7 Ways to Nail Your Job Interview
Searching for a new job can be tough. Maybe you can identify. You upload application after application, wondering if your résumé is even reaching a hiring manager. Waiting to hear back can feel like a black hole since you have no visibility into a company’s interview and hiring process. The journey can wear you down.
Just remember this: You don’t need an interview invitation or to be hired for every job application you submit. All it takes is one – from the right company with the right job.
When you receive an invitation for a job interview, suddenly, other things arise that are also out of your control, like not knowing what the interviewer will ask, or who else is interviewing for the same job. Maybe you dread the thought of being judged in real time by someone you don’t know. Nervousness, fear of rejection – all kinds of things can rattle you. Don’t let them!
Instill this in your mind instead: A confident job candidate goes into an interview with a positive mindset: “I bring real value, and this interview is just a chance for us to confirm we’re a great match.”
Read on for proven tips that will help you achieve that mindset and nail your job interview!
So, you’ve been invited to an interview. Now what?
First off, revel in a well-deserved moment. Breathe. You’ve clearly done this right! Your résumé stood out to the hiring manager or human resource team, and this is your chance to show you’re as strong in person (or on screen) as you are on paper.
Now, here’s everything you need to show up with confidence and build on the solid impression you created with your application and résumé.
7 top tips to master your job interview
1. Research the company and open position
We can’t stress this enough: Do your homework! You want to go into the interview with a good understanding of:
- What the company does (products and services) and who they do it for (their core customers)
- How long they’ve been in business, and whether they’re a public or privately owned company
- Where they’re headquartered and their locations (are they local, regional, national, global?)
- What the role you’re applying for involves, and how that role fits into the company’s big picture
If the company’s job description is vague, research the same job title and description within the same industry to get a broader, more detailed understanding of the role.
You don’t need to know the company’s full history – just enough so that you’re prepared to show knowledge of and genuine interest in the organization and its business.
Browse the company’s website, recent news releases, and current projects. Check out their social media pages, too, as these will give insights into their current activities, events, and community involvements.
Researching the company shows initiative and will help you ask good questions during your interview. It will also give you insights into the company culture, mission, and values. After all, today’s top candidates want to work for companies whose values align with their own. This makes for a good cultural fit, which for many companies and candidates is just as important as the right fit for the job.
2. Arrive on time and be prepared
Whether your interview is in person or virtual, being on time is non-negotiable. For in-person interviews, aim to arrive five to 10 minutes early. If you’re unfamiliar with the route, do a test run in advance so you know exactly how to get there, where to park, and how much time it takes. Also, keep an eye on the weather and traffic reports to avoid potential delays.
This gives you time to find the office or designated interview space, get settled, and breathe. A little-known tip: Arriving more than 10 minutes early can catch your interviewer off guard and put unnecessary pressure on them to rush.
For virtual interviews, the same rules apply: Be ready five to 10 minutes before the start time. That’s your buffer to check your camera, mic, and internet connection, and make sure your background isn’t showing off yesterday’s laundry. You don’t need a fancy setup; just a clean, quiet space and professional vibe. Again, do a test run in advance by making sure you can access the virtual platform without issues.
Regardless of the interview format or location, be prepared. In addition to having done your research, show up with your résumé, cover letter, the job description, and any supporting documents. For virtual interviews, have digital copies organized and ready to share. This way, if the interviewer asks for something, you won’t be fumbling around mid-interview to provide it.
3. Dress to impress
Unless you’re interviewing for an executive, C-suite, or sales role, it’s not necessary to show up in a suit, but you do want to look polished and intentional. Think clean, professional, and appropriate for the role. When in doubt, dress a little more on the formal end. It’s easier to tone it down later than recover from appearing too casual.
And yes, even for virtual interviews, dress the part. At least from the waist up. Looking the part helps you feel the part, too. Check out this article for in-depth tips on How to Dress for a Job Interview.
4. Body language matters: Let yours speak well for you
Your words matter, but your body language says just as much, if not more. Be conscious of the following during your job interview:
- Offer a firm handshake in person, or a confident greeting in a virtual interview.
- Avoid nervous habits like fidgeting, touching your face or hair, or looking off screen too often.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed, your back straight, and your arms uncrossed. Doing this signals confidence and availability instead of tension or nervousness.
- Make intentional eye contact while talking and listening, but just enough to show you’re present, focused, and engaged – without staring.
- Smile when it feels natural and try to match your facial expressions to the conversation. A natural smile, nodding when appropriate, and showing genuine interest reinforces warmth and professionalism.
These small body language cues help you build rapport with the interviewer. Practicing in advance can help a lot. Try doing a mock interview with a friend or record yourself and play it back to observe ways you can improve. It might feel awkward, but it’s very beneficial for your interview presence and success.
5. Be confident. Be you!
The interviewer already believes you’re qualified. You made a good first impression with your résumé and they invited you to interview for the job. Now it’s time to show them who you are and how you work.
When the interviewer asks about your experience, don’t recite your work history. They have your résumé. Instead, decide in advance that you will speak with purpose about three key things:
- Highlight the wins that have made you most proud during your career.
- Share how you approach and resolve challenges, with projects or team members.
- Acknowledge your focus on teamwork and shared goals – or something else that’s specific and stands out in your experience.
Keep your answers focused and avoid rambling. You want to leave time for interactive conversation.
6. Ask smart questions
One of the best ways to stand out in a job interview is to ask thoughtful and relevant questions. This shows you’re invested and genuinely curious about the company, the team, and the job opening. Prepare a few questions in advance. Here are some examples:
- What does real success look like for someone in this role?
- How does the team collaborate on projects and toward common goals?
- What challenges is this department facing, or your company as a whole?
- What are your company’s greatest strengths in the market?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
Even one good question can shift the tone of a standard interview into a meaningful, informative, and enjoyable two-way conversation – one that leaves a lasting impression on the interviewer.
7. Follow up and say thank you
After the job interview, always follow up with the interviewer within 24 hours. A short and sincere thank-you email goes a long way. Mention something specific you enjoyed about the conversation. Reinforce your interest in the role and let them know you’re hopeful for the next step.
This small gesture leaves a lasting impression, too – and it may prompt the interviewer to accelerate the interview process.
Final thoughts…
Even though job interviews can be intimidating, they’re the opportunity you need to connect, share your story, and learn whether the role is truly right for you. So, show up prepared, be yourself, and bring your very best to the table. That’s all anyone can ask for.
You’ve got this!
Find your dream job through Goodwin Recruiting
At Goodwin Recruiting, we don’t think it’s enough to love what you do. You should also love where you do it! We take a different approach by making sure we understand you, your career goals, your values, and the kind of work that truly excites you. We’ve built strong, lasting relationships with employers nationwide who trust us to bring them not just any candidates, but the right ones.
Get to know our dedicated Recruiting Partners and reach out to us for your next career move. Our expert recruiters are known for providing solid career guidance and mentorship to help our candidates find fulfilling, rewarding careers.
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