The best feeling is moving on to the next stage of the hiring process, but it also leads to the most nerve-wracking— the job interview. Here is our ultimate guide to acing your next job interview whether it’s in person or virtual.
The first step in preparing for any job interview is doing your research. Learning about the company and the role ahead of time helps you feel more confident, ask better questions, and show genuine interest in the opportunity.
Carefully read through the job description and pay attention to the responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. Think about how your past experiences connect to what the employer is looking for.
If you know who will be interviewing you, learn about their role within the company by either finding their biography on the company’s website or if they have a public LinkedIn account.
It’s important to also learn about the company itself. Spend a few minutes exploring their website and reading recent articles or blog posts about them. Look for information about their mission, values, and any recent updates or projects they’ve been working on.
Helpful Tip 💡: Try out the company’s product or service. If they sell a product, explore online or read customer reviews. If they offer a service, learn about how it works and what makes it unique. This allows you to speak more naturally about the company and demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to understand what they do.
As you research, keep a running list of notes. Write down any questions you have about the position, the team, or the company culture. Interviews are a two-way conversation, and thoughtful questions show initiative.
Interviews can take many different forms, so it’s helpful to know the format ahead of time. Some companies use AI or recorded interviews, while others may conduct phone interviews, group interviews, or panel interviews with multiple team members.
Knowing the format can help you adjust your preparation. For example, a panel interview may require you to make eye contact with multiple people, while a phone interview may require you to communicate more clearly without visual cues.
Helpful Tip💡: If the interview is in person, make sure you know exactly where you’re going to avoid any unnecessary stress. Look up the location ahead of time and plan how you will get there. Ask yourself: How long is it going to take? Will you drive or will you take public transportation? Does your GPS show any road closures that may affect your route?
Take some time to think about your own background. Employers will likely review your resume carefully, so try to anticipate any questions or concerns they might have.
For example, if you have gaps in your work history, be prepared to talk about them honestly and confidently. Maybe you were focusing on school, developing new skills, or navigating a career transition. Framing these experiences in a positive way shows both self awareness and growth.
One of the most effective ways to prepare for an interview is to practice. While you don’t want to memorize answers word-for-word, it helps to become comfortable talking about your experiences, skills, and goals.
Helpful Tip💡: Mock interviews can really boost your confidence. Try asking a friend or family member to listen while you practice answering common interview questions. It can make the real interview feel a lot less intimidating.
Once you’ve done your research, the next step in interview preparation is making sure you’re ready for the actual experience of the interview.
Your outfit should align with the company’s culture while still looking polished and professional. In many cases, business casual or business professional attire is a safe choice, especially if you are unsure about the organization’s dress code.
Regardless of the style, your clothing should be clean, ironed, and well-fitted. Wrinkled or overly casual clothing can unintentionally signal a lack of preparation. If you’re unsure what to wear, it’s usually better to be slightly more formal than too casual.
For virtual interviews, your technology should be ready before the meeting starts. Check that your computer or phone is working properly and make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Helpful Tip💡: It’s also a good idea to test your camera and microphone so you know everything is functioning correctly.
Choose a distraction-free background. A neutral wall or a blurred background helps keep the focus on you rather than what’s happening behind you.
Using a headset can improve audio quality and reduce background noise, making it easier for both you and the interviewer to communicate clearly. Good lighting is also important—try to position yourself where light is in front of you rather than behind you so your face is clearly visible.
Before the interview begins, close any unnecessary browser tabs or applications on your computer. This reduces the chance of distracting notifications popping up during your conversation.
If your interview is in person, bringing the right materials shows organization and preparation. It’s a good idea to bring several copies of your resume in case multiple interviewers need one. A pen and notepad can be helpful for jotting down important details or questions. You should also bring your cell phone with you, but make sure it is set to silent before the interview begins.
Depending on the role, you may also want to bring a portfolio, work samples, or transcripts. Having these items ready allows you to easily reference your work if the opportunity comes up during the conversation. Don’t forget to bring your list of questions you’d like to ask as well.
Helpful Tip 💡: It may also be helpful to carry a small “emergency kit”. Items like breath mints, an umbrella, a stain stick, extra pens, or a bottle of water can help you handle unexpected situations.
Punctuality matters. Aim to arrive about 10 minutes before the scheduled interview. This gives you time to settle in, gather your thoughts, and avoid the stress that can come with rushing. If your interview is virtual, “arriving early” still applies. Log in a few minutes beforehand so you’re ready when the meeting begins.
If you arrive early or find yourself in a virtual waiting room, resist the urge to scroll through your phone. Instead, use that time to review your notes, the job description, or the materials you plan to bring into the interview.
Interviews often start before you even meet the hiring manager. From the moment you walk into the building, you make an impression. Greet everyone you encounter with kindness and a smile, whether it’s a receptionist, another employee, or the interviewer. Employers sometimes ask other staff members about their impressions of candidates, so treating everyone with respect and professionalism can make a real difference.
What you say in an interview is important, but how you present yourself physically can be just as impactful.
Eye contact shows that you are engaged and confident in the conversation. Try to maintain a natural level of eye contact while listening and speaking. You don’t need to stare constantly but looking at the interviewer when they are talking and when you are responding signals that you are interested.
Helpful Tip💡: For virtual interviews, occasionally look toward the camera so it feels like you are making eye contact.
Sitting up straight with your shoulders relaxed shows that you are alert and engaged. Slouching, leaning too far back, or appearing overly relaxed can sometimes signal disinterest, even if that’s not your intention.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous during an interview, but try to be aware of habits like tapping your foot, playing with a pen, or constantly moving your hands. These small movements can be distracting.
Helpful Tip💡: If you’re unsure what to do with your hands, a simple solution is to rest them calmly in your lap or lightly fold them on the table.
Traditionally, interviews begin with a handshake, and it’s important to aim for a handshake that feels confident but not overly strong. A handshake that is too weak can seem hesitant, while one that is too firm may feel uncomfortable.
At the same time, workplace norms have shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some interviewers may prefer a friendly wave or verbal greeting instead of a handshake. The best approach is to follow the interviewer’s lead and respond respectfully to whatever greeting they choose.
Many candidates worry that showing nerves will hurt their chances, but the truth is that interviewers expect it. A little nervousness is completely normal and often shows that you care about the opportunity. And don’t forget to smile! A genuine smile can go a long way in creating a positive connection.
Once the interview begins, the focus shifts to the conversation itself. This is your opportunity to show who you are, how you think, and what you can bring to the role.
Many interviews start with small talk or icebreakers. These moments help ease the conversation and build rapport so don’t feel pressured to jump straight into formal responses. Follow the interviewer’s lead. They may spend a few minutes getting to know you before moving into more structured questions.
Be ready to briefly “pitch yourself.” This doesn’t mean delivering a rehearsed speech, but it does mean having a clear idea of how to describe your background, strengths, and goals. Think of it as a short summary of your professional story and why you’re interested in the position.
Helpful Tip💡: When answering questions, try to respond directly and clearly. It can be tempting to overthink your answers, but focusing on the main point first helps keep your responses organized and easy to follow. Avoid responses that are only “yes” or “no.” Instead, expand on your answers with examples.
Honesty is also important. If you don’t know something or haven’t had a certain experience, it’s better to acknowledge it and explain how you would approach learning or solving the issue. If you ever feel unsure about a question, it’s completely acceptable to ask for clarification. Taking a moment to understand the question can lead to a stronger and more thoughtful response.
During an initial interview, it’s usually best to avoid asking detailed questions about vacation time, salary, or benefits. Those topics are typically discussed later in the hiring process.
Professionalism plays a major role in how you are perceived during an interview. A small but meaningful step is learning the interviewer’s name and how to pronounce it correctly. Using someone’s name respectfully helps build a stronger connection during the conversation.
Helpful Tip💡: Clear communication is also important. Try to avoid slang, speak at a steady pace, and be mindful of mumbling.
It’s equally important to stay positive when discussing past experiences. Even if you had challenges with a previous employer or workplace, avoid speaking negatively about them. Instead, focus on what you learned or how the experience helped you grow.
Remember that professionalism doesn’t mean being overly stiff or robotic. Aim to be both professional and personable. Even if the interviewer takes a more casual tone, continue to maintain a respectful and polished approach while still being genuine and approachable.
As the interview wraps up, take a moment to thank the interviewer for their time and for the opportunity to speak with them. A simple expression of appreciation leaves a positive final impression and reinforces your interest in the role.
Your work isn’t quite finished once the interview ends. What you do after the interview can reinforce the positive impression you made and show the employer that you are organized, professional, and genuinely interested in the opportunity.
Sometimes interviewers will ask for additional documents after the conversation. This might include references, transcripts, work samples, or other supporting materials. If something is requested, try to send it as soon as possible. Double check that the documents are accurate, clearly labeled, and professionally formatted before sending anything over.
Helpful Tip💡: Mention something specific from your conversation that you found interesting or valuable. This helps personalize the message and reminds the interviewer of your engagement during the discussion.
In many hiring processes, the first interview is only the beginning. Employers may invite candidates back for a second interview, especially if they want you to meet additional team members or leadership within the company.
This is completely normal and often means you’re being seriously considered for the position. If you are invited to another interview, take time to prepare again. Review your notes from the first conversation, prepare new questions, and be ready to expand on topics that were discussed previously.
The interview process can take time, particularly when companies are evaluating multiple candidates. Staying patient, responsive, and professional throughout the process helps demonstrate that you would be a reliable and thoughtful addition to the team. Best of luck!