Mastering the Job Interview: 7 Lessons from a Decade in Talent Acquisition
After over 10 years in talent acquisition, one thing is clear: interviews are where candidates truly shine—or miss their chance. I’ve read through thousands of interview feedback reports, sat in on countless interviews, and seen firsthand what separates successful candidates from the rest. Whether it’s a rookie mistake or an outstanding first impression, I’ve watched it all unfold.
In this post, I’m sharing the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about what works—and what doesn’t—so you can walk into your next interview confident, prepared, and ready to make your mark. Remember, it’s not just about landing any job, but about finding the right fit for both you and the company.
1. Do Your Homework (And Go Beyond the Basics)
The candidates who stand out in interviews are the ones who go beyond the surface level. While it’s important to know the company’s mission and values, you should also dive deeper. Research recent company news, industry trends, and even challenges the company might be facing. This shows you’re not just interested in any job—you’re genuinely invested in this specific role at this specific company.
If you know who will be interviewing you, take the time to learn about their background as well. Look them up on LinkedIn or read articles they’ve written.
In the interview, you can ask thoughtful questions like, “What drew you to this company?” or “What was a surprise to you when you started working here?” These kinds of questions show that you’re curious about their journey and genuinely interested in building a connection.
In today’s crowded job market, doing this extra homework can be a game changer. Interviewers will appreciate the effort you put in to understand not only the company but also the industry landscape. It signals that you’re serious about the role and proactive in preparing yourself for success. This level of preparation can help you stand out from other candidates and leave a lasting impression.
2. Craft Your Story (And Keep It Concise)
In an interview, your story is your opportunity to showcase who you are and what sets you apart—but it’s important to keep it concise. Aim for about two minutes, giving a highlight reel of your journey. Focus on the experiences that have shaped you and relate directly to the role you're interviewing for. This is your chance to share personal anecdotes that illustrate your independence, drive, or other qualities that make you stand out.
For example, I always mention how I moved to California with just two suitcases and found roommates on Craigslist—it shows my independence and enthusiasm for taking on new challenges. Including a unique personal detail like this helps you stay memorable while showing your personality.
Make sure to emphasize your key wins from previous roles, especially those that align with the position you're applying for. Tailor these achievements to reflect the skills and outcomes the interviewer is looking for.
And here’s a critical rule: never, EVER badmouth a former employer or manager. Even if you had a tough experience, focus on what you learned from the situation rather than criticizing others. Maintaining a positive and professional tone will reflect well on your character and your ability to handle challenges diplomatically.
3. Turn Nerves Into Confidence: Reframe Your Mindset
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before an interview, but the key is learning to channel that energy into confidence. Instead of thinking, “I’m so nervous about this interview,” reframe it as, “I’m excited to showcase my experiences and skills, and why I’m a great fit for this role.” This mindset shift turns anxiety into enthusiasm, helping you enter the interview with a more positive, self-assured attitude.
One way to build confidence is through preparation—practice answering common questions, rehearse your personal story, and visualize a successful interview. When you’ve put in the work beforehand, you’ll feel more in control and capable, which naturally calms the nerves.
4. Show You’re a Future Teammate—Not Just a Candidate
Remember, interviewers aren’t just evaluating your skills—they’re also imagining what it would be like to work with you. How well can you collaborate? How do you communicate your ideas? These soft skills are critical in nearly every role.
A key tactic I’ve seen work time and time again is over-communicating during your responses. Don’t just answer the question—walk the interviewer through your thought process. Explain why you’re approaching the problem in a certain way, and share the steps you’re taking to arrive at your solution.
Even if your answer isn’t perfect, showing that your reasoning is logical and sound can impress an interviewer.
Effective communication and problem-solving are highly valued in any role, and demonstrating these skills during the interview can set you apart.
5. Keep an Open and Curious Mindset
Interviews aren’t just a one-sided evaluation—they can also be collaborative. Sometimes, if you’re veering off track with an answer, the interviewer might give you a subtle hint to guide you back in the right direction. At Waymo, we even had a training section called “The Art of Hinting,” which was designed to help interviewers give candidates gentle nudges when needed.
If you get a hint during your interview, don’t get flustered—it’s actually a good thing! It shows the interviewer wants to see you succeed and is giving you an opportunity to correct course.
Keep an open and curious mindset throughout the interview. Be receptive to feedback, adjust your approach, and demonstrate that you can take direction and think on your feet.
6. Non-Verbal Communication Speaks Volumes
Your body language, eye contact, and tone of voice are just as important as the answers you give during an interview. These non-verbal cues help convey confidence, professionalism, and friendliness—key qualities interviewers look for in potential future teammates.
A question candidates often ask is, “What should I wear to the interview?” My advice: be yourself and be comfortable, but always aim to look professional and tidy. While it’s generally better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed, you don’t necessarily need to show up in a suit and tie unless the company culture requires it. Instead, wear something appropriate for the environment that still makes you feel confident (go ahead - wear your favorite color and/or lucky socks!).
Keep in mind that your wardrobe should be forgettable—in a good way. You want the interviewer to focus on your skills and experience, not your style. When you present yourself cleanly and professionally, it allows the conversation to center around what truly matters: your qualifications.
On top of that, be friendly! Smile, make strong eye contact, and stay engaged with the conversation. These small actions can make a big difference in how the interviewer perceives you—not only as a competent candidate but as someone they can envision working with. Interviewers are assessing not only your skills but also how well you’d fit into the team, and showing warmth and approachability can make a lasting positive impression.
7. Ask Thoughtful Questions at the End
The questions you ask at the end of an interview are your final opportunity to leave a strong impression. Earlier, we talked about the importance of doing your homework to understand the company and your interviewer—now’s the time to put that research to work. Thoughtful questions that dive deeper into the company’s challenges, team dynamics, or long-term vision show that you’re seriously considering what it would be like to contribute to the organization.
For example, instead of asking, “What do you enjoy about working here?” you might say, “I saw that your team recently expanded into a new market. How do you see this affecting the growth of the team?” Questions like these demonstrate that you're envisioning yourself in the role and thinking strategically.
Remember, this is not the time to ask about vacation policy, salary, or benefits. Those conversations are best left for later, usually with the recruiter. Focusing on thoughtful questions reinforces your professionalism and genuine interest in the company’s success, ensuring you leave the interviewer with a positive final impression.
Final thoughts:
Mastering the interview process is all about preparation, confidence, and showing up as your best self. By doing your homework, crafting a compelling story, and demonstrating your value as a future teammate, you’re setting yourself up for success. Remember, though, that not every job is the right fit for every person—and that’s okay! If you don’t land a particular role, it simply means your skill set wasn’t what that company needed at the time. It’s all part of the journey, and it often leads you to an opportunity that’s a better match for your strengths and passions.
In my next post, I’ll dive into how to handle rejection and build resilience. After all, a "no" today can lead to an even better "yes" tomorrow!