Securing a job interview is a thrilling opportunity, but many candidates find themselves feeling nervous or uncertain once they’re in the room. The good news? It’s not all about being prepared — there are specific actions you can take during the interview to stand out from the competition and leave a lasting impression.
Whether it’s your first interview or you’re a seasoned professional, here are the 3 key things you should do in a job interview to help you impress the hiring manager and increase your chances of moving on to the next round.
1. Prepare and Know the Company Inside and Out
The first step in your interview prep should be understanding the company thoroughly. Hiring managers want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the organization, not just the job. To do this, you need to go beyond simply browsing their website — dive deeper to learn about their mission, values, industry position, and more.
Here’s how to get the best possible understanding of the company:
- Study the Company’s Website: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and recent achievements. Focus on the “About Us” page, blogs, case studies, and any press releases.
- Understand Their Industry: Research the challenges the company faces, as well as how they differentiate themselves from competitors. This will help you speak knowledgeably about their place in the market and their future direction.
- Check Social Media & News: Stay up to date with the company’s latest news, such as product launches or new partnerships. Mentioning a recent development can show you’ve taken the time to follow their progress and are genuinely interested.
Why It Matters: Knowing the company inside and out demonstrates your genuine interest and passion for the role. When you can confidently align your skills and goals with the company’s mission, you present yourself as not only capable but also deeply committed.
2. Exhibit Your Abilities and Experience through Concrete Examples
While your resume lists your qualifications, the interview is where you get the chance to really prove you’re the right person for the job. It’s not enough to simply state that you have the necessary skills; you need to provide specific examples of how you’ve used those skills to produce results in the past.
Here are some tips to help you showcase your experience effectively:
- Use the STAR Method: When asked behavioral questions (e.g., “Tell me about a time you solved a problem”), use the STAR method to answer. This method breaks down your answer into four key elements: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Customize your examples to reflect the role you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing role, discuss a specific campaign you managed or a marketing strategy you developed, emphasizing your role and the outcomes.
- Be Confident but Humble: While it’s important to show confidence in your abilities, don’t forget to be humble. Acknowledge your team’s contributions when necessary but make sure you clearly define your individual role and how you made an impact.
Why It Matters: Giving concrete examples helps the interviewer visualize how you’ll handle similar tasks or challenges in the future. Rather than just telling them you’re a great problem-solver, showing them how you’ve solved problems in past roles with measurable success speaks volumes.
3. Pose Thought-Provoking Questions
At the end of most interviews, you’ll be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” This is a critical moment, yet many candidates miss the chance to ask insightful questions. Thought-provoking questions demonstrate your engagement and show that you’re seriously considering how you’ll fit into the company and the role.
Here are some examples of meaningful questions to ask:
- About Company Culture: “Could you speak about the team dynamics and the culture around here?”
- About the Role: “On a daily basis, what is the life of someone in this position like?”
- About Growth Opportunities: “How do you support professional development and career progression for your employees?”
- About Challenges: “What are the biggest challenges someone in this role would encounter in their first six months?”
Why It Matters: Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re fully engaged and that you’re evaluating whether the role is the right fit for both you and the company. This reflects your long-term commitment and your interest in contributing to the company’s success.
Tip: Be Yourself, Stay Positive, and Smile
While preparation and professionalism are important, don’t forget to be yourself during the interview. Authenticity is key to establishing a genuine connection with your interviewer. Smile, maintain good eye contact, and express your enthusiasm for the role. A positive attitude can make a world of difference and help you stand out from the crowd.
In Conclusion
A job interview is not just a chance to showcase your skills and experience—it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate your personality and how well you align with the company’s culture. By preparing thoroughly, providing concrete examples of your qualifications, and asking insightful questions, you can leave a strong, positive impression on your interviewer.
Remember: the goal is to show that you’re the best fit for the role and that you’ll thrive within the company. With the right preparation, confidence, and attitude, you’ll be well on your way to acing that interview and securing the job.
Good luck—you’ve got this!
First Job Human Capital is here to support you throughout your job search journey, offering expert guidance on interview preparation, resume building, and more. With our help, you’ll be ready to make a lasting impression and secure your dream job!
Do you have any tips of your own for nailing a job interview? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
