Your resume got you the interview. Your personal brand built credibility. Now it’s time to prove you’re the right fit.
Most people think they can “wing it” in an interview. But great interviews don’t happen by accident—they happen because of preparation, awareness, and confidence. Taking the time to prepare properly ensures that you are not only answering questions effectively but also making a lasting impression on your interviewer.
1. Preparing for the Interview: Do the Work Before You Walk In
Before stepping into an interview, whether in-person or virtual, knowing your audience is key. Research the company and role thoroughly, reviewing job descriptions and company culture indicators, such as LinkedIn updates or social media pages. If you know who is interviewing you, take a few moments to look them up on LinkedIn to understand their background and professional focus. If you’re speaking to project managers, expect project-based questions. If you’re talking with executives, be ready to discuss big-picture thinking, professional story-telling, and strategy.
Interview length also dictates your preparation. A 30-minute interview typically involves concise answers and a focus on surface-level competency, while a 60-minute interview allows for deeper discussion about methodologies, leadership, and critical thinking. Panel interviews mean balancing engagement with multiple people at once, ensuring you don’t focus all your attention on just one individual.
2. Answering Questions Like a Pro
To ace an interview, you need to be prepared to tell compelling stories, not just list facts. Behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time when…” require structured responses. The S.T.A.R. format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) ensures clarity and impact. Employers want to see how you think, problem-solve, and apply your skills to real-world challenges. The interview is a great example of how you would respond on the job site!
For technical and project-based questions, go beyond stating what tools you’ve used—explain how you applied them in your work. Instead of simply saying “I’ve used Jira,” talk about how Jira helped streamline workflow in an Agile project and improved communication across teams. Make your responses engaging and focused on impact.
Focusing on your audience while you’re answering questions can also dictate how long your answer should be. Answers should not be long and drawn out and if you see your audience looking around, not writing down your content or looking distracted it’s time to end your answer. Knowing how long your answer should be is sometimes as important as what your answer is!
When answering questions, focus on impact. Companies don’t just want to know what you did—they want to know how it made a difference.
3. Virtual Interviews: Mastering Zoom & Teams Calls
Virtual interviews may seem easier, but they present unique challenges. Your environment, presentation, and engagement must be as strong as they would be in person.
Make sure your camera is at eye level, with good lighting that avoids casting shadows on your face. A clean background is essential—no distractions, no clutter. Your workspace should be quiet, and any potential distractions (like pets or family members) should be addressed before the interview begins.
Sign in no more than five minutes before the scheduled start time. Logging in too early can put pressure on your interviewer, while logging in at the last second might make it seem like you’re disorganized or rushing.
Testing your technology is essential.
Ensure that your microphone, camera, and audio settings are working properly before the call. The last thing you want is to fumble with sound settings while your interviewers wait. Be familiar with the platform—whether it’s Teams or Zoom—so you can navigate mute/unmute and screen-sharing functions effortlessly.
A relatively new aspect of virtual interviews is the presence of automated attendants that transcribe the conversation. These are often used so interviewers can focus on the discussion and review key details later. If you see an automated transcription tool active, don’t be thrown off—just proceed as normal.
Watch this quick video for great Zoom interview tips: Top Interview Tips This is my all-time favourite video to share!
4. In-Person Interviews: The Classic Approach Still Matters
Though virtual interviews are common, in-person interviews remain the gold standard for hiring decisions. Many of our clients are returning (or have returned) to the office.
Your body language, professionalism, and engagement play a major role in how you are perceived.
Arriving no more than 10 minutes early is key. If you arrive too early, walk around the block to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your interviewer. When you check in, remember that the receptionist or front-desk assistant is just as important as the hiring manager—their feedback will be considered when evaluating your professionalism.
A firm handshake sets the tone for confidence, but don’t overdo it. Look your interviewer in the eye, introduce yourself clearly, and maintain good posture. First impressions happen in seconds—make yours count.
I have enjoyed in person interviews throughout the years. Another old article of mine from 2015 Why I Look Potential New Recruits In The Eyes and Laugh is still true today.
5. Handling Tricky Interview Situations
Sometimes, you’ll get a question you don’t know how to answer. Instead of panicking, stay calm and take a moment to think. If necessary, ask for clarification to gain more context before responding. If you lack direct experience, bridge to a related skill or experience that demonstrates adaptability. If you truly don’t know, be honest—don’t try to fake an answer.
Another key tip: block time after your interview. The last thing you want is to cut off a great discussion because you have another meeting scheduled. Having 30 minutes or more free after your interview allows flexibility if the conversation runs long and gives you time to celebrate a great performance.
You WILL be asked about your opinions on in-Office vs hybrid vs remote workplace environments. Be prepared with your answer and also be prepared for the impacts your answer may be.
6. Asking Smart Questions at the End
A great interview isn’t one-sided. When it’s your turn to ask questions, avoid generic ones. Instead, be strategic in showing interest and understanding.
Great Questions to Ask:
- “What challenges is the team currently facing?”
- “What does success in this role look like in 6 months?”
- And of course, “What’s the next step in the process?”
No questions = missed opportunity to show curiosity & engagement.
7. Final Thoughts: Interviews Are Performances—Rehearse & Refine
Confidence comes from preparation. The best interviewees make conversations flow naturally, turning interviews into discussions instead of rigid Q&A sessions.
Interviews are not just about answering questions—they’re about demonstrating who you are as a professional. Your ability to connect, articulate ideas, and engage will often be the deciding factor.