Your resume gets you in the door, but your interview performance gets you the job.
Whether it's your first interview or your fiftieth, preparation is key. Employers are looking for more than just skills—they want professionalism, confidence, and cultural fit.
Here are our recruiter-approved job interview tips to help you impress from start to finish.
✅ Before the Interview: Preparation is Everything
Know who you’re talking to:
Understand the company’s mission, products, and services
Read recent news, blog posts, or press releases
Learn about the company culture (Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Careers page)
💡 Why? It shows you're genuinely interested and informed.
Highlight the key responsibilities and required skills. Match your experience and achievements to the job.
Pro tip: Prepare specific examples for the top 3–5 requirements listed.
Prepare strong answers for questions like:
“Tell me about yourself.”
“Why do you want this job?”
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
“Describe a time you handled a difficult situation.”
“Why should we hire you?”
Use the STAR method to answer behavioral questions:
Situation – Task – Action – Result
If you’ve been told who will be interviewing you, check their LinkedIn profile. It can help you:
Understand their role and background
Find mutual interests or connections
Personalize your conversation
Make sure you have:
Printed copies of your resume (even for virtual interviews)
A list of questions to ask the interviewer
A notebook and pen
Portfolio or work samples (if relevant)
💼 During the Interview: Make the Right Impression
Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early.
For virtual interviews, log in 5–10 minutes ahead and test your tech beforehand.
Match the company culture, but always lean toward professional and polished.
If in doubt, business casual is a safe bet.
Maintain eye contact (even in video calls)
Don’t rush—pause and think before answering
Avoid filler words like “um,” “like,” or “you know”
Use positive, professional language
Make your answers employer-focused, not just about what you want.
✅ Emphasize how you can solve problems
✅ Share results you’ve achieved
✅ Show how you fit the team and culture
Always ask 2–3 thoughtful questions, such as:
“How do you define success in this role?”
“What does the team culture look like?”
“What are the biggest challenges someone in this role might face?”
“What’s the next step in the hiring process?”
📩 After the Interview: Follow Up
Always follow up within 24 hours:
Thank the interviewer for their time
Reaffirm your interest in the role
Mention something specific you discussed
📝 Sample:
"Thank you for the great conversation today about the [Job Title] role. I’m even more excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name], and I appreciate the insights you shared about the team and future goals."
🚫 Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Arriving late
❌ Speaking negatively about past employers
❌ Not preparing or practicing answers
❌ Overusing buzzwords without substance
❌ Not asking any questions at the end
📢 Bonus: Interview Types & Tips
🖥️ Virtual Interviews:
Test your camera, mic, and internet
Choose a clean, quiet, well-lit space
Look into the camera, not just the screen
🧪 Technical Interviews:
Practice coding challenges or case studies
Talk through your problem-solving approach
Clarify requirements before starting
🎙️ Panel Interviews:
Address all interviewers when answering
Stay calm and take your time
Engage each person with eye contact
© Sapphire Manpower Inc