Tips for a Successful Interview

The candidates who do well in interviews aren’t necessarily the most qualified. They’re the most prepared.

Before You Walk In

Do your homework. Know the company’s business, any recent news, and the basics of the role you’re interviewing for. Review your own resume — people are regularly caught off guard when asked about a position they listed from several years ago. Know your dates, your responsibilities, and a handful of concrete accomplishments you can speak to confidently.

Prepare for behavioral questions. Most interviewers will ask you to describe a specific situation — a time you solved a problem, led a project, or handled a difficult situation. Have four or five examples ready from your work history. The STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a useful way to structure them.

Prepare your own questions. Candidates who don’t ask questions come across as disinterested. Have at least three thoughtful questions ready — about the team, the challenges of the role, or what success looks like in the first year. Save questions about salary and benefits for later in the process.

During the Interview

First impressions start before you speak. Arrive a few minutes early (not more than 15). Be warm and professional with everyone you meet — receptionists often talk to hiring managers. Put your phone away.

Listen as much as you talk. An interview is a conversation, not a presentation. Aim for clarity and brevity in your answers — one to two minutes is usually right. Stay positive throughout. Don’t speak negatively about a former employer, even if your experience there was genuinely difficult.

Close with intention. Before you leave, express your interest directly: “I appreciate the time — I’m very interested in this role. What are the next steps?” This shows confidence without pressure and ensures you leave knowing what happens next.

After the Interview

Send a brief thank-you note the same day — email is fine. Keep it short: thank them for their time, mention one specific thing that excited you about the role, and restate your interest. Then call your recruiter with your honest feedback.

Questions to Be Ready For

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you looking to leave your current role?
• What are your long-term career goals?
• What’s your biggest professional accomplishment?
• What’s a challenge you’ve faced and how did you handle it?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What are your salary expectations?

Questions to Ask Them

• What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?
• How would you describe the team culture?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?