Interview Tips: Showing Them Your Best Self

The biggest mistake in interviews isn't saying the wrong thing. It's trying to be someone you're not.

Employers aren't just evaluating your skills—they're trying to figure out who you really are. Will you fit with the team? Can they trust you? Are you the person your resume claims you are?

Authenticity, preparation, and confidence are your greatest assets. Here's how to bring all three.

Before the Interview

Research thoroughly. Know the company's mission, recent news, and the role's requirements. This isn't just about impressing them—it's about determining if this is actually a good fit for you.

Prepare your stories. Interviewers will ask behavioral questions: "Tell me about a time when..." Have 5-7 stories ready that demonstrate different strengths. Use the STAR method:
- Situation: Set the scene briefly
- Task: What was your responsibility?
- Action: What did you specifically do?
- Result: What was the outcome?

Practice out loud. It's not enough to know what you'll say—you need to practice saying it. Record yourself. Practice with a friend. The goal is to sound natural, not rehearsed.

Prepare questions to ask. The questions you ask reveal as much as the answers you give. Good questions:
- "What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"
- "What are the biggest challenges the team is facing right now?"
- "How would you describe the culture here?"
- "What's your favorite thing about working here?"

Handle logistics. Know exactly where you're going. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Dress one level above the workplace norm. Bring extra copies of your resume.

During the Interview

First impressions matter. A firm handshake, genuine smile, and good eye contact set the tone. People decide a lot in the first 30 seconds.

Listen carefully. Many candidates are so focused on what they'll say next that they miss the actual question. Listen, pause briefly to collect your thoughts, then answer.

Be specific. Vague answers are forgettable. Specific examples are memorable. Don't say "I'm good with people." Say "In my last role, I resolved a customer complaint that had been escalating for two weeks, and the customer ended up becoming one of our biggest referral sources."

Show genuine interest. Ask follow-up questions. Comment on things they share. Treat it like a conversation, not an interrogation.

Be honest about weaknesses. When asked about weaknesses, be genuine but strategic. Share a real growth area and what you're doing about it. "I used to struggle with delegating because I wanted to make sure everything was perfect. I've been working on trusting my team more and focusing on outcomes rather than methods."

Address concerns proactively. If there's something in your background that might raise questions—a gap, a career change, a past issue—address it directly. Transparency builds trust.

After the Interview

Send a thank-you within 24 hours. Email is fine. Mention something specific from the conversation that reinforced your interest.

Follow up appropriately. If they gave you a timeline, respect it. If you haven't heard back when expected, one polite follow-up email is appropriate.

Debrief yourself. What went well? What would you do differently? Each interview is practice for the next one.

Trust the process. You can do everything right and still not get the job. That's not always about you—it's about fit. The right opportunity will recognize your value.

The Mindset Shift

Here's what changed everything for me: realizing that an interview is a two-way evaluation.

You're not just trying to convince them to hire you. You're trying to figure out if this is a place where you can thrive, grow, and do meaningful work.

That shift—from desperate to discerning—actually makes you more attractive to employers. Confidence is magnetic.

You have value to offer. Walk in knowing that, and let the conversation reveal whether this is the right match.