A Step-by-Step Guide to Acing Your Next Job Interview
You landed the interview—great! Now use this simple structure to walk in confident and walk out with an offer.
Step 1: Research, Research, Research
- The Company: Mission, products, recent news, competitors.
- The Role: Re-read the JD; list the 6–8 must-have skills.
- The Interviewer: Skim LinkedIn to build rapport.
Step 2: Prepare STAR Stories
Create 5–7 short stories using Situation, Task, Action, Result to prove skills like leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork—use numbers where possible.
Step 3: Prepare Questions You’ll Ask
- “What does success look like in the first 90 days?”
- “What are the biggest challenges for this role?”
- “Can you tell me about the team and how they collaborate?”
Step 4: Plan Logistics
Outfit ready, route tested (or video setup checked), arrive/log on early, and keep a notepad handy.
Step 5: The Interview
- First Impression: Confident greeting, eye contact, smile.
- Listen First: Pause, think, then answer.
- Stay Positive: Frame challenges as learning; avoid negativity.
- Close Strong: Reiterate interest and thank them.
Step 6: Send the Thank-You
Email each interviewer within 24 hours referencing something specific you discussed—this subtle step can be the tie-breaker.