5 Ways to Ace Your Next Job Interview and Land the Role

1. Research the company and role

This is the simplest way to prepare, but it can be a game-changer. While it’s understandable that a lot of job seekers are bulk applying for opportunities, it’s important to take some time to know about the company you’re interviewing for and make them feel that you are genuinely interested in their organization.

Personalizing your approach not only shows that you’ve done your homework, but it also helps you tailor your responses to align with their specific needs and culture. This extra effort can set you apart from other candidates and make a lasting impression.

Here is the list of things you should take note of about the company and the role before the interview. Some of this information is usually mentioned in the job description already, so re-read it too before the interview:

• What does the company do? What are their services?
• Who does the company serve?
• What does the company culture look like, and how does it fit in with your goals? You can check out their Glassdoor profile for reviews and feedback from current and former employees.
• Who are you interviewing with? If you have the information, look them up on LinkedIn and do a quick review of their experience.
• How is the role different from other positions? Do they use specific jargon or tools that you are not familiar with? Do a quick review so you can compare your current competencies.
• What does the team structure look like? Who does this position report to? You can do a quick search on their website or LinkedIn profile to see people within the department.
• What does the company’s compensation and benefits package look like? Does it align with your career and personal growth plans?

2. Create your story

Just like how salespeople introduce their services, prepare your personal elevator pitch. Prepare a concise story about your background, skills, and why you are a perfect fit for the role. Share specific accomplishments, especially those that show measurable success in previous roles.

Most recruiters and hiring managers will ask you to introduce yourself in the first 5 minutes of your interview. Use this time to give them a quick overview of your experience, as well as a couple of interesting personal points like hobbies or interests. This will help you seem prepared but authentic at the same time.

Assuming you’re applying for a project manager position, here’s an example of a quick personal pitch without giving too much information away:

For things to avoid, don’t use graphics or bold colors on your resume as much as possible. Make sure that the design is simple, minimal, and easily readable. Avoid using charts, graphs, or photos in your resume. Not only is it space-consuming, but it also doesn’t read well through the ATS. Also, avoid adding unnecessary personal information to your resume.

“Hi, I’m [Your Name], and I have over [X years] of experience in project management, particularly in the [industry or field] sector. I’ve managed projects ranging from [mention a specific project size or scope], which has given me strong experience in both leading teams and delivering on time and within budget.

I’m excited about this role because your company is doing innovative work in [mention industry or type of projects the company is involved in]. With my background in managing complex projects and my ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, I’m confident I can bring value to the team and help drive impactful results.

Outside of work, I’m an avid [hobby, like hiking, painting, or reading]—it helps me stay balanced and recharged. I also enjoy mentoring new project managers, which keeps me learning and improving my skills.”

3. Practice common interview questions

If it’s your first time interviewing for a job or it has been a while since your last, it’s helpful to practice for both behavioral and technical questions.

For behavioral questions, recruiters or hiring managers will usually start the question with “Tell me about a time when…” Practice answering using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For technical or role-specific questions, demonstrate your expertise through examples or tasks. Give quantifiable results or scenarios where you had to use those specific skills.

Here are the most common interview questions across different roles and tips on how to answer them:

• What do you know about our company?

This is where your research comes in. Mention key aspects of the company’s products, services, values, or recent achievements that resonate with you.

• Can you describe a challenging situation and how you handled it?

Structure your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple deadlines?

Share your approach to prioritizing tasks, balancing urgent and important work, and ensuring deadlines are met.

• Do you work well with a team or independently?

Highlight your ability to thrive in both situations. Provide examples that demonstrate your teamwork skills and your ability to work independently.

• What are your strengths?

Choose strengths relevant to the job and provide examples of how you’ve applied them successfully.

• What are your weaknesses?

Be honest but strategic. Mention a weakness you’re working to improve and share the steps you’re taking to address it.

• Tell me about a time you failed and how you handled it.

Choose an example where you took responsibility, learned a valuable lesson, and applied it to future situations.

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

Align your answer with the opportunities the role or company might offer for growth and development.

• Why do you want to leave your current job?

Rather than criticizing your current job, focus on positive reasons like seeking growth, new challenges, or wanting to work for a company with a stronger mission.

4. Demonstrate confidence and enthusiasm

Make the recruiter or hiring manager feel that you can carry on the conversation well. Here are the things you can do to project preparedness and confidence before the interview:

• Dress appropriately and avoid wearing clothing you wouldn’t wear inside an office.
• Be punctual and aim to arrive or dial in 10-15 minutes before the interview.
• If it’s a virtual call, ensure your internet connection, microphone, and camera are working properly.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit location for the interview. If you’re not comfortable with your background, opt for a virtual background instead – this is available in most video conferencing applications.

During the interview itself, make sure to…

• Maintain good posture and eye contact. Whether it’s a face-to-face or virtual interview, body language is important. Stay engaged, maintain good posture, nod, and smile to show attentiveness.
• Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and comments. Respond thoughtfully, and don’t interrupt. This shows you are engaged and respectful.
• Speak at a measured pace, avoiding rushed answers. This gives you time to think, and it makes your communication more effective.
• If you’re unsure about a question, don’t panic. Take a moment to gather your thoughts or ask for clarification. 
• Let your passion for the job and company come through naturally. Recruiters and hiring managers love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity.

5. Ask Questions

Don’t end your interview without having to ask some questions to your future employer. 

This is also an indication that you’re truly interested in the opportunity. Your questions will also give you a further idea if your goals are aligned with the expectations that they have for you, should you be considered for the position.

Here are some questions that you can ask the recruiter or hiring manager:

• What do the first 30/60/90 days look like for this role?
• How do you measure success in this role?
• Can you describe the team I would be working with?
• How would you describe the company culture? What do you enjoy the most about working here?
• How does the company support work-life balance?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development?
• How do you encourage continuous learning within the team?
• How does the company handle feedback and performance reviews?
• How has the company adapted to changes in the industry or market recently?
• What are the next steps in the interview process? When can I expect to hear back from you?

Realistically, you can only ask a few questions in just a couple of minutes, but ask the ones that are not covered yet during the interview or will help you further assess if the position is the right fit for you.