Tips to Ace Your Next Interview

I've been helping a family friend who recently graduated college prep for her first round of job interviews—and wow, I was shocked to learn her college career services team focused heavily on creating ATS-friendly resumes (not really a thing, IMO) and barely touched on interview prep—especially the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), which is absolutely critical for telling your story clearly and effectively. Here's some things we covered: Don’t memorize answers—build stories. Think of 4–5 key experiences you’ve had (projects, challenges, leadership roles) and map them to the STAR structure. Lead with the result. Especially in fast-paced interviews, highlight the outcome upfront to grab attention before diving into the details. Keep it concise. 2–3 minutes max per story. If you’re rambling past that, you’re losing your interviewer. Check for visual cues. Align with the job. Review the job description and prep stories that demonstrate the skills and qualities they’re looking for. Practice out loud. It’s one thing to know your stories—it’s another to say them clearly and confidently. Another tip I often share with job seekers is if the interview is virtual, consider hiding your own video or putting a sticky note over your video to avoid the inclination to stare at yourself as you speak and train your eyes to the camera instead.

I've interviewed 100s of candidates for $100k+ roles. It's not the person with the best experience who wins. It's the one who is best prepared for the interview. 6 common questions you need to prepare for: 1. Tell me about yourself. ➟ Don't recite your resume. Tell them a story. ➟ Share a defining moment in your career journey. ➟ Tie it to your enthusiasm for the role and company. 2. What are your strengths? ➟ Focus on strengths crucial for the role. ➟ Back them up with numbers and examples. ➟ Show how they'll directly benefit the company. 3. What's your greatest weakness? ➟ Choose a skill not critical for the job. ➟ Show self-awareness and a focus on growth. ➟ Explain how you're actively working to improve it. 4. How do you handle stress or pressure? ➟ Share an example of a high-pressure situation. ➟ Highlight your approach to stay calm and focused. ➟ Demonstrate how you lead by example. 5. What are your salary expectations? ➟ Show you've done your research on market rates. ➟ Provide a range rather than a single figure. ➟ Emphasize your value and openness to negotiation. 6. Can you tell me about the gap in your resume? ➟ Be honest and brief about the reason for the gap. ➟ Focus on skills or experiences gained in that time. ➟ Express your excitement to re-enter the workforce. And just as important... Remember, you're interviewing the company too. Ask smart questions about: The role The culture The company An interview is a two-way street. It's not just about impressing them. It's about finding the right fit for you too. So don't hold back. Be curious. Be authentic. Be confident. You've got this. P.S. Find this valuable? Repost to help others too ♻️. And follow Justin Wright for more. Want a PDF of this and my 50 best infographics? Get them here for free: brilliancebrief.com

My journey to #Google included interviews at #Amazon, #Meta, #PayPal, #Uber, #Pinterest and others. Here are my top tips to help you prep for your next interview: 1. Pre-Interview Prep is KEY: You should be preparing now—before the role is even posted, before you press apply! - Identify impactful projects: Choose projects where you made a real difference and can showcase your skills. - Practice out loud: Rehearse your answers, record yourself, and listen back. This helps refine your delivery and identify areas for improvement. 2. "Tell Me About Yourself" - Your 60-Second Story. Instead of just summarizing your resume, think of this as your chance to tell a concise and engaging story about your career journey. Highlight your: - Past experiences: Briefly touch on relevant roles and accomplishments. - Present skills and qualities: Emphasize your strengths and how they align with the role. - Future aspirations: Connect your #careergoals to the company's #mission. 3. Master the STAR Method: You'll hear me mention this A LOT! That's because the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is what helped me succeed in my interviews and achieve my career goals. - Structure is your friend: For every behavioral question ("Tell me about a time when..."), use the STAR method to tell a clear and impactful story. - OWN your accomplishments: Use "I" statements to highlight your individual contributions. Don't be shy about showcasing your impact! In my mock interview sessions, I hear so many people say "we" when talking about group projects. Remember to focus on what you specifically did. 4. Ask Insightful Questions: ALWAYS ask questions to your interviewer! - Avoid generic questions about company culture. Instead, ask questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking and interest in the role, such as: - How will success be measured in this role? - What are some of the top challenges (internal and external) the team faces? - What are the focus areas for the next year? Key Takeaways: - Preparation is essential: Invest time in pre-interview prep, even BEFORE you have an interview scheduled. - Structure your answers: Use the STAR method to tell compelling stories and showcase your #impact. - Ask insightful questions: Demonstrate your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the role. - Interview prep is an ongoing process: Practice with friends, use #AI-powered tools like Final Round AI, career.io, and Huru - AI Job Interview Preparation App for feedback, and continuously refine your skills. #interviewtips #jobsearch #careerhacks #interviewprep #STARmethod #myjourneyintech #interviewsuccess #journeytotech #blackintech #AIInterviewPrep

Yeah! You have an interview tomorrow. Great news, but now you have little time to prepare. Don’t panic! You can make a strong impression with a few focused actions. I’ve helped countless job seekers prepare for those last-minute interviews and walk in feeling prepared and confident. Here’s how you can do the same: 5 Last-Minute Interview Prep Tips 1️⃣ Read the job description carefully. Highlight 3-5 key responsibilities (usually high on the list). Think of a story from your experience using the STAR method...Situation, Task, Action, and Result. 2️⃣ Research the company. Spend 15 minutes on their website. Look at their mission, values, and recent news. Look to see what they are posting on social media. This can tell you what opportunities they are pursuing and why. Incorporating this into your conversation will set you apart from the competition. 3️⃣ Prep your “Tell me about yourself” answer. Stick to a two-minute answer max. Talk about the knowledge, skills, and expertise you exhibit now, in the past, and will in the future that will benefit this employer. 4️⃣Have a weakness ready. You do not want to stumble over this question. Choose a real but non-fatal weakness and explain how you're improving it. Example: “I used to struggle with delegating, thinking I could do things better, but I’ve learned to trust my team.” 5️⃣ Prepare 2-3 questions for them. Try to make these questions not the run-of-the-mill ones. You can take what you learned in #2 to help. Most of all, take a few deep breaths, stand tall, and remind yourself: You’re qualified. You’re prepared. You’ve got this! Do you need extra help? If you’re scrambling before an interview, I can schedule you for a last-minute prep session. Send me a message—I’ll help you walk in with confidence! 💜 Helping mid-career professionals find clarity, build confidence, and land jobs they love. 📖 Follow me for career tips, job search strategies, and interview advice. 💌 Need support in your career journey? Reach out—I’m here to help!

If you have MAJOR Interview Anxiety, the following tips will help you: During my job search, even after giving 40 interviews, I was still anxious as to what would happen in the next one. If you face something similar, believe me, you are not alone. After struggling with Interview Anxiety for a long time, I was able to come up with a solid set of techniques that highly boosted my confidence in the interviews I gave towards the end of my job search process. The following tips will not just help you survive but thrive in your next interview. Here it goes: 1. Research the company: For an interviewer, one of the biggest pet peeves is candidates who don't know anything about the job or the company. You must know the role inside out and understand their culture. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also show the interviewer that you're serious about joining their team! 2. STAR Method: This is the secret sauce of acing job interviews. The STAR method is a structured approach for answering behavioral interview questions. It involves describing a Situation, Task, Action, and Result to showcase your skills and experiences effectively, providing a clear and concise response. 3. Mock Interviews: Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend, or a mentor, or even talk to yourself in front of a mirror. Practice common questions, refine your answers, and get comfortable expressing your achievements and experiences. This will help you live the interview in advance and be your biggest confidence booster. 4. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know the answer: Interviewers don't expect candidates to know the answer to every question. If you don't know, say you don't, but also ask the interviewer to explain the solution and write it down. This shows you are earnest and willing to learn when needed. 5. Relax: This is always easier said than done but do your best. Take a moment to breathe, smile, and exude confidence. Remember, the interviewer wants you to succeed. Embrace the excitement and let your authentic self shine through! You've got this! Lastly, I know that the market is terrible and the lay-offs are at a peak high, yet you are not alone. There are thousands more going through the same emotions as you. Believe me, if you are looking for a job right now, the right job is looking for you too. It is only a matter of time before striking the right opportunity. Trust in your preparation, showcase your unique value and soon you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job. May your next interview be the stepping stone to an incredible new chapter! P.S: If you find the above techniques useful, check out my other articles for proven tips to succeed in your job search process!

💼 First Impressions Matter - And I Can Tell Within 10 Minutes if You Stay Ready, or if you're playing games 💼 As someone who conducts interviews regularly, I've learned that the first few minutes can tell you a lot about how the rest of the interview will unfold. It’s amazing how often the answer to “Tell me a little about your background and yourself” sets the tone for the entire conversation. Whether it’s a well-thought-out response or a rambling, unfocused answer, it’s clear early on if the candidate is truly prepared or just winging it. So, how can you make sure that you stand out in those crucial first moments? 🚀 Preparing for Your Next Interview? Here’s How to Stand Out! 🚀 Interviews are more than just a Q&A session they’re an opportunity for you to shine, showcase your skills, and demonstrate your potential to drive impact. So, how do you prepare for success? Here are a few tips: Research Who You're Meeting With Know your interviewers! Understand their roles, backgrounds, and recent work. This helps you build rapport, tailor your answers, and show that you’ve done your homework. It also allows you to ask thoughtful questions about the company culture or their specific challenges. Come with Ideas Don’t just wait to be asked about how you can contribute- bring ideas to the table. Research the company’s goals, challenges, and recent initiatives. Be ready to share how you could help tackle those goals or provide a fresh perspective on current challenges. Have Your STAR Stories Ready The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a fantastic way to tell compelling, concise stories that highlight your skills and experiences. Be ready with examples that showcase your problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability. Be Ready to Answer 'Why You?' Be prepared to articulate why you’re the best fit for the role. What sets you apart from other candidates? What unique value do you bring? Be confident in your strengths and make sure your answer aligns with the company’s needs. The goal is to show that you’re not just another candidate—you’re the candidate. With the right preparation, you’ll leave a lasting impression and stand out from the rest. 💼✨ #CareerTips #InterviewPrep #JobSearch #ProfessionalGrowth #InterviewSuccess #CareerAdvice

I have done more than 150 interviews and 300+ mock interviews in my career Most candidates make the same mistakes. Let me save you some time:  1. Keep your answers concise and clear. Frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) help you tell your story without losing focus. 2. You don’t need to memorize the company's history, but understanding their challenges and goals makes you stand out. 3. If you can’t explain why you want the job, they’ll move on to someone who can. Show them it’s more than “just another application.”  4. Interviewers don’t mind hearing about failures, they care about your growth. Show accountability and what you learned. 5. Numbers matter. Instead of “I improved processes,” say, “I improved processes, cutting turnaround time by 20%.” Specifics stick. 6. “Tell me about a time…” is coming. Prepare examples that show problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. 7. If you don’t know the answer, think out loud. Interviewers often care more about how you think than whether you’re perfect. 8. You win bonus points when you answer “Tell Me About Yourself” well. Your answer sets the tone. Highlight your most relevant skills and why you’re the right fit. Don’t list your resume, be confident as you tell your story. 9. “Umm, no, I think you covered it” is the wrong answer. Prepare 2–3 good questions that show curiosity and engagement. 10. Interviewing is a skill. You can’t wing it and expect results. Practice with a friend, mentor, or mock interviewer, every round makes you sharper If you’d like to prepare for your next interview with an expert, let me know. Maybe I can help you. Share this post if you find it useful.

Got an interview? Here are my top ten interview prep steps that equate to success. Hi! I'm Laureen and I have interviewed 100K+ people in my career across all industries and positions from entry-level to Executive; in agency & executive search (for my clients), and corporate. 1. Research the Company Thoroughly review the company’s website, recent news, and social media presence. Understand the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements to show your genuine interest. 2. Understand the Job Description Analyze the job description in detail to identify key responsibilities and required skills. Match these with your experiences and prepare to discuss how you meet these qualifications. 3. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch Craft a brief summary of your background, skills, and what you bring to the role. Be ready to share this early in the interview to set a strong foundation. 4. Anticipate Common Questions Prepare answers to common interview questions, such as your strengths, weaknesses, and why you want the job. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral questions. 5. Highlight Key Achievements Identify specific achievements from your past roles that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Be ready to discuss these accomplishments in detail, showcasing your impact. 6. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer Come up with thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company culture. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. 7. Practice, Practice, Practice Conduct mock interviews with a friend, mentor, or in front of a mirror. Practicing will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and build confidence. 8. Plan Your Attire Choose professional attire that aligns with the company’s culture. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Even for a video interview. 9. Prepare for Technical Aspects If your interview includes a technical component, such as a coding test or case study, review relevant materials and practice beforehand. Make sure your tools are ready if it’s a virtual interview. 10. Prepare to Follow Up Plan to send a thank-you note after the interview, reiterating your interest in the role and highlighting a key point from the discussion. I recommend a LinkedIn connection request with a note. This can leave a positive impression on the interviewer. #interview #interviewprepartion #career #jobsearch

Recent findings show that 1 in 5 recent graduates have brought a parent to their job interview, and 47% have encountered candidates dressed inappropriately. Additionally, 53% have observed graduates struggling with maintaining eye contact during interviews. Drawing from my experience of reviewing thousands of resumes and conducting hundreds of interviews in the past couple years, here are 5 tips to help you stand out during an interview: 1. **Put effort into your appearance:** Men, in particular, should aim for professional attire. While women usually show up in professional clothing, less than 1% of candidates wear a sports coat and less than 15% wear a dress shirt. Your appearance signals your seriousness towards the job and the interview. I’ve found trendy sport coats at Kohl’s for $29. It doesn’t cost much. Add a pocket square or shoelaces that match your outfit. The little details are noticed. 2. **For virtual interviews, plan your lighting and background:** Ensure a professional setup to appear prepared and maintain professionalism. Taking a Zoom interview from your car or while walking around on an iPhone makes me think the interview isn’t a priority. And please (I beg you) make sure your bed is made if you’re taking the interview from your bedroom. I don’t want to judge you for not making your bed on the morning. PSA: Hawaiian shirts are not dress shirts. Baseball hats are a NO-NO. 3. **Know the job description:** Use it as a cheat sheet to tailor your responses and showcase your alignment with the role. The job description literally tells you what the hiring manager wants. Each answer and story you share should highlight something that was mentioned as a skill or requirement in the job description. 4. **The first 5 minutes matter:** Make a positive impression with energy and charisma as the initial moments are crucial for the interviewer's assessment. A bad first 5 minutes has a bigger impact on decision making than nailing the last 45 minutes of an interview. 5. **Embrace not knowing everything:** Demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt is key. Instead of just saying 'I don't know,' share stories where you tackled challenges by learning and problem-solving effectively. Everyone says they could find the answer, so you need to demonstrate a track record of being a self starter and finding solutions without going to your boss every time you don’t know something. Standing out in an interview involves more than just your qualifications; these tips can help you make a lasting impression on hiring managers. #InterviewTips #JobSeekers #CareerAdvice

I thought I had seen it all when it came to job interviews. Boy, was I wrong! A candidate who looked great on paper reminded me just how crucial it is to show up fully—especially in a virtual setting. If you're preparing for a job interview, take note: 📌 Turn on your camera – It’s the easiest way to build rapport and show engagement. First impressions matter, even on Zoom! 📌 Know your "why" – If you can’t articulate why you’re interested in the role, it signals a lack of preparation and genuine enthusiasm. 📌 Handle pressure with grace – How you respond to tough questions says a lot about your resilience and problem-solving skills. This experience reinforced a simple truth: Skills and qualifications get you in the door, but attitude, preparation, and professionalism determine whether you stay. For those navigating remote job interviews, remember—showing up fully is half the battle.