You landed an interview - Congrats! Now the pressure is on. This is when the real work begins.
Interviews are one of the hardest things to do: You've got to impress someone you've not met before, in a short space of time, knowing full well they're judging you against their agenda/points throughout.
With a little preparation and planning you can ensure you stand out from the crowd of candidates. In this blog, we’ll cover essential tips for acing your interview and guide you through answering some of the most common interview questions.
Setting Expectations & Intentions
The purpose of the interview is two-fold. The interviewer is there to figure out:
If you seem like you could do the job
If they would want to do the job with you
This means that in a short amount of time you must prove that you
understand the role
have the relevant background and experience
have the knowledge, and the ability to use it at the right time
are confident, influential and persuasive executive presence
are friendly, a culture fit, and would make a good colleague
No pressure, right?!
Rather than viewing it as a test, see it as a two-way interactiion where you showcase yourself while also assessing if the company aligns with your own values and goals. An interview is as much about finding the right fit for you as it is for them.
"Do your homework. The more you know about the company’s goals, culture, and the specific role, the better you’ll be able to tailor your responses and show how you can contribute."
Mary Barra
Do Your Homework: Interview Preparation & Planning
The job market is tougher than ever. You need to stand out and you can't afford to wing it.
Set yourself up for success by researching the company, practicing the most interview questions, and understanding the job expectations in and out.
Familiarize yourself with the company's recent news, products or services, and the industry trends. Understanding the company's mission and values will allow you to tailor your answers in a way that aligns with their goals.
Review the job description and make a list of the key qualifications and responsibilities required for the position. Then, match them to your own experiences and skills. While every interview is different, certain questions are almost always asked. Below are some common interview questions and tips for how to answer them:
HOT TIP
Use ChatGPT as your personal assistant to prepare and get in the mindset for interviewing.
Simply copy and paste the job description and prompt it with: “I want you to act as the hiring manager for this role. Please provide 10 challenging interview questions you would ask based on the job description and key skills required for the role.”
Then ask it to do a mock interview and provide you with feedback on your answers (you can actually have a verbal interview if you’re using your phone). Finally, provide it with your resume and ask it to give you behavioral-oriented answers to the questions based on your actual experience.
Aligning Your Energy
Just before your interview, do some power poses and energy work to align with confidence. Stand tall and proud, pull in energy towards you and visualize your best self while repeating affirmations:
"I am their most qualified, charming and preferred candidate"
"This job and organization is perfect for me."
“I’m ready for this challenge and next chapter.”
"This is the first step towards my dream job."
"It's easy for people to see my value"
"An amazing job offer is on its way."
"I am attracting this job, or something even better."
"I’m excited to connect with others”
“This is a wonderful opportunity to share who I am.”
Imagine yourself having a great experience, feeling comfortable and connected. Visualization can help create a sense of familiarity and excitement for the situation rather than fear of the unknown.
The best mindset for an interview is one that embodies positivity, confidence, curiosity, and authenticity. Focus on aligning your strengths with the company's needs while demonstrating your genuine interest and ability in solving their challenges.
During the Interview
A lot can be communicated through your body language. Make eye contact, smile, and offer a firm handshake (when appropriate). Sit up straight, avoid crossing your arms, and nod occasionally to show engagement. Positive body language conveys confidence and enthusiasm.
Active Listening: Stay present, listen attentively, and speak clearly.
Ask Questions: Inquire about the role/vacancy, the team, company culture, and growth opportunities. More on this below!
Practice Conversational Mirroring. Mirroring can be a subtle yet effective way to build rapport and show harmony and alignment with the interviewer’s style and priorities, helping the interviewer feel more connected and at ease with you.
Start by paying attention to key words or phrases they use, like "teamwork" or "initiative," and incorporate these naturally into your responses to reinforce your fit with the company’s values.
Match their gestures and expressions as well, smiling when they smile or using similar hand movements in a moderate way, which can help create a sense of connection.
Gauge their energy level; if they’re upbeat, reflect that energy in your tone, and if they’re more reserved, respond with a calm demeanor.
Briefly paraphrase or affirm key points they make, which shows engagement and attentiveness.
Use Authentic Storytelling: Share examples from your past problem-solving experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your skills and abilities.
What challenge you were up against
What you did to overcome the challenge
What the happy ending/final outcome was
Focus on THEIR Needs: Think about how you can solve their problems, demonstrating the value and expertise you bring to the table.
Be Yourself: Approach the interview with a fun, positive, and professional attitude. Authenticity goes a long way.
Confidence is Key: Remember that if you’re in the interview, they’re already interested in our skills, experiences and potential to add value. Use strong body language, maintain eye contact, and exude assertiveness. Smiling can naturally reduce tension, and positive body language (sitting up straight, making eye contact) can make you feel more confident and help you connect with the interviewer.
Keeping Your Calm Presence. Remember the interview as a conversation between professionals who genuinely want to learn about each other. The interviewers are just people like you, likely with similar experiences of nervousness or stress in interviews. Focus on the current question or moment rather than anticipating what’s coming next. Staying present helps prevent nerves from spiraling and keeps your responses natural and focused.
"The most important thing is to be yourself and present your strengths with confidence, but also to be honest about what you don’t know. Employers value authenticity and a willingness to learn."
Sheryl Sandberg
Top Interview Questions & Answers:
Answer questions in a way that reveals your long-term goals, motivation, and alignment with company culture.
Practice makes perfect. Review the answers to these common interview questions so you'll be able to wing it when the time comes.
Reminders
Practice to sound natural, not rehearsed.
Keep your answers brief but impactful.
Focus on your professional journey, key/relevant skills, and how your background aligns with the role you’re applying for.
Support your answers with specific examples in past roles, especially ones that showcase your resilience, problem-solving abilities.
Whenever possible, try to connect your personal and professional goals to the company’s mission and long-term objectives.
Showcase transferrable skills like leadership, humility, adaptability, creative problem-solving, and initiative. If asked about past mistakes, focus on what you learned and how you grew from the experience.
Avoid the script and give responses that reflect your authentic self real experiences and fit the company’s goals.
Moving On:
You may be asked standard questions, but don’t settle for generic answers. Make an impression by tailoring your responses, being memorable and unique and showing genuine interest in the company and role.
“Tell me about yourself.”
Identify key achievements in your career, especially those that demonstrate skills and abilities relevant to the job you're applying for, underscoring your potential value to the employer. Share the highlights that align with the role; think of it as a targeted elevator pitch.
Communicate your desire for new challenges and growth opportunities that the prospective role offers, while expressing gratitude for your current/previous role's experiences.
Connect past experiences, linking relevant prior roles and skills to the job requirements.
Show enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with your future career aspirations.
Include quick story or anecdote to demonstrate personality or values
“I have a background in ____ with over five years of experience in ____. My expertise lies in data-driven strategy and creative problem-solving, which has helped me increase _____ in my last role. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to a company like yours, where innovation and growth are key. And when I am not at work I enjoy ___ ”
"I am interested in this role because it allows me to apply my years of experience in __ and having worked across a variety of sectors and areas. I am excited by the opportunity to develop ___ which is valuable for my longterm career growth of becoming a senior ___ leader"
“I started in ____ and discovered that my strengths were better suited to, which then presented me with an opportunity in X. I’m now looking to step into the X space, continuing to focus on X with the skills and experience I’ve acquired in x/y/z, which now brings me to sitting in front of you, here today.”
“What are your strengths?”
Pick strengths that are most relevant to the job and provide examples from your work history that demonstrate how these strengths have contributed to your effectiveness. Discussing specific instances where these strengths played a key role in your past successes. Position yourself as the solution to their needs.
“One of my superpowers is my ability to ______. In my last position, I led a cross-functional project that involved coordinating between ___ departments, resulting in a _____ that exceeded ____ by 20%.”
“What are your weaknesses?”
Talk about a weakness you've had, how you've addressed it or what you're doing to improve, and what you've learned. Frame it as a journey of professional growth.
“Thank you for the opportunity to be transparent. One area of improvement I have noticed in myself in the past is the tendency to take on too many tasks at once, which sometimes can lead to feeling overwhelmed. However, I’ve been working on improving my time management skills by using project management tools and setting more realistic deadlines. This has helped me stay organized and prioritize effectively.”
“Why do you want to work here?”
Express your enthusiasm for the company's culture, mission, or products and how you see yourself contributing positively to the team and its goals.
Show genuine interest by referencing specifics about the company culture, its values and talent needs
Include story to demonstrate culture fit and belonging
Defines the "best practices" for the role
Be specific about what you’re seeking to ensure a mutual fit.
“I’ve always admired your company’s commitment to ____ and ____. Your recent efforts in ____ align with my strengths and background, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a company that’s making such a meaningful impact. I’ve always been someone that has valued ____ so feel this position really aligns "
“Tell me about a time you faced a challenge or made a mistake at work and how you handled it.”
Describe a situation where you missed a target, how you handled the aftermath, and the strategies you implemented to ensure it doesn't happen again. Share an example of an error you made, the steps you took to correct it, and the insights gained to avoid similar issues in the future. Demonstrate real learning and growth, humility and accountability
“In my previous role, we were facing tight deadlines on a _____. Midway through, we realized _____ wasn’t going to deliver on time. In response, I quickly gathered the team, reassessed our resources, and found an alternate ____ that could meet our timeline. The ____ launched on time, and we met our targets. It taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and finding creative solutions.”
“How do you deal with conflict?”
Outline your approach to problem-solving, focusing on a particularly challenging issue you faced, how you addressed it, and the results of your actions.
"I address conflict and solve problems by communicating openly, leading with empathy and validating the other person's concerns."
"How do you manage your workload or multitask?"
Discuss your method for managing multiple tasks or projects, emphasising your ability to organise, prioritise, and deliver results under pressure."
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Paints a picture of a future in the role or organization. Focus on flexibility and growth rather than rigid predictions.
"In five years, I hope to have taken on more leadership responsibilities within the company. I’m excited to develop my skills further and contribute to the growth of the team, eventually working toward a management position where I can help drive larger strategic decisions. and mentor the next generation”
Other common questions to prepare for:
Describe a time you showed leadership skills
How do you solve problems with few resources?
What steps help you meet tight deadlines?
Share a time you went above and beyond.
How do you build trust with colleagues?
Describe giving or receiving tough feedback.
How do you handle competing priorities?
Share an example of improving a process.
How do you stay motivated in tough times?
Describe turning failure into success.
How do you ensure high-quality work?
Share a time you influenced a team goal.
Believe in yourself. Trust your abilities. Get the job.
Shaping Your Story
Above all, be prepared to tell your story. This is an important life skill to learn and sharpen, just like negotiation, or leadership.
The best story template for an interview is simple: "I'm a better X, because Y"
For example:
I'm a better product manager because I was a designer = builds beautiful products that users actually love
I'm a better marketer because I'm a scientist = turns data into stories that actually convert
I'm a better writer because I was a teacher = creates content that educates, not just entertains
I'm a better engineer because I worked in customer support = builds solutions that solve real user problems, not just technical ones
I'm a better founder because I was a designer = crafts experiences users fall in love with
This framework opens doors because it helps individuals articulate their unique value and also highlights the power of diverse experiences in shaping who we are professionally.
The STAR Method
Memorize these key phrases and scripts to nail the STAR approach in your interview!
SITUATION: "In a previous role/position, I encountered the problem/ challenge where..."
Budget Cuts?
Sales Declining?
Frequent Conflict?
Missing Feature?
Deadline Moved?
Competing or Tight Timelines?
Conflicting Priorities?
Delayed Deliverables?
Project Hurdles?
New Technology?
Neg/Difficult Feedback or Complaints?
Inefficiencies?
Low Team Morale?
Difficult Colleague?
Transition Periods?
Growing Pains?
Staff Turnover?
Mistakes? Accidents?
Leading Through Challenges?
Navigating Change?
Pressure?
Interpersonal Conflict?
TASK or ACTION: "I needed to, I wanted to, I decided to, I offered, I was responsible for, I volunteered to.."
Analyzed, Gathered, Delegated, Interviewed, Invited, Discovered, Compromised, Collaborated, Presented, Created, Communicated, Organized, Mapped, Proposed, Reduced, Provided, Asked, Enrolled, Reprioritized, Initiated, Implemented, Scheduled, Resolved, Informed, Corrected, Updated, Researched, Identified, Researched, Collaborated, Proposed, Reorganized, Prioritized, Streamlined, Adapted, Improvised, Improved, Addressed, Completed, Resolved, Motivated, Corrected, Managed, Adapted, Multitasked, Overcome, Motivated, Set, Tracked, Completed, Restructured, Earned, Supported, Adjusted, Introduced, Facilitated
RESULT: "As a result...", In the end..."
"I proposed.... leading to a __ increase"
"completed on time, receiving praise/positive feedback from ___ for___
"The__ was added which led to an increase in _"
"We delivered/completed ___ successfully and on time, and the __ was impressed with '
"The ___ transitioned smoothly, without any major disruptions to our workflow."
"We completed and ___ commended ___ for___"
"We achieved ___ with ____, resulting in ___"
"The ___ went smoothly, and ___ become one of the first to ___"
"The ____ appreciated my ____ and we were able to move forward without any loss of "
"The new process was implemented, reducing onboarding time by 20%, and new employees reported a better overall experience."
"The ____ was____ on time, and the quality of work exceeded expectations, earning positive feedback from ____ and ____"
"I motivated a team to ___ by aligning everyone’s strengths, resulting in ____"
"By consistently ____ and ____, I earned trust and fostered strong collaboration."
"The questions you ask during an interview can be as important as the answers you give. They show your curiosity, your priorities, and your level of engagement."
Kathryn Minshew
Turning Anxiety into Excitement
It's normal to be nervous before an interview or big meeting. Reframing social anxiety as excitement can be a powerful way to shift from a fearful to an energized mindset. Here are some strategies to help make that shift:
Social anxiety and excitement trigger similar physical responses, like a racing heart and butterflies in the stomach. Remind yourself that your body is already primed to respond positively and that these sensations can signal excitement instead of fear.
Focus on the Opportunity, Not the Threat. Shift your focus from potential negative outcomes to the possibilities of the situation. Ask yourself, “What could go right here?” By emphasizing what excites you about the event—whether it’s meeting new people, learning something, or expressing yourself—you begin to approach it with eagerness.
Shift from self-focus (“What will they think of me?”) to curiosity about others (“I wonder what they’re like”). Curiosity can transform anxiety into a sense of wonder and enthusiasm for the interactions ahead.
By practicing these reframing techniques, you can start experiencing social interactions not as something to fear, but as a source of excitement and opportunity.
HOT TIP: Don't postpone or delay your interview. This can result in missed opportunities because another candidate could impress the hiring manager first.
Interview to WIN. Your goal is to stand out, not just avoid mistakes. Are you really hungry for this?
Creating A Two-Way Conversation
Interviews are a two-way interaction. This is a mutual discovery process, where both parties assess fit and expectations.
At the end of the interview, you’ll usually be given the chance to ask questions. This is your opportunity to show your interest in the role and the company. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions to determine if it's truly the right fit for you longterm.There are MANY things you will want to know in order to make the best decision.
Here are some engaging, thoughtful and insightful questions to consider:
“What does success look like in this role in the first six months?”
“Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with? What's the dynamic like?”
“What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?”
"What are the key performance indicators or expectations for the first 3 to 6 months? 1 year?"
Can you share how you support or empower employees and managers' health, professional growth and development?
How are key decisions made within the department or company?
What is the typical leadership style for management?
What is the biggest challenge or problem that I could help you overcome?
How do you all collect or implement employee feedback?
What would you need to see from this candidate in the first 3-6 months to know that you made the right hiring decision?
What do new employees typically find surprising after they start?
How are successes and milestones celebrated within the company?
How does the company encourage employees to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the workplace?
Could you share an instance where the company’s core values directly influenced a business decision?
How has the company changed and evolved since you joined?
Many of these answers will give big clues into the management, culture and more.
HOT TIP: Avoid asking about salary or benefits at this stage unless the interviewer brings it up. Focus on learning more about the bigger picture first.
"Success in an interview is about preparation and listening. It’s about showcasing your skills and experience while also paying attention to the interviewer’s needs."
Richard Branson
Following Up
After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours. Express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview, reiterate your excitement for the role, and briefly mention something memorable from the conversation to show your attentiveness and enthusiasm for the role.
This is also a good time to ask follow up questions to better understand the role or responsibilities. In the following interview steps you will continue to get clear on how your work will impact the company.
"Go into an interview with the mindset that you are already the solution they’re looking for."
Peter Drucker
Remembering the Bigger Picture
When calling in a new job, make sure you're keeping in mind what it's actually all about: an uplifting and empowering working environment that won't lead to burnout, depression and regret.
No amount of salary or benefits can compensate for a toxic work culture or a loss of work-life balance.
Watching for the Red Flags
Go into the interview looking with healthy skepticism. Nine times out of ten, who they show you they are during the hiring process is who they will remain once employed.
Trusting your instincts is critical in this process. Be wary of any concerns or questions- your gut is probably telling you something is off.
Interrogative, judgemental or aggressive tone
Low-energy employees
Disengagement or disinterest.
Vague, uncertain or unclear communication about the role and expectations
Lack of openness or transparency about hours, pay, culture, and more
When the interviewers fail to fully invest themselves or their time in getting to know the candidate, it ultimately diminishes the rapport and trust that a productive interview should foster.
Most job descriptions don’t make it easy for creatives or multipotentialites to see themselves in the role.
The following lingo and phrases in the job description or interview indicate the risk of difficult or abusive management- toxic culture that will pile on unrealistic expectations or manipulate you into blind loyalty (under the guise of "connection")
"Must be detail-oriented, able to multitask, and handle shifting priorities seamlessly in a high-pressure, fast-pased environment.” (Translation: We're understaffed so you’ll be juggling everything, without clear guidance, and we’ll still expect perfection.)
"Entrepreneurial spirit/startup culture" (Translation: you''ll need to figure it all out for yourself)
"Unlimited PTO" (Translation: You'll feel guilty taking time off)
"We work hard but play harder" (Translation: The leadership may have extreme hobbies, addictions and you're going to work overtime and after-hours)
"Like a family" (Translation:"We are a high-conflict, co-dependent workplace who expects you to sacrifice your time and boundaries... because that's what family does, right?"
"Competitive salary (Translation: Do your research because we're likely going to lowball you)
"Highly visible role" (Translation: You're on your own without a manager to have your back)
"Looking for a rockstar/unicorn/ninja/guru" (Translation: We want you to grin and bear it, no matter how bad it gets. Get ready for unrealistic or unreasonable expectations and high potential for burnout)
"Willing to go above and beyond" (Translation: unpaid overtime and unclear boundaries)
"Evolving Role" (Translation: Unclear expectations and constantly shifting priorities or responsibilities)
"Wearing multiple hats" (Translation: understaffed, underresourced and unfair compensation)
If you come across any of this language make sure to ask questions about specifically what tasks need attention to detail. Your hiring manager should be able to define what “shifting priorities” actually looks like—how often, and why? Ask what support systems (tools, team dynamics) will set someone up for success.
Take your time researching, questioning and deciding —it'll be worth it in the end. Choosing a role that fully aligns with your needs, values and goals will save you from the heartbreak and exhaustion of returning back to the job market and restarting your search too soon.
Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.
A Note on Rejection
Don't be too hard on yourself if you mess up an interview. We all have 'off days', or perhaps you simply got dealt a bad interviewer.
As long as you were yourself, honest, curious, humble and grateful, you did the right thing.
Try not to dwell on any "Shoulds", and simply look at the experience as a learning opportunity for the next one.
Don’t let someone who only judged your resume for a handful of seconds, or met you over a screen, define your worth and determine your value.
We've all faced rejection in our careers (I have PLENTY, trust me). But it's not a measure of your true potential or capability. It’s just a part of the journey.
Your skills, experiences, and unique qualities go far beyond what can be captured on paper.
Rejection is PROTECTION and RE-DIRECTION, often a reminder that you deserve better. Keep pushing forward. The right opportunity will recognize what you bring to the table.
Stay true to yourself, and your worth! True leaders don’t seek validation or try to impress. Instead they assess if a company values their experience and aligns with their standards and goals.
"Every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being redirected to something better."
Steve Maraboli
Wrapping It Up
Acing an interview comes down to preparation, confidence, and knowing how to present yourself effectively and above all- authentically.
Don’t forget, every interview is a learning experience, so even if it doesn’t go as planned, you can take the opportunity to reflect and improve for the next one. It's also a way to make a good impression and build your network person by person.
When all is said and done, make sure you CHOOSE (not settle) for the job where:
You can be your authentic self.
You can speak up without fear.
You are treated like a human being, not just a cog in the machine.
Your health is not put at risk.
A job should ADD joy to your life, not take away from it. We spend more than half our lives at work, so you deserve to find a match that makes you feel safe, supported and empowered.
Good luck out there!
Erin Ratliff is a holistic business coach and organic growth & visibility consultant serving energy-sensitive soul-preneurs, heart-led self-starters, and founders with the mission of personal and planetary healing.
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