Tips to Excel in Job Interviews

I’ve interviewed hundreds of people for top positions. And in 90% of cases — it’s not your resume that makes the strongest impression. It’s how you speak about yourself. If you’re preparing for your next opportunity, here’s how to upgrade your interview communication: 🔻 Don’t say: “I’m willing to do anything.” ✅ Say: “I’m excited about roles where I can contribute in [specific way].” 🔻 Don’t say: “Sorry, I’m really nervous.” ✅ Say: “I’m so excited about this opportunity and our conversation.” 🔻 Don’t say: “I don’t have experience in that.” ✅ Say: “I haven’t done that yet, but I’m eager to learn…” 🔻 Don’t say: “My last boss was terrible.” ✅ Say: “I learned a lot from my previous roles, even the challenging ones.” 🔻 Don’t say: “I’m a perfectionist.” ✅ Say: “I take pride in delivering high-quality work while staying efficient.” 🔻 Don’t say: “I’m good at everything.” ✅ Say: “My strengths are in [skills], and I’m always improving in [growth area].” 🔻 Don’t say: “I did everything in my last project.” ✅ Say: “One key project I led was [specific example]. Here’s the impact it had…” 🔻 Don’t say: “In five years, I’ll be a manager.” ✅ Say: “I see myself growing into [role] and developing [specific skill].” 🔻 Don’t say: “I just want to work here.” ✅ Say: “I’m excited to bring [skills] to your team and help achieve [goal].” 🔻 Don’t say: “I don’t have any questions.” ✅ Say: “What does success look like in this role after six months?” 🔻 Don’t say: “What salary do you offer?” ✅ Say: “Based on my experience and market rates, I’m looking for [range].” 🔻 Don’t say: “Okay, bye!” ✅ Say: “Thank you for your time! I’m excited about this opportunity.” Here’s one key point I’m sure about: Interviews are a two-way street. You’re not just proving your worth — You’re also learning if this is the right fit for you. ↳ Speak with clarity. ↳ Communicate with value. ↳ Leave them remembering you. Which of these tips would’ve helped you in your last interview? Or better — which one will you use in your next? ♻️ Share this with your network. ✅ For more valuable insights, follow me, Victoria Repa.

I've interviewed 100s of people for 6-figure roles. (Here's what nobody tells you...) It's not the most qualified candidate who gets the job. It's the best prepared for the interview. How to prep like the top 1%: 1. Research the company like you already work there. ↳ Know their challenges, victories, and latest news. 2. Practice your answers out loud. ↳ What sounds good in your head may not when spoken. 3. Prepare 3 specific stories that showcase your skills. ↳ Focus on your adaptability and leadership. 4. Study the job description. Find the top 3 skills they want. ↳ Then craft examples proving you have them. 5. Do a mock interview with a trusted person. ↳ Someone who will give you honest feedback. 💡 And 7 questions to ask that make YOU stand out: 99% of candidates ask basic questions at the end. Don't waste this opportunity to impress! Ask these instead: ➟ What does success look like in the first 90 days? ➟ What are the biggest challenges facing the team that I could help solve? ➟ How would you describe the management style of the person I'd be reporting to? ➟ What distinguishes your top performers from everyone else? ➟ How does the company support professional development and growth? ➟ What made YOU decide to join this company, and what keeps you here? ➟ What do new employees find surprising after they start? The best candidates don't just answer questions. They create meaningful conversations. Remember: Interviews are a two-way street. You're evaluating them just as much as they are you. You spend 90,000 hours of your life at work. Choose a company and manager that support your growth. Your career will thank you. P.S. What's your best tip for nailing your interview? Share in the comments to help others prepare. ♻️ Valuable? Repost to share with your network. 🔖 Follow Justin Wright for more on career success. Want my 80 best cheat sheets? Get them here for free: BrillianceBrief.com   

My journey to #Google included interviews at #Amazon, #Meta, #PayPal, #Uber, #Pinterest and others. Here are my top tips to help you prep for your next interview: 1. Pre-Interview Prep is KEY: You should be preparing now—before the role is even posted, before you press apply! - Identify impactful projects: Choose projects where you made a real difference and can showcase your skills. - Practice out loud: Rehearse your answers, record yourself, and listen back. This helps refine your delivery and identify areas for improvement. 2. "Tell Me About Yourself" - Your 60-Second Story. Instead of just summarizing your resume, think of this as your chance to tell a concise and engaging story about your career journey. Highlight your: - Past experiences: Briefly touch on relevant roles and accomplishments. - Present skills and qualities: Emphasize your strengths and how they align with the role. - Future aspirations: Connect your #careergoals to the company's #mission. 3. Master the STAR Method: You'll hear me mention this A LOT! That's because the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is what helped me succeed in my interviews and achieve my career goals. - Structure is your friend: For every behavioral question ("Tell me about a time when..."), use the STAR method to tell a clear and impactful story. - OWN your accomplishments: Use "I" statements to highlight your individual contributions. Don't be shy about showcasing your impact! In my mock interview sessions, I hear so many people say "we" when talking about group projects. Remember to focus on what you specifically did. 4. Ask Insightful Questions: ALWAYS ask questions to your interviewer! - Avoid generic questions about company culture. Instead, ask questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking and interest in the role, such as: - How will success be measured in this role? - What are some of the top challenges (internal and external) the team faces? - What are the focus areas for the next year? Key Takeaways: - Preparation is essential: Invest time in pre-interview prep, even BEFORE you have an interview scheduled. - Structure your answers: Use the STAR method to tell compelling stories and showcase your #impact. - Ask insightful questions: Demonstrate your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the role. - Interview prep is an ongoing process: Practice with friends, use #AI-powered tools like Final Round AI, career.io, and Huru - AI Job Interview Preparation App for feedback, and continuously refine your skills. #interviewtips #jobsearch #careerhacks #interviewprep #STARmethod #myjourneyintech #interviewsuccess #journeytotech #blackintech #AIInterviewPrep

If you have MAJOR Interview Anxiety, the following tips will help you: During my job search, even after giving 40 interviews, I was still anxious as to what would happen in the next one. If you face something similar, believe me, you are not alone. After struggling with Interview Anxiety for a long time, I was able to come up with a solid set of techniques that highly boosted my confidence in the interviews I gave towards the end of my job search process. The following tips will not just help you survive but thrive in your next interview. Here it goes: 1. Research the company: For an interviewer, one of the biggest pet peeves is candidates who don't know anything about the job or the company. You must know the role inside out and understand their culture. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also show the interviewer that you're serious about joining their team! 2. STAR Method: This is the secret sauce of acing job interviews. The STAR method is a structured approach for answering behavioral interview questions. It involves describing a Situation, Task, Action, and Result to showcase your skills and experiences effectively, providing a clear and concise response. 3. Mock Interviews: Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend, or a mentor, or even talk to yourself in front of a mirror. Practice common questions, refine your answers, and get comfortable expressing your achievements and experiences. This will help you live the interview in advance and be your biggest confidence booster. 4. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know the answer: Interviewers don't expect candidates to know the answer to every question. If you don't know, say you don't, but also ask the interviewer to explain the solution and write it down. This shows you are earnest and willing to learn when needed. 5. Relax: This is always easier said than done but do your best. Take a moment to breathe, smile, and exude confidence. Remember, the interviewer wants you to succeed. Embrace the excitement and let your authentic self shine through! You've got this! Lastly, I know that the market is terrible and the lay-offs are at a peak high, yet you are not alone. There are thousands more going through the same emotions as you. Believe me, if you are looking for a job right now, the right job is looking for you too. It is only a matter of time before striking the right opportunity. Trust in your preparation, showcase your unique value and soon you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job. May your next interview be the stepping stone to an incredible new chapter! P.S: If you find the above techniques useful, check out my other articles for proven tips to succeed in your job search process!

95% of job seekers I meet prepare for interviews poorly (here's what to do instead) (1) RESEARCH Spend no more than 15 minutes doing research → Review the company values, culture, and latest product launch, that's it. (2) PREPARE Think of answers for the 3 most common interview questions (write down your answer in bullet point format!) → Tell me about yourself → Tell me about a time when you solved a problem → Tell me about a time something went wrong (3) PRACTICE This is what 95% of job seekers don't do, but makes the BIGGEST difference. → Practice your answers out loud. → Set a timer for 3 minutes (no answer should take longer than 3 min) → Practice each answer 5 times (don't memorize it, let it evolve with each repetition) (4) ASK The questions you ask an interviewer matter even more than the answers you give. → Prepare 5 "smart" questions to ask (see my recommended list below) (5) END STRONG Always end your interview by asking the following question: → "Was there anything I didn't cover in our conversation today you would have liked me to touch on?" ☝ That's how you truly prepare for an interview. Yes it takes more work than just doing research, but it will land you way more offers I promise! 👉 P.S. I'm running a 100% free interview workshop next week, if you're interested in learning some more techniques let me know below and I'll send you the invite. _

One of the things that brings me so much satisfaction in my work with SheFi is helping candidates connect the dots about how to be more effective in their job search and interview processes. Our recent #interview skills workshop was a big hit, with some key takeaways worth sharing more broadly. → Practice your elevator pitch: Be prepared to spend no more than 2-3 minutes sharing a clear picture of your career history, what you’re seeking next, and why you are a fit for the role you’re seeking. No, really. Practice! Clearly articulating your value, experience and career goals at the outset can set the tone for the rest of the interview. → Throughout the interview, be mindful of time. This one commonly trips people up – it’s better to answer a question with a high level overview, pause and say something like “happy to expand on this”, then to ramble with no awareness of time, which flies quickly, especially in a 30-minute interview. It’s natural to be nervous, but rambling can kill an interview. Again, practicing ahead of time can make all the difference! → Have a few STAR stories ready to share. That stands for Situation-Task-Action-Result. This helps your interviewer understand your real experiences about how you’ve solved problems and created impact. These questions usually start with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Share an example of how…”. Include concrete examples and measurable results. These can be challenging to answer on the fly, so spend time preparing. → Be ready to discuss your strengths & weaknesses. Most of us have some idea of our strengths, but it can feel uncomfortable to shine a light on weaknesses. A great way to approach this is to think of your areas of growth. We all have them, and usually the interviewer is seeking to learn more about your self awareness than your weaknesses. → Lastly, have a few thoughtful questions ready, showing your interest in the role and the company. Don’t ask anything that you could easily find on the internet. If you’ve been selected for an interview, CONGRATS! You’re already rising above others in a competitive market. Hoping these tips will help you move to the next round, and eventually, the offer!

I made this mistake during an interview, and it cost me a job I really wanted 😔 I once went into an interview without being ready to talk about my past achievements. When asked, I fumbled through vague answers and missed the chance to show my value. Here’s how to avoid this mistake: 1️⃣ Prep Specific Examples: Before the interview, list your key achievements and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain them clearly. 2️⃣ Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse how you’ll talk about your successes. Make sure you can answer common questions with clear, impactful examples. 3️⃣ Know the Role: Research the job description and match your examples to what the role requires. Show how your past work fits perfectly. 4️⃣ Be Confident: Own your achievements and present them with confidence. You’ve earned it! Don’t let a lack of preparation cost you your dream job. Share your own interview tips in the comments. For more career advice and support, join the Clinical Research Referral Club (CRRC) today. #ClinicalResearch #InterviewTips #ClinicalTrials #CRRC

When I interviewed for, and landed my job at Amazon, I physically brought all 4 of the following items into the room 👇 1. A summarized copy of the Job Description I highlighted all of the critical skills, qualifications, and desired experiences. I referenced it during the interview to ensure my answers were delivering 'on target' examples. 2. A list of the "Corporate Leadership Principles" Interview rubrics typically focus on some combo of 1) hard skills, and 2) soft skills or character fit. Corporate values/principles (whatever they call them) are a good indication of "what good looks like" - and again, I referenced these throughout the interview - in addition to preparing examples that highlight them. 3. A blank piece of paper Obvious, but important. This is where I'd take notes during the discussion for anything I wanted to remember later. I'd also write down the questions, and quickly frame out my answers (using S.T.A.R.) prior to starting my responses. 4. My 'Micro-narrative' cheat sheet. Most of my interview prep goes into building a cheat sheet - that means creating a bulleted list of examples where I accomplished something, delivered value, or created results. Specific numbers/data can be difficult to remember during the interview, so having them prep'ed on paper makes it easier to give quantifiable evidence and tell an effective story. - - - *Disclaimer - having prepared examples does NOT mean I am reciting, or reading them off the page when I answer. Anyway, this approach has worked for me over the years. Feel free to try it out in your next interview! _________ Repost to share w/ others in your network ♻️ #interviewtips #jobsearchtips

Got an interview? Here are my top ten interview prep steps that equate to success. Hi! I'm Laureen and I have interviewed 100K+ people in my career across all industries and positions from entry-level to Executive; in agency & executive search (for my clients), and corporate. 1. Research the Company Thoroughly review the company’s website, recent news, and social media presence. Understand the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements to show your genuine interest. 2. Understand the Job Description Analyze the job description in detail to identify key responsibilities and required skills. Match these with your experiences and prepare to discuss how you meet these qualifications. 3. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch Craft a brief summary of your background, skills, and what you bring to the role. Be ready to share this early in the interview to set a strong foundation. 4. Anticipate Common Questions Prepare answers to common interview questions, such as your strengths, weaknesses, and why you want the job. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral questions. 5. Highlight Key Achievements Identify specific achievements from your past roles that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Be ready to discuss these accomplishments in detail, showcasing your impact. 6. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer Come up with thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company culture. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. 7. Practice, Practice, Practice Conduct mock interviews with a friend, mentor, or in front of a mirror. Practicing will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and build confidence. 8. Plan Your Attire Choose professional attire that aligns with the company’s culture. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Even for a video interview. 9. Prepare for Technical Aspects If your interview includes a technical component, such as a coding test or case study, review relevant materials and practice beforehand. Make sure your tools are ready if it’s a virtual interview. 10. Prepare to Follow Up Plan to send a thank-you note after the interview, reiterating your interest in the role and highlighting a key point from the discussion. I recommend a LinkedIn connection request with a note. This can leave a positive impression on the interviewer. #interview #interviewprepartion #career #jobsearch

Yeah! You have an interview tomorrow. Great news, but now you have little time to prepare. Don’t panic! You can make a strong impression with a few focused actions. I’ve helped countless job seekers prepare for those last-minute interviews and walk in feeling prepared and confident. Here’s how you can do the same: 5 Last-Minute Interview Prep Tips 1️⃣ Read the job description carefully. Highlight 3-5 key responsibilities (usually high on the list). Think of a story from your experience using the STAR method...Situation, Task, Action, and Result. 2️⃣ Research the company. Spend 15 minutes on their website. Look at their mission, values, and recent news. Look to see what they are posting on social media. This can tell you what opportunities they are pursuing and why. Incorporating this into your conversation will set you apart from the competition. 3️⃣ Prep your “Tell me about yourself” answer. Stick to a two-minute answer max. Talk about the knowledge, skills, and expertise you exhibit now, in the past, and will in the future that will benefit this employer. 4️⃣Have a weakness ready. You do not want to stumble over this question. Choose a real but non-fatal weakness and explain how you're improving it. Example: “I used to struggle with delegating, thinking I could do things better, but I’ve learned to trust my team.” 5️⃣ Prepare 2-3 questions for them. Try to make these questions not the run-of-the-mill ones. You can take what you learned in #2 to help. Most of all, take a few deep breaths, stand tall, and remind yourself: You’re qualified. You’re prepared. You’ve got this! Do you need extra help? If you’re scrambling before an interview, I can schedule you for a last-minute prep session. Send me a message—I’ll help you walk in with confidence! 💜 Helping mid-career professionals find clarity, build confidence, and land jobs they love. 📖 Follow me for career tips, job search strategies, and interview advice. 💌 Need support in your career journey? Reach out—I’m here to help!