stay positive and, most importantly, ask for feedback. It’s the one thing that will genuinely help you next time.