15 Essential Job Interview Tips

You read dozens of job postings to find a good fit, customized your resume and cover letter for the job, sent in your application, and completed the phone screening interview. Good news, you are moving on to the next round and now you want to know how to impress the hiring manager. Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with the right strategies, you can walk in confident and ready to make a great impression. Here are essential job interview tips to do before, during, and after your interview to increase your chances of getting a job offer.  

Before Your Job Interview

1. Practice makes perfect: 
This is one of the most important job interview tips. Preparation is key to acing an interview. Write down bullet-point answers to common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Conduct mock interviews with friends or family members to get comfortable with answering questions aloud. While it’s important to practice, avoid sounding overly rehearsed—aim for confident and authentic responses.

One of my top interview tips is to practice discussing your resume. Be prepared to articulate your roles, accomplishments, and the impact you’ve made at previous jobs concisely and compellingly. You’re likely to be asked behavioral interview questions, which require you to explain how you handled a situation in a previous role. For example, you might be asked about a time you worked cross-functionally or took a risk. 

2. Do your research
Familiarize yourself with the company’s history, recent achievements, and ongoing projects. Check out their website, read news articles, and even explore their social media channels. Mentioning specifics during the interview—like congratulating them on a recent award—shows genuine interest and a proactive attitude.

3. Dress for the job you want
First impressions matter, so dress professionally and appropriately for the company culture. Choose a polished outfit and simple accessories to keep the focus on you. Look at the company’s website and social media channels to get a sense of the dress code. When in doubt, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

4. Be prepared with essentials
Carry a few copies of your resume, a notebook, and a pen. If the job requires it, bring any requested materials, such as a writing portfolio or project samples. Being organized demonstrates your professionalism.

5. Turn off  your phone
Avoid interruptions by turning your phone off completely. A buzzing or ringing phone can derail your focus and leave a negative impression.

6. Arrive early (but not too early)
Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early to account for unexpected delays like traffic or security checks. Use those extra minutes to take a deep breath, review your answers to the most common job interview questions, or reread the job description or your resume to boost your confidence.

During Your Job Interview

1. Start strong with a confident handshake
Your handshake sets the tone for the interview. Make it firm (but not crushing) and pair it with a smile and eye contact to convey confidence.

2. Smile and stay positive
Smiling not only eases nerves but also makes you appear approachable and enthusiastic. Positivity goes a long way in creating a favorable impression.

3. Master your body language
Nonverbal cues speak loudly. Sit up straight, keep your hands still, and avoid fidgeting. Maintain an open, relaxed posture to project confidence and attentiveness. Avoid crossing your arms, as it can come across as defensive or disengaged.

4. Maintain eye contact
Eye contact signals confidence and engagement. Look at the interviewer when speaking and listening, but don’t overdo it—occasional breaks are natural and comfortable.

5. Practice polished manners
If you’re meeting with multiple interviewers, greet each one by standing, introducing yourself, and offering a handshake. When someone leaves the room, thank them for their time. These small acts of courtesy demonstrate respect and poise.

6. Ask Insightful Questions
Engage with the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions about the role, the company, and the team. Remember, an interview is a two-way street: You’re both determining whether it’s a good fit. Use this opportunity to learn more about the position, company, and team to determine whether you want the job. For example, you could ask: 

• What is your favorite thing about working here? 
• What are the main skills and characteristics that make someone successful in this role?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?
• What is your hiring timeline? 

7. Say thank you
End the interview by thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration. Reiterate your excitement about the role and company.

After Your Job Interview

1. Send a thank you note
Writing a job interview thank you note isn’t just polite, it’s also another chance to reiterate your interest in the role and why you’re a good fit. Write a thank you email after each round of the interview process, from the phone screen to the final interview. Here’s a sample thank you email you can send:

Thank you for interviewing me for the [title] role at [company name]. I enjoyed learning more about the role, team, company culture, and your career path at [company name]. I am excited about the opportunity because [xyz]. I think I have the [list three or four of the most important skills] skills to be successful. Thank you again!

2. Follow up strategically 
The job interview process can take a long time, especially if the recruiter has only just started looking at resumes and scheduling interviews. If the interviewer provided a timeline, wait until that period has passed before following up. Here’s an example of a professional follow-up email:

Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me [two weeks ago, earlier this month, etc.] I enjoyed learning more about [the company] and [the position] and remain excited about the opportunity to join the team. Given my experience with [your skills that would be relevant to the job,] I will be able to contribute right away. Do you have any updates on the role or the hiring timeline? Thank you again!