Interviews

Ask one or two solidly thought-out questions to show you have researched the entity, but do not waste significant time on questions.

Thought-out questions improve the interviewer's thoughts on a candidate.

• Do not spend 15 minutes on questions.

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Rehearse responses to typical interview questions aloud, perhaps using a mirror, until the process feels less strange.

Repetition helps improve performance and allows you to address minor sources of discomfort or nervousness.

• It feels ridiculous or weird at first.

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• Rehearse talking about yourself beforehand so you can flow naturally during the interview.2
• Practice mock interviews with friends, family, or an assistant to build preparation and reduce nervousness.1

Write out multiple answers to common questions on paper rather than typing them.

This is crucial.

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Ask the interviewer if there is anything about you or your experience that gives them pause, then immediately address any concerns raised by framing your understanding of the role or outlining a plan to close gaps.

It allows you to restore the interview by addressing concerns directly.

• One person reported being shut down hard when asking this question.

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Ask about the biggest challenges facing the team and barriers to success in the role.

This allows the interviewer to reveal details such as long hours.

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Avoid dominating the room or over-asserting yourself in group interviews.

Talking too much can make you appear to be trying too hard.

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Ask interviewers for their favorite and least favorite things about the company.

It reveals aspects of the job you might not be able to handle, helping you decide if you actually want to work there.

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• Ask what the interviewer likes about their job at the company.3

See the interview as a dialogue instead of an exam or cross-examination.

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• Stop treating interviews like exams.1

Do not ask how long the interviewer has been with the company, as they usually state this themselves at the start.

It is a standard question that will not make you stand out.

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Focus on improving interview skills through research and practice if you are receiving rejections despite multiple interviews.

You are almost there.

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Ask what one thing the interviewer would change about the company or team; if they resist the negative framing, rephrase it as what they would improve.

This yields honest, non-canned answers and provides both sides of the story.

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Prepare at least two questions to ask the interviewer to avoid awkward silence after they have asked you many questions.

It is awkward when candidates have nothing to ask after a long Q&A session.

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Close the interview by asking if the interviewer has any reservations about your candidacy that you can address.

This question often prompts an honest answer because it is unexpected.

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• Ask the interviewer what reasons they might have for not hiring you to uncover existing concerns from your resume or interview performance so you can address them before leaving.1
• Consider asking if there was anything the interviewer hesitated to ask you.3

Ask if there were any qualifications you did not fully demonstrate during the interview.

Identifying these gaps has been described as very useful.

• Alternatively, ask if there are skills required for the job that they would like you to discuss further.

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Avoid bringing pre-written notes claiming 'I'm always prepared' to interviews.

It makes you look like you don't listen and are just waiting to say something pre-canned, which is a surefire way to not get hired.

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If unsure of an answer, be honest, make an educated guess, and describe your thought process.

People who succeeded at this approach were honest and described their reasoning.

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Prepare thoughtful questions to show genuine interest in the role and company.

Good questions leave a good impression; failing to ask any is a red flag indicating a lack of curiosity.

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• Research the company beforehand to avoid asking basic questions that indicate a lack of preparation.1

Actively listen to questions instead of planning your next response, and pause for a few seconds before answering.

These actions help with performance.

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Arrive 30 minutes early to the interview area.

To avoid the risk of arriving late.

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Loosen up and be flexible during interviews rather than rigidly sticking to prepared scripts.

Over-preparing can make you appear unable to think on your feet.

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Do not ask questions that can be easily answered via Google.

Demonstrate that you have already done your research.

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Keep answers to behavioral questions under two minutes to avoid monologuing, which can signal an inability to get to the point.

Monologuing is tiring for the listener and shows you cannot get to the point, unless providing a very technical answer.

• unless it's for a very technical answer

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Proceed with interviews despite fear, accepting that failure is part of the process.

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Hold power poses like Wonder Woman or Superman for 30 seconds before the interview to boost bravery.

It helps subconsciously prep you.

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Reduce pressure by reframing interviews as not being that serious; mistakes are okay.

Putting too much pressure on yourself can affect your performance.

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Maintain engaging eye contact, unless you are shy and find it uncomfortable, which may result in awkward staring.

Proper eye contact is expected, though interviews are not always good predictors of job performance.

• Shy people may end up staring awkwardly if they force it.

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Write out your behavioral story prompts as dot points, create a mini-index in your notebook, and bring the open notebook into the interview.

Having written prompts ensures you know your stories and have them readily available.

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Turn the interview into a conversation by asking the same questions back to the interviewer to encourage unguarded details.

Interviewers may blurt out details they shouldn't when caught off guard.

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Prepare open-ended questions to ask the interviewer about the role.

Questions that cannot be answered with yes/no force the interviewer to think before responding.

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Ask for feedback after an interview, especially if it was your first.

It helps you identify areas for improvement.

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Practice your introductory 'about me' section repeatedly rather than winging it.

People often flub this part because they are nervous.

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Ask your manager questions to demonstrate initiative.

They will likely appreciate the effort.

• This applies only if you have good managers; in some workplaces, asking questions may be viewed as stupidity or insubordination.

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Send a thank-you note after the interview, preferably via email for speed, though handwritten cards can stand out.

Email is faster since office mailboxes may not be checked daily; handwritten notes are more personal.

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Pretend you have already failed the interview to eliminate expectations.

This eases your mind and calms nerves since there is no expectation.

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Use the final minutes of the interview to ask clarifying questions about topics the interviewer discussed earlier, especially those they seemed enthusiastic about.

This demonstrates that you listened rather than wasting time with generic questions.

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• If you have no additional questions at the end of the interview, recap points already discussed to show attentiveness.1

Request only water instead of coffee or tea to avoid delays.

Coffee and tea trigger follow-up questions about preferences, whereas water is faster to serve.

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Think out loud when answering complex questions to show your structured thought process.

It allows the interviewer to correct assumptions and values the justification over just the correct answer.

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Research the company's mission and prepare questions to ask the interviewer.

One person reported getting nearly every job they interviewed for by doing this.

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If you panic and forget prepared questions during an interview, ask simple, conversational questions instead.

One person reported that this approach led to a longer conversation and helped them stand out, resulting in getting the job.

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Devote time to solving coding problems on paper or a whiteboard to prepare for in-person technical interviews.

In-person technical interviews typically use one of these mediums.

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Research the company and recent news articles about their industry to fit tidbits into your interview.

It signals genuine interest.

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Ask insightful questions during phone screeners to understand the role and demonstrate inquisitiveness.

Inquisitive minds look attractive and help you advance to the next level.

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Try to make the interview a pleasant experience and show enthusiasm.

Interviewers appreciate it even if you are nervous.

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Apply to many jobs and interview frequently, even declining low-pay offers, to gain experience and confidence for important interviews.

You will gain confidence and have experience going into important interviews.

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Research the interviewer's background to find common interests like family or hobbies to build rapport.

It can elicit genuine smiles and positive reactions during personal questions.

• This is one person's experience.

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Take notes during the interview to show interest and attention to detail.

Scribbling provides natural downtime to think before answering.

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• Take notes with pen and paper during the interview to show engagement and professionalism.1

Answer questions about your experience directly before pivoting to ask questions about the company.

Dodging questions about your experience harms you.

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Conduct informational interviews with people in the industry to get polished up and create additional professional connections.

It exposes you to how the work actually happens and gives you vocabulary you didn't learn in class.

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If all your curiosities were covered organically, explicitly state that you have no further questions rather than pausing awkwardly.

It makes both sides look good.

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Prepare 2-3 specific questions for each scheduled interview.

Going into an interview without these prepared means you are underprepared.

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Practice your interview techniques through mock interviews with friends or professional coaching services.

This avoids pissing off HR personnel and wasting other professionals' time.

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Treat the interview as a mutual evaluation by asking about company culture, the interviewer's opinion of the organization, and what they would change.

It demonstrates that you are communicating your wants and leaves a strong impression on the interviewer.

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Take time to analyze unexpected tasks before responding.

Managers may be impressed by the thought process rather than the immediate answer.

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Ensure your tone, facial expressions, and body language convey genuine interest when asking deliberate questions.

Interviewers will quickly detect insincerity.

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Ask for clarification or examples if an interview question is unclear.

This demonstrates good communication practices, whereas rambling does not.

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Avoid consistently asking simple questions.

It can damage your reputation by making you appear incompetent or overly critical of management.

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Avoid giving obviously canned answers to common interview questions.

It insults the interviewer's intelligence.

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Approach technical interviews as an opportunity to prove your resume is accurate and that you can reasonably explain your past work.

The interview serves to verify that candidates did not oversell or fabricate their qualifications.

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Show genuine excitement when discussing relevant topics during the interview.

Personality cannot be taught, and enthusiasm can outweigh weaker qualifications on paper.

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Write out paragraphs describing your personality, strengths, weaknesses, and hypothetical answers to internalize them.

One approach that helped turn things around for interview skills.

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Ask questions of the interviewer during the process.

It demonstrates initiative and provides an opportunity to gather additional information about the role.

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Consider each interview as useful practice for future chances.

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Eat something between interviews scheduled on the same day to maintain energy levels.

You will be exhausted by the afternoon interview otherwise.

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Search online for recurring behavioral and situational interview questions to anticipate what will be asked.

Current interviews focus heavily on behavioral questions.

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Inform everyone in your household about your interview schedule and its importance.

Clearly communicating and confirming their knowledge helps ensure a distraction-free environment.

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Look at the interviewer's nose, forehead, or between their eyebrows instead of directly into their eyes to manage eye contact anxiety.

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Be wary of employers who pressure you to accept a job after revealing red flags, such as a previous candidate declining a permanent offer after a contract period.

Pressuring you to ignore red flags is itself another red flag.

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Ask how the vacancy arose to see if it is due to expansion or backfilling a promotion, but be aware that some consider this question intrusive.

Inconsistent answers about why a position is open can be a red flag indicating issues within the team.

• Some people find this question intrusive, especially toward someone who recently left.

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Be wary of companies that use 'flex time' or 'comp time' instead of paying overtime.

This can lead to lost pay and leave coworkers short-staffed.

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Offer to follow up in 6 or 12 months about similar positions in your rejection response email.

One person has received job offers this way.

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One approach that helped: groom yourself (shave, get a haircut) and walk directly into a local business to apply in person.

This direct action led to an immediate job offer in one reported instance.

• Based on a single personal experience

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Remain humble and convey that you are still in interview mode.

Subsequent steps may still be evaluative.

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Ask yourself if you can tolerate the interviewer's demeanor long-term if you receive harsh feedback from them.

You may be working with that interviewer if you get the job.

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If working hours are a dealbreaker, ask about them first and foremost rather than saving them for after an offer.

To avoid wasting each other's time.

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Keep in mind that being granted an interview means the company is already interested in you.

They would not interview you if they did not have some interest.

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• Give your best effort in the interview because receiving one indicates the employer is interested and you have a chance at the job.1
• Maintain positivity because getting an interview means the employer is at least somewhat interested.1

Ask practical questions about breaks and how new employees are integrated into the work environment.

You may not get a break if you don't ask; one candidate was told they might not get one only after asking.

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Relax, knowing that if you don't match with this employer, you will find a different one.

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Ask about office culture, after-hours interest groups, and day-to-day work environment to judge fit.

People are unlikely to say it is terrible if there are no groups, but will likely provide examples if they exist.

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If you are not desperate for the role, treat the interview as a low-stakes interaction where the worst outcome is simply not getting hired.

Reducing the pressure of needing the job allows you to be happier and get it over with more easily.

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Judge whether you would enjoy working at the company based on whether you felt comfortable and had fun during the interview.

In one person's experience, lacking comfort or fun in the interview predicted disliking the work environment.

• Based on one person's experience.

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Ask when you can expect a response regarding your application status.

It prevents uncertainty if the hiring manager is unavailable for an extended period.

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Mention generic hobbies or goals like sports teams or retirement to build rapport with coworkers.

It helps find common ground, such as shared dog breeds or interests.

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Be exceptionally nice to the receptionist and all support staff.

They are gatekeepers who can influence hiring decisions, and negative behavior spreads quickly.

• The person in reception could be a hiring manager.

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• Treat every person you encounter during the interview process with respect and kindness.2

If you tend to try too hard and perform poorly when you desperately want a job, one approach that helped is adopting an attitude of superiority during the interview.

Trying too hard can lead to poorer performance; this mindset prevents that.

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Remember that you only need one 'yes' to get going, even if many applications result in rejection.

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Do not interpret vague answers about next steps as rejection at larger corporations, as this may be due to required fair processes.

Larger corporations sometimes require specific processes and grading to ensure fairness for all applicants.

• Applies specifically to larger corporations in the US.

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Apply for jobs even if you lack specific experience or skills, provided you are confident you can perform the role.

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Consider jobs with lower salaries but strict boundaries over high-salary roles with toxic burnout cultures.

• One person reported choosing a government job with lower salary over a SpaceX job with higher salary but 60+ hour weeks and 24/7 availability expectations.

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Treat the interview as a mutual evaluation where you decide if the company is good enough for your life.

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Politely cut an interview short if you realize the job or interviewer is toxic or a bad fit.

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If you hold a sensitive position, avoid applying for internal roles via blind ads.

Companies may label current employees in such positions as 'disloyal' if they apply, potentially moving them from the role and permanently hindering their career momentum.

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Avoid posting inappropriate content on social media.

Employers look at your social media profiles.

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During informal interactions like shop floor walks or dinners, maintain polite, generic behavior and avoid jokes, as you are still being scrutinized for personality fit.

Employers use these moments to see your real personality.

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Be yourself and discuss your experience, as many employers focus on personality.

Most hire personality first.

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• Be genuine and truthful rather than faking a personality; one person reported being totally themselves and getting the job.1

Highlight your weekend availability during interviews for fast-food roles.

Staffing is often thinnest on weekends.

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One approach that helped secure a job offer: ask the interviewers if they like working there.

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In job interviews, express interest in the company culture and the specific problems you will solve rather than stating your desire for income or resume building.

Employers already know candidates seek income and career advancement; they want to judge cultural fit and engagement with daily work challenges.

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Focus on passing the beer test over technical skills if forced to choose.

Insufferable attitudes are dealbreakers, whereas low technical scores can sometimes be accommodated with a junior role.

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If you are a high school student attending a career expo, show enthusiasm rather than attempting advanced interview tactics.

Advanced tactics may scare recruiters at such events.

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Discuss compensation early in the conversation.

If you do not align on compensation, everything else is irrelevant.

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For summer or entry-level jobs, be casual, relaxed, and honest, prioritizing motivation over experience.

Employers know candidates often lack job experience and value good motivation most.

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Ask about internal promotion practices, annual bonuses, incentives, and review the company's mission statement online.

Reviewing the mission statement may generate further questions.

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Ask if the position is new or replacing someone who left or was promoted to judge growth opportunities.

Promotions and departures can indicate growth potential.

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Do not assume that a lack of awkward silences or a friendly interviewer guarantees you will get the job.

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Avoid over-exaggerating or being insincere in your responses.

Recruiters will notice if you are being disingenuous.

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Judge the interviewer's expressions when asking about company culture; if they look surprised or do not immediately express approval, leave quickly.

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Identify a weakness and explain the specific steps you are taking to improve it.

It shows self-awareness and proactivity.

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Inquire about what a typical day entails or how the previous day went to grasp the routine and workload.

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Review specifically what a regular day would look like in the role at the end of the interview.

It provides insight into how the hiring manager envisions your presence in the role.

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Aim to become the expert everyone relies on for your current role.

Promotions will follow naturally if you achieve this status.

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Add a second 'R' for Reflection to the STAR method to demonstrate self-reflection and a desire to improve practice.

It shows evaluators that you have the capability for self-reflection and growth.

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Bring physical written notes to the meeting.

They give the impression of preparation and stick in their mind.

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Prepare authentic anecdotes that demonstrate strengths, weaknesses, work ethic, and teamwork.

Think of these anecdotes as your toolbox.

• Ensure anecdotes sound authentic rather than like rehearsed speeches.

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Document what you worked on weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly.

It makes performance reviews a breeze.

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Add a 'Relate' step to your STAR method answers by explicitly connecting your experience to the benefits for the current role.

It demonstrates that you have done your research and understand the position.

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• Structure answers using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.9

Document difficult problems you have solved to use as examples in future job interviews.

Interviewers want to know how you overcame mistakes and made things better.

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Ask about the funding sources of a non-profit organization.

It can provide interesting insight.

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Use the STARE method for behavioral questions, adding an 'Evaluation' step to discuss what you learned or would do differently.

This shows development, reflection, and growth.

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Do not wear a hat to a job interview, even if your hair is messy, as bad hair is more professional than wearing a hat.

Hats are a bad call in terms of professionalism.

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Be prepared to name a second weakness if your first answer seems insincere.

Recruiters may ask for another to verify you can honestly self-reflect.

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Admit honestly if you do not know the answer to a technical question and promise to find out later.

Hiring managers prefer honesty over bluffing; looking up the answer later can lead to being hired.

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• Confidently admit what you do not know but express eagerness to learn.1

Do not reveal personal information or act overly casual in an online interview labeled as a 'casual chat,' as it remains a formal assessment.

The label is meant to indicate a relaxed format, not to mislead, but revealing too much can lead to rejection.

• Being perceived as not chill enough can result in being passed over.

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Recognize that personality tests may be scored relatively against other candidates.

If most candidates lie and you tell the truth, you may be deemed ineligible due to statistical outliers.

• This applies when results are compared to everyone else who took the test.

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Admit a lack of proficiency in a skill that is not required for the position, such as Excel for a cashier role, while highlighting your efforts to learn it.

It shows honesty, a willingness to improve skills, and awareness of the job requirements.

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Avoid disclosing personal details in self-introductions that could be used against you.

Companies do not care about you personally.

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Research details about the company that are not easily available on the 'About Us' page to demonstrate deeper interest.

Knowing obscure details sets you ahead of other candidates.

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Choose a genuine weakness that does not interfere with your primary job responsibilities to demonstrate self-awareness without appearing unqualified.

It proves you are self-aware, avoids sounding foolish by hiding a strength as a weakness, and prevents showing signs of unfitness for the role.

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Avoid bullshitting during interviews, as hiring managers dislike it.

Bullshit has a distinct aroma and is disliked by hiring managers.

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Give a humble, reasonably candid answer that demonstrates eagerness to improve without being self-incriminating.

A clearly honest answer demonstrating eagerness to improve is ideal.

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Cite difficulty with Excel Pivot Tables as a weakness and mention that you are working on mastering them.

Recognizing this specific technical challenge and working on it signals that you are technical and self-driven, especially since many managers struggle with it themselves.

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Frame your greatest weakness as working too hard, wordsmithing the answer carefully so it does not sound identical to other candidates.

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Do not use the overprepared card trick.

It is already well-known, cheesy, and unoriginal.

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Shake off desperation and focus on positivity.

Desperation gives off a weird vibe.

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Write down your prepared anecdotes.

It will help with recall immensely.

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Maintain good posture and proper eye contact to leverage nonverbal communication.

Nonverbal cues account for a large portion of communication.

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Dress nicely, groom well, avoid funky accessories, and do not overuse cologne or perfume.

Appearance is important; looking your best matters.

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Practice technical problems repeatedly until competence builds confidence and the fear of judgment no longer matters.

Competence breeds confidence.

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Speak evenly and deliberately, rather than quickly.

Talking fast is often equated with nervousness.

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Embrace nervousness by accepting that feeling anxious is human and okay.

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