“I love interviews – couldn’t think of anything more relaxing. I mean, it’s a conversation in which every word I say will have implications on my financial future. What can be more awesome than that!” – said no job hunter, ever. 

Interviewing for a job can be tough, daunting and downright confusing. “What should I say?” “How do I present my skills and experience in the right way?” “How do I strike the balance that the interviewer wants to see?”

If only there was a precise guide telling you exactly how to ace a job interview.

Well, actually – there is! 

Over the years, I’ve sat across from hundreds of candidates, all with different backgrounds, skills, and stories. And I think I’ve cracked the code as to what makes some candidates shine while others struggle. I’ve learned that there are key strategies and habits that consistently lead to success. 

Whether you’re stepping into a room with a recruiter or a CEO, the same fundamentals apply—here’s how to ace a job interview.

1. Ready is steady

• “Wait, what role is this interview for again?” 

Research the Role: Coming to an interview without solid knowledge of the role you applied for is like going shopping without a list – you’re guaranteed to miss out on the most important parts.

Our job descriptions include all the important details so candidates can be prepared to answer specific questions without us having to waste your precious interview time explaining the basics. 

Candidates who come prepared with specific examples or questions pertinent to the role are telling me that they are responsible, thought-out and capable.

• “Oh right, that’s not on my resume”

Update Your Resume: Your resume is your most valuable advocate in your job search. When candidates send in a well written, concise and up-to-date resume, they are setting themselves up for success.

I take the time to read your resume and prepare questions targeted to you based on what I read. I’ve had interviews going round in circles of miscommunication because the candidate’s resume is unclear or simply not up to date. Spending the time to polish your resume will present your skills and experience to your interviewer in an effective way. 

2. Show you care

As unromantic as interviews are, I like to compare them to a date. Zoom or in-person, first impressions count.

• “Mind the sports gear, I have a game right after this”

Dress the Part: Coming dressed professionally and maintaining a generally well-kept appearance shows that you appreciate the importance of meeting. Not only that, many studies, including one in the Harvard Business Review (2015), show that attire impacts presentation—candidates dressed sloppily tend to give less polished answers.

• “Sorry, my Zoom just did an update”

Come on time: Being punctual to your interview seems basic, but it does have to be said. Zoom has a special knack for picking the worst times to update. I’ve had many candidates start a Zoom interview late because they turned their computer on a minute before their interview only to face an updating screen. Plan for any possible delay that can happen for an in-person or video interview and factor it in!

3. Communication is everything

             Really. Everything. Let me explain.

• “I leveraged cross-functional synergies to optimize our core competencies and drive scalable solutions.”

Clear and Concise: It might be tempting to launch into a detailed account of your achievements and use impressive sounding jargon in your answers, but it doesn’t reflect well. Conveying clear and relevant answers shows that you are professional, able to communicate well in the workplace, and possess clarity of thought. To gauge communication skills, I ask candidates to give me a two-minute snapshot of their experience at the beginning of each interview. I have your resume in front of me, so a long-winded repetition of its contents will make any interviewer feel frustrated and quite turned-off. 

• “What was your question, again?”

Listen, then speak: It can be tough to balance what you want to say with what the interviewer wants to hear. It’s crucial to answer the question directly without going off into a tangent. The interviewer wants to see that you can highlight the relevant points in a confident and effective way. I know you may have more to add, so I always give candidates the chance to add anything they feel we didn’t discuss over the course of my questions.

4. Tackle Tough Questions

Questions that make you think and are beyond the typical are part and parcel of most interviews these days. How you answer these questions will make a significant impression on your interviewer.

• “I would say my weakness is that I’m too perfect, you know?”

Give real answers: When I ask candidates to pinpoint their weak spots, I’m not looking to catch them out. I want to see if they are realistic with what their skill set is and have a strategy to deal with their struggles. Every person has things they find tough – telling your interviewer that you are perfect is a sure way to convince them that you lack confidence and self-awareness, or are simply dishonest. 

• “Oh [gulp], yes [pant] one-hundred percent I would say that…”

Take your time: Don’t feel pressured to rush into answering a question that throws you off. Telling your interviewer “wow, great question – can I have a minute to think about that?” is perfectly fine. In fact, it shows that you are thought – out and careful, and of course gives you time to formulate your thoughts into a solid and satisfactory answer.  

5. Post-Interview Practices

The interactions you have after the interview are just as important for making a good impression as the interview itself. I wish more candidates realized this!

• “It’s been two hours and sixteen minutes since our interview – any updates? Did I get the job?”

Follow-Up Etiquette: Waiting to hear back from the recruiter is tough on your nerves – but don’t let them get to you by spamming the recruiter or hiring manager for an update. It comes across as unprofessional and pretty desperate. Instead, show that you appreciate the opportunity and are waiting for an answer by sending a quick thank-you email and ask when you can expect to hear back. I always try my hardest to give feedback to candidates before the deadline I give them, but on the few occasions where things have taken a little longer, I will email them to let them know there will be a delay.

• “I did a pretty awesome job, didn’t I?”

Ask for feedback: Asking for feedback on your interviewing skills at the end of your interview is not a sign of weakness or neediness. It shows you are responsible and open to constructive criticism. I’m always impressed and happy to offer specific advice if asked by a candidate. I would caution candidates not to get too hung up and ask multiple follow-up questions, as it can present as a little over-anxious. 

 Our handy little RICAP on how to ace a job interview

Interviews can seem intimidating – but you’re now fortified with great advice. Let’s sum it up with the handy RICAP abbreviation.

• Ready is steady. Coming prepared for an interview is the biggest favour you can do to yourself.
• Impressions matter. Treat interviews like a date! Come on time and dress the part. 
• Communication is everything. Be clear, concise and confident in your answers.
• Answer tough questions properly. Don’t fudge your way around a difficult question, and remove the pressure to rush in without thinking.
• Post interview etiquette. The impression you make continues after the interview. Be polite, thoughtful and responsible.

If you’re gearing up for your next interview or curious about how we handpick top talent here at Pro Talent Solutions, you’re now armed with insider insights to set yourself apart. Here’s to landing that dream role – and making the process a little less daunting!