Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also your chance to shine and show potential employers why you’re the perfect fit for the role. While resumes and cover letters get your foot in the door, your performance during the interview often determines whether you get the offer.

Fortunately, hiring managers share common themes in what they look for during interviews. By following their insights, you can approach your next interview with confidence, preparation, and the right strategies to leave a lasting positive impression.

Here’s a complete guide to acing your job interview, straight from hiring managers who know what works.

1. Research the Company and Role Thoroughly

Preparation is the foundation of a successful interview. Hiring managers can immediately tell when a candidate has done their homework versus when they’re winging it. Knowing the company’s mission, values, recent achievements, and challenges demonstrates genuine interest and commitment.

How to Research Effectively:

  • Start with the Company Website: Review their “About Us” page, mission statement, and any recent press releases.
  • Check Their Social Media and News Mentions: This can provide insight into the company’s culture, priorities, and recent developments.
  • Understand the Role: Thoroughly study the job description and note how your skills and experiences align with the requirements.

Pro Tip: Look up the interviewer’s profile on LinkedIn. Knowing their role at the company or shared connections can help establish a more personable conversation.

2. Practice Common Interview Questions

Certain interview questions pop up time and time again. Taking the time to practice your answers ensures you’ll feel more ready when they come your way.

Frequently Asked Questions to Prepare For:

  • “Tell me about yourself.” Craft a concise 1–2-minute response that highlights your skills, achievements, and what you’re looking for in this role.
  • “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Be honest but strategic. Highlight strengths relevant to the role and frame weaknesses as areas for improvement with examples of how you’re addressing them.
  • “Why do you want this job?” Connect the role to your skills and career goals, while emphasizing why this company excites you.

Behavioral Questions:

Behavioral questions focus on how you’ve responded to challenges or tasks in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your answers. For example, share a scenario you faced, the task you needed to handle, the actions you took, and the results you achieved. Common examples include:

  • “Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem.”
  • “Describe a situation where you worked as part of a team.”

Pro Tip: It’s tempting to memorize answers, but stay flexible. Focus on rehearsing key themes and anecdotes so your responses feel natural.

3. Dress the Part

First impressions matter, and your attire plays a significant role in signaling professionalism and respect for the opportunity.

Tips for Dressing Appropriately:

  • Match the Company Culture: Research whether the workplace has a formal, business casual, or casual dress code. When in doubt, lean toward dressing more formally.
  • Keep it Polished: Make sure your clothes are clean, fit well, and are free of wrinkles.
  • Don’t Overdo Accessories: Keep things minimal so your appearance doesn’t distract from your words.

Pro Tip: For virtual interviews, make sure your background is tidy, and dress professionally from head to toe to avoid any mishaps.

4. Nail Your Body Language

Hiring managers notice non-verbal cues just as much as your verbal answers. Confident body language communicates enthusiasm and professionalism.

Non-Verbal Communication Tips:

  • Start With a Firm Handshake: If you’re meeting in person, a firm (but not crushing) handshake is a great way to start strong.
  • Maintain Eye Contact: Make natural and steady eye contact to show you’re confident and engaged. For virtual interviews, look at the camera to simulate eye contact.
  • Sit Up Straight: Slouching can come across as disinterest, so sit upright with an open posture.
  • Smile: Genuine smiles convey warmth and positivity, helping you connect on a personal level.

Pro Tip: Practice your body language with a friend or in front of a mirror to spot areas for improvement.

5. Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of nearly every interview, you’ll be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” Hiring managers consider this an essential part of the process. Asking thoughtful, well-prepared questions shows that you’re engaged and serious about the role.

Great Questions to Ask Hiring Managers:

  • “What does success look like in this role within the first six months?”
  • “Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with?”
  • “What is the biggest challenge the company is currently facing?”

Pro Tip: Avoid asking questions about salary or benefits in the early rounds of interviews. Those discussions typically come later in the process.

6. Follow Up After the Interview

An often-overlooked step in the interview process is following up afterward. A thoughtful thank-you email can reinforce your interest in the role and leave a positive impression.

What to Include in a Thank-You Email:

  • Express Gratitude: Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the role.
  • Reiterate Your Interest: Highlight your enthusiasm for the position and what you bring to the team.
  • Keep It Short: Aim for three to five sentences that are polite and professional.

Example Email:

Subject Line: Thank You for the Interview

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Position Name] role. I enjoyed learning more about the team’s focus on [specific topic discussed].

I’m especially excited about the opportunity to contribute my [specific skill or experience] and help the company achieve its goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from me.

Best regards,

[Your Name]