The best job interview tips to help you get the job

Getting the job you want isn’t just about having the right skills and experience. While an impressive resumé will get you part of the way there, your success depends on making a good impression on your interviewer. 

Whether it's the first round of interviews, or you’re looking for second interview tips, you can give yourself the best chances of success by being prepared. In this article, we share ideas on what to do in a job interview to make a great first impression and how to avoid making some common interview mistakes. 

Understanding the interview process

The interview process can look different depending on your role and industry. Some companies might start with a group interview if they’re hiring multiple people for similar roles. With others, you may have to do several interview rounds with different people in the company or answer questions from a panel. Most of the time, the job interview process is one or two rounds, where you speak to a recruiter, then the hiring manager and one other person in the team. Here’s what you need to know to be prepared.

What to expect in a job interview

While the interview process itself can change from role to role, the basic fundamentals of an interview remain the same.

The pre-interview process 

Some employers may start the process with a pre-interview phone call after reviewing your application. This is generally a quick chat to get a feel for who you are and confirm whether or not you have the specific skills and experience required. From this conversation they decide whether they’d like to interview you in person. 

During the interview

During a typical first interview, you’ll meet the hiring manager – usually the person who would be your boss or supervisor. Some interviews may have a few people in them, like higher managers or senior teammates. Here’s what a typical interview process looks like:

1. The hiring manager will give you an overview of the organisation and explain the position and its responsibilities. 
2. You’ll be asked about your work experience, relevant qualifications and why you want the job. 
3. The interviewer may also ask some behavioural and situational questions to get a feel for your personality, work style and ability to handle challenges. 
4. Then the interviewer will go into the needs of the role in more detail and ask role-based questions to assess whether you have the skills and qualities needed, and whether you’d be a good cultural fit. 

The different types of interviews

Not all interviews are in person or follow the same process. They differ depending on the industry and the seniority of the role, and for many roles you’ll have to do at least one remotely and one in person. 

• Virtual interview. This kind of interview is done via video call, usually using web-based software such as Zoom, Webex or Microsoft Teams.
• In-person interview. This is the traditional type of interview, where you meet the interviewer for a face-to-face discussion, usually on-site where the job would be, in the company's corporate headquarters or in their human resources department.
• Panel interview. Held in person or online, these involve two or more interviewers together. They could be from different departments or with your direct supervisor and potential teammates.
• Group interview. This involves a number of applicants interviewing together. This style of interview is often used when companies are hiring multiple people at the same time. Aside from saving time, it helps interviewers see how you interact with others. 
• Case challenge interview. Also called a ‘case study interview’, this is a type of test given to you in real time. You’ll be given a situation or challenge to analyse and solve on the spot, so the interviewers can gauge your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. It’s like an in-depth situational question that may require you to quickly analyse company data to solve a problem.

How many rounds of interviews does a company have? 

The number of interview rounds will depend on the organisation and their processes. Generally the number of interviews held will reflect the level of responsibility and seniority of the role:

• If you’re applying for an entry-level position, one interview could be enough for the interviewer to get all the information they need to make a decision. 
• For mid-level positions, a second interview might be needed for the interviewer to decide between candidates. The second interview is usually a ‘culture fit’ interview to see if you get along with other people in the team. 
• For senior positions there may be as many as seven rounds of interviews before there’s a job offer. Certain FAANG companies are renowned for their lengthy interview processes. 

How to prepare before an interview 

Wondering how to do well in a job interview? Preparing before the interview is the key to making a great impression – here are some ways you can prepare.

Research the organisation and role

Before heading into the interview, thoroughly read the website and social media accounts of the company you’re applying to work with. Make sure to read their mission statement and values, as well as anything about their culture and recent achievements. Take notes on any information that stands out to you so you can bring up these points in your interview. Having knowledge about the business shows you have a genuine interest in them and what they do.

Re-read the job description

It’s important to read the job description closely, paying attention to the skills and qualities it’s asking for. These skills and qualities are what the interviewer will be focusing on during the interview, especially when they ask behavioural and situational questions. Note these down and prepare some answers that specifically address the necessary skills for the role. Think of some past experiences you can share where you’ve shown these qualities in the workplace, to use as responses to questions during the interview. 

Practise common interview questions

During your interview you’ll be asked a mix of general, behavioural and situational questions, as well as questions specific to the role you’re applying for. It pays to practise answers to some of the more common questions, so you sound confident in your responses. Have a friend or family member ask you interview questions and get their feedback on your body language and tone. 

Review your resumé and familiarise yourself with what you’ve written

Tailoring your cover letter and resumé to the job you’re applying for is always a great idea, but when you have multiple versions, you should double-check which one you used for this application. It pays to read over your resumé and refresh your memory on what you wrote when you applied for the job. Your interviewer will probably refer directly to your resumé and ask you questions about the skills and experiences you’ve listed, so be sure to have answers ready. 

Find out more about your interviewer

Knowing who will be interviewing you gives you a chance to tailor your responses even more. Look them up on the company's website and social media to find out what their role is and what experience they have. This information can give you an idea of what kind of questions they may ask you, and what questions you might like to ask them. For instance, if they’re a recruiter your answers (and questions) might be more general and not as technical. If they’d be your boss, your answers and questions would be more specific to the role. 

Making a great first impression

You only get one chance to make a first impression, so you want to make sure it’s a good one. Have you ever wondered what you should wear to an interview? Or thought I want to know how to introduce myself in an interview confidently? Knowing what to do in a job interview to make a strong first impression will boost your confidence and get your interview off to a good start.

Plan your first impression

Think about the image you want to project and how you want to come across to the interviewer. Consider your body language and tone of voice, and how you can show enthusiasm while still being professional. Visualise yourself entering the interview room confidently and greeting the interviewer with a smile. 

Choose your interview attire

When deciding what to wear to your interview it’s important to pay attention to how others in the role and company present themselves. Look at the organisation’s website and see what clothes their employees wear – your interview outfit should match their level of formality or be slightly more formal. If you’re still not sure (or if the workplace has a very casual dress code), it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, so aim for a smart and neat look. 

Arrive early

Arriving early shows that you’re punctual, reliable and respectful of people’s time. Aim to arrive at least 10–15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. This will give you a buffer in case of unexpected delays and allow time to compose yourself before heading into the interview.

Greet your interviewer

Make eye contact with the interviewer and smile, greeting them in a friendly but professional way. You can say something like Good morning, I’m Alex, lovely to meet you…, using their name if you know it. If appropriate to the setting, you may want to use more formal language, addressing your interview by title and last name. When greeting your interviewer, keep your body language open and offer a handshake. 

Common mistakes candidates make during an interview

When preparing for your interview, there are some job interview common mistakes you’ll want to avoid. These include:

1. Not knowing anything about the company: having a lack of knowledge about the company can be interpreted as a lack of interest in the job. This is especially bad if it’s an industry-leading business. 
2. Not knowing your resumé well: being unfamiliar with your own resumé can make you seem disorganised and unprepared. 
3. Answering too quickly: rushing through your responses can give the impression that you’re not considering your answers carefully. It might also make you seem nervous or lacking in confidence. It’s better to take your time to answer thoughtfully.
4. Rambling during an interview: giving overly long or unfocused answers can make it look like you can’t communicate effectively or don’t know the answer to the question you’ve been asked. If you find yourself doing it, be self-aware and apologise for rambling, then get back on track. It’s okay to ask the interviewer to repeat the question for clarity.
5. Not maintaining eye contact: this can be interpreted as either a lack of confidence, interest or honesty. If you’re not comfortable making eye contact, look at the space between the interviewer’s eyes periodically. 
6. Off-putting body language: to make a good impression, sit up straight, don’t cross your arms or frown, and try not to fidget. Rest your hands on your lap or the table. You want to look confident but not arrogant. 
7. Interrupting the interviewer: this can be seen as a lack of respect and make you seem arrogant or pushy. It can also disrupt the flow of the conversation, and you could miss important information.

Quick interview tips to keep in mind

Below we’ll explore the top interview tips and questions you may be asked. Whether it’s about body language or how you structure your answer, these tips can help you prepare for your next interview. 

Tips to keeping your answers concise during an interview 

• Use the STAR method in responses to structure your thoughts: one of the best interview tips is to organise your past experiences (and other answers) using the format of situation, task, action and result. By doing this you’ll keep your responses concise and focused on the key skills and qualities the interviewer is looking for.
• Prepare relevant examples for interview questions: this includes providing examples of the work you’ve done and the result you’ve delivered. You may also want to prepare examples of past experiences that can be used to answer behavioural questions.  

Tips on handling difficult interview questions

• Think through the question before answering: it’s okay to take the time you need to give a well-thought-out answer. 
• Ask clarifying questions if needed: make sure you understand exactly what the interviewer wants to know. 
• Be calm and confident: try not to get flustered, speak clearly and calmly, and don’t worry too much about giving the ‘perfect’ response. 

Demonstrating your fit for the role in an interview 

• Connect your skills to the job requirements: highlight how your skills and experiences match the qualities needed for the job, to show you are a good fit for the role.
• Come prepared with work examples: having specific examples ready that demonstrate your abilities shows you are organised and can back up your statements with results.
• Discuss past experiences using real-life examples: giving real-life examples shows that you can put your  skills into practise in a work setting.
• Engage with the interviewer: try to connect with the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to them. Show authentic enthusiasm for the role, using personal anecdotes and examples to relate your experiences in a memorable way. 
• Ask smart questions to demonstrate interest: asking insightful and well-considered questions (e.g. about company culture, team dynamics, the job itself, etc.) shows you have done your research on the company and have a genuine interest in the job.

Ensuring good non-verbal communication in an interview 

• Be mindful of your body language: maintain good posture, leaning a little bit forward to show you’re interested and engaged in the conversation. Keep your body language open and avoid fidgeting or tapping.
• Pay attention to your non-verbal cues and habits: before your interview, you could record yourself answering questions, to see how your non-verbal cues and body language look to someone else. 

Interview tips for virtual interviews 

• Test your technical setup: try the software and your microphone at least a day before the interview, to make sure everything works as it should. This gives you time to troubleshoot if needed, without risking being late to your interview. 
• Pick a quiet location: choose a spot that is quiet, tidy and where you won’t be disturbed. Make sure your background is plain and there’s nothing in view that you don’t want the interviewer to see. You can also use a blurred or neutral-looking virtual background. 
• Check your lighting and angles: how do you look on screen? Does the lighting need to be brighter or from a different direction? Is the camera at a good angle? Positioning the camera at eye level or looking slightly down at your face rather than up from below is usually more flattering.
• Ensure your phone and other devices are charged: you don’t want your device to go flat during an interview. Make sure you charge everything beforehand, or keep it plugged in during the interview. 
• Decide on an outfit: you should dress to impress, just as you would for an in-person interview. Consider wearing a smart casual look. 

Tips on managing pre-interview nerves

• Try calming exercises: practise deep breathing or visualisation techniques to help calm your nerves. You can also go for a walk to help move your body and bring you back to the present.
• Prepare as much as you can: pick your outfit the night before, lay it out ready to go, pack everything you need in advance, and have your answers prepared. 
• Embrace positive self-talk: how we talk to ourselves can have a big impact on our mood. Encourage yourself as you would encourage a friend going to a job interview.
• Plan a reward after: plan something to look forward to after the interview. Whether it’s a nice dinner or a movie, having something planned after can help settle your nerves. 

Tips on ending an interview and what to do afterwards 

• Thank your interviewer for their time: taking a minute to express gratitude for the interview can leave a positive lasting impression. 
• Emphasise your enthusiasm for the role: reinforce your interest in the position by mentioning specific aspects of the role or company that excite you and how you can contribute to their success. 
• Send a follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview: thank them for the opportunity to interview and say you enjoyed finding out more about the organisation and the role. If they didn’t let you know when they’d get back to you, now is a good time to ask.
• Ask about next steps and timelines: asking questions such as “What are the next steps in the process?” or “When will you be letting applicants know your decision?” shows your eagerness for the role and gives you clarification on what to expect next.

A successful job interview starts with preparation – including researching the company, practising common questions and having a professional outfit ready on the day. While in the interview, do your best to stay confident and composed, with open body language and thoughtful questions and answers. Remember that even if you don’t get the job, you can leave the interview more experienced and prepared for the next one. 

FAQ

How should I prepare for a job interview?

What are the 5 steps for a successful interview? Here are some tips:

1. Understand what the interview process involves and who it’s with
2. Research the company and prepare thoroughly
3. Pay attention to how you look and act
4. Avoid common interview mistakes (outlined above)
5. Make a lasting impression by being confident in yourself

What are some common job interview questions?

A few of the most common interview questions include:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What’s your understanding of the role and why are you interested?
• Can you describe a challenging situation and how you handled it?
• Based on your understanding of this role, which of your skills do you believe will be most valuable to our organisation?

How can I make a good impression during a job interview?

To make a good first impression during a job interview, it’s important to prepare, dress professionally and arrive early. During your interview, be polite and friendly while keeping your answers clear and concise. Make sure you connect your skills and experiences to the requirements of the role. 

What should I wear to a job interview?

Before deciding what to wear to a job interview, do some research into the company. Does it look more relaxed or more formal? A safe option is smart business attire. Make sure your outfit fits well, is clean, and is free of wrinkles or tears.

How to describe yourself in an interview?

When describing yourself in an interview, talk about the skills and qualities you have that match the job requirements. Highlight these strengths and use short examples where possible. Use positive language and be honest. 

What are some common mistakes to avoid in an interview?

Some common interview mistakes include:

• Being late
• Not being able to talk about the skills on your resumé
• Rambling or giving long-winded, unfocused answers
• Not knowing anything about the company
• Answering too quickly, or speaking in a rushed manner
• Not maintaining proper eye contact
• Interrupting the interviewer

How can I show that I am the right fit for the job?

One of the best ways to show that you’re the right fit for the job is to connect your skills to the job requirements. Share experiences that directly demonstrate the skills in the job ad with examples of how you use them. 

What should I do if I don't know the answer to a question?

If you don’t know how to answer a question in an interview, remain calm. Take a breath and ask questions to clarify what’s been asked. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that you don’t understand the question, before asking for more context or information.

How important is body language in an interview?

Body language can convey confidence, interest and respect, and can significantly impact the interviewer’s perception of you. Make sure you maintain good eye contact and posture, use open body language and limit fidgeting.

Can you negotiate salary during the first interview?

Yes you can, however timing is very important. If there is only going to be one interview then it’s best to bring up salary after you’ve showcased your skills and fit for the job, and you feel the interviewer can see you in the role. If there will be more than one round of interviews then generally the rule of thumb is to wait until the end of the second or third interview – unless a lower salary would be an instant deal-breaker for you, in which case it’s better to make that known early in the process.