After sending off what felt like thousands of applications, cover letters, and copies of your CV, you’ve finally landed a job interview—hurrah!
Now, you’ve just got to make the hiring manager realise that they’d be lucky to have you. Job interviews can feel like a high-stakes performance, but the truth is, companies aren’t just looking for the “perfect” candidate—they’re looking for someone who stands out in the right way. It’s great to have an impressive CD, but how you present yourself, the way you communicate, and the small details make a much bigger impression. If you want to have a better chance of receiving an offer, these tricks can help you go from just another applicant to the one they can’t stop thinking about.
1. Research the company beyond the basics.
Anyone can skim a company’s website, but the candidates who stand out dig deeper. Look into recent news, company culture, and even their competitors. It shows you’re genuinely interested and not just applying to any job that comes your way.
One easy way to impress is to bring up something specific, like a recent project the company worked on, and tie it into why you’d be a great fit. It shows you’ve done your homework and already see yourself as part of the team.
2. Treat everyone you meet like they’re part of the hiring decision.
From the receptionist to the hiring manager, every interaction matters. Sometimes, companies ask front desk staff for their impressions of candidates, so being polite and friendly from the moment you walk in (or log into a virtual interview) makes a difference. Hiring managers want to know how you’ll fit into their work environment, and how you treat people outside the formal interview says a lot about who you are.
3. Use the “past, present, future” formula when talking about yourself.
One of the most common interview questions is, “Tell me about yourself.” Instead of rambling or giving your entire life story, use this simple structure: talk about your past experience, where you are now, and what you’re looking for in the future.
For example: “I started my career in [industry] working on [specific skill]. Right now, I’m focused on [current role and key achievement]. Moving forward, I’m excited to bring my skills to [company] because I love [specific reason].” It keeps things clear, relevant, and easy to follow.
4. Be enthusiastic without going overboard.
No one wants to hire someone who seems indifferent about the job. Enthusiasm is contagious, but there’s a fine line between being genuinely excited and coming across as overly eager or desperate. Express your interest in the role by mentioning what excites you about it, but keep it natural. Saying, “I love what your company is doing in [specific area], and I’d be thrilled to contribute to that,” feels authentic without overdoing it.
5. Answer behavioural questions with a “STAR” response.
Many hiring managers use behavioural questions, like “Tell me about a time you handled a challenge.” The best way to answer is with the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Briefly describe the situation, explain your role, outline the action you took, and finish with the result. Keeping it structured helps you tell a clear, compelling story instead of rambling.
6. Have an elevator pitch ready for “Why should we hire you?”
This question can catch people off guard, but having a short, confident answer makes all the difference. Think of it as a 30-second pitch that highlights your key strengths, relevant experience, and what makes you different.
For example: “I bring [X years] of experience in [industry], a strong ability to [key skill], and a passion for [company’s focus]. I’ve successfully [relevant achievement], and I’d love to bring that expertise to your team.” Keep it crisp and compelling.
7. Use strategic pauses instead of filler words.
“Um,” “uh,” and “like” can make you seem less confident, but that doesn’t mean you have to rush your answers. Instead, embrace short pauses—it makes you sound more thoughtful and gives your words more impact. If you feel yourself slipping into filler words, take a breath and slow down. Hiring managers are okay with silence if it means you’re forming a great response.
8. Bring up an insightful question before they ask, “Do you have any questions?”
Instead of waiting until the end, show curiosity early on. A well-timed question like, “What do you see as the biggest challenge for this role in the next six months?” can turn the interview into more of a conversation. Engaging in this way makes you feel more like a colleague than just a candidate, which helps hiring managers envision you as part of the team.
9. Use storytelling to make your answers more memorable.
Facts are great, but stories stick. Instead of just listing your skills, tell a short, engaging story that demonstrates them. For example, if you’re good under pressure, describe a time when you handled a tight deadline and how it led to a great result. Hiring managers interview a lot of people, but stories help them remember you. A well-told example of your skills in action makes you stand out.
10. Subtly mirror the interviewer’s tone and energy.
People naturally connect with those who reflect their energy. If the hiring manager is formal, stay professional. If they’re more relaxed and conversational, match that tone while staying respectful. That doesn’t mean copying them exactly; it’s about reading the room and adjusting your approach, so the conversation feels more natural.
11. Send a follow-up email that adds value.
A simple thank-you email is good, but adding something extra can make you more memorable. Mention something specific from your conversation, reinforce why you’re excited about the role, or even share a relevant article or idea. For example: “I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. It reminded me of [related insight], and I’d love to bring that perspective to your team.” It shows you’re still engaged and thinking about the role.
12. End with confidence.
Many candidates wrap up an interview with a vague, “Thanks for your time.” But a stronger closing leaves a lasting impression. Try something like: “I’m really excited about this opportunity, and I’d love to be part of your team. Is there anything else I can provide to help with your decision?” It reinforces your enthusiasm and opens the door for them to clarify any final questions about your fit for the role.
