Interview Tips: A Guide to Getting the Job

By Matthew Rinaldi, 2028

Published 11/18/25

Interviews, an essential part of securing a job and giving a good first impression to your employer, may seem like a big wall that stands between you and employment. With a couple of tips, however, an interview can be seen as a tiny hurdle that just needs a tiny leap to get over. Although you may have the perfect resume and job application, how you are able to act and present yourself in an interview is often the deciding factor of your employment over another applicant, so you definitely don’t want it to be your weakness. Communication is not an easy skill to master, but with a few tips, you can use it to your advantage in an interview– you don’t even need to be a master at it!

First and foremost, it is important to keep in mind that whoever is interviewing you is the very person who decides if you get the job or not, despite the opinions of those who have reviewed your resume and application. Alas, even if you have a perfect resume, a faulty attitude in an interview can easily take away your opportunity. Going into an interview, it may be helpful to view it as a professional business conversation rather than an interview. This is true, in part, because you have the ability to understand more about the role you are applying for and if it aligns with your career interests. Keeping this mindset can help you feel more comfortable with your interviewer instead of feeling like an inferior, as you are both looking for the same outcome from the interview.

In preparation for your interview, you want to make sure you have rehearsed the role you are applying for– neglecting to have a clear understanding of what you are being interviewed for can catch you off guard with a role-specific question. Also, make sure to review your resume and application before the interview, as your interviewer may refer to the things you have listed, and you want to be able to explain how this attribute/accomplishment shows that you are fit for the job you are applying for. Although it may seem childish, it will never hurt to practice your interview skills with a wall or your stuffed animals– pretending to have a serious conversation can make it easier when it comes time for the actual interview. Additionally, it is important to start off your ‘interview’ good by taking the time to effectively communicate with your interviewer to set up a meeting time– if you lack proper communication skills not face to face, it may reflect your habits in a work environment, and having proper communication is essential for many jobs. This entails being flexible with meeting times, making your interviewer aware of any accommodations early, and having an overall positive writing or speaking style. Having a proper business casual outfit for your interview is an easy way to secure bonus points off the bat, and having several printed copies of your resume will also reflect your adequate preparation skills.

When the day of the interview comes, there are many small things that you can do to show your dependability and dedication to the job, which are both essential traits. As always, plan to arrive as early as possible, and build in time for traffic or other events that may delay you from getting to the interview on time. Once the interview begins, make sure to be efficient with your words and explain clearly what you would contribute to the job. When your interviewer begins to start asking follow up questions, make sure to answer the question directly and try to extol yourself in the process. As always, make sure to pay attention to your body language, including posture, tone of voice, fidgeting, and any other potentially negative forms of body language. Additionally, engaging in the interview as well by taking notes and asking questions about your position also reflect your commitment to getting the role. At the end of the interview, make sure to express your gratitude to the interviewer and your unwavering interest in the position. 

After the interview, you can take a deep breath, because you’ve gotten the hardest part out of the way. The only thing you have left is to provide the interviewer with any follow up information that was discussed during the interview, such as professional references or any other missing information, and make sure to do so in a timely manner. It also may be beneficial to send a final thank you to the interviewer for taking time out of their day to interview you. After that, all you need to do is be patient– don’t send any follow up emails too fast, as it could come off as rude or pushy. Overall, confidence is key in an interview, and that confidence can be secured by having a strong understanding of the position you are applying for, and how your personal experiences and past roles stated in your resume help show that you are fit for said job. In the end, the dauntingness of an interview is only as big as you make it, and your fear can easily be mitigated with proper communication and preparation.