10 Interview Tips to Land Your Dream Job

Imagine this: Two candidates (let’s call them A and B) are interviewing for an External Reporting Manager role.

Candidate A is a talented public accountant but ranked in the middle of their peer group.
Candidate B ranked at the top of their peer group, obtained their CPA license, and has a standout career trajectory.

Both candidates performed well in their interviews, leaving the hiring team with two solid options. For apparent reasons, we thought the hiring leader would choose Candidate B — after all, who doesn’t want the best of the best?! But, to our surprise, Candidate A got the job offer.

Why? It came down to one key factor: enthusiasm.

Candidate A expressed genuine excitement and a strong desire for the job, while Candidate B, despite their impressive qualifications, didn’t convey the same level of enthusiasm.

Needless to say, being the most skilled candidate doesn’t guarantee you the job. So, let’s explore 10 interview tips that can make all the difference in landing your dream job!

Before Your Interview

A few days before your job interview, allocate some time to do the following:

1. Research the Company

Showcasing your knowledge of the company you’re interviewing with can help leave a lasting impression on the hiring team.

Use the company’s website to acquaint yourself with its mission, values, and history. Annual reports and trade journals can also provide valuable insights.

2. Review the Job Description

Do your due diligence and carefully review the job description. Note specific skills mentioned by the employer, and then consider your own skills and experiences and how they align with these requirements.

3. Know the Logistics

Being well-prepared with the logistics, whether on video or in person, will help you start the interview quickly and confidently.

For video interviews:

Get acquainted with the platform (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
Do a quick test of the meeting link on your computer beforehand to ensure a smooth experience

For in-person interviews:

Verify the interview location address
Plan your route to ensure you arrive on time or even a bit early
Account for traffic and weather conditions

4. Prepare Your Responses

Reduce pre-interview jitters and improve your confidence by preparing for the most common job interview questions.

Start by writing down your answers using the STAR method. This technique can help you structure your responses effectively, making it easier to give concise and compelling answers.

Then practice your answers aloud, aiming for a 30-second to 2-minute response per question.

The Day of Your Interview

Once you’ve completed your preparation, make a good impression on the day of the interview by practicing these useful tips:

5. Dress for Success

Many of us have grown accustomed to working from home in comfortable attire. So, we understand that the idea of wearing something other than sweatpants may be unappealing. But just hear us out.

Whether you’re meeting face-to-face or on video, dressing the part is essential. Not only does it portray you as a polished and reliable candidate, but it demonstrates your seriousness about the opportunity. Looking the part can also help you feel more self-assured during the interview.

For video interviews:

Dress as if you were interviewing in person, e.g., a well-ironed button-up shirt with a blazer
Avoid casual clothing like t-shirts, tank tops, or hoodies
Maintain a clean and well-groomed appearance
And more

For in-person interviews:

Wear professional business attire from head to toe
Avoid open-toed shoes and high heels taller than 3 inches
Check your clothes for holes, stains, pet hair, and loose threads
And more

6. Tailor Your Responses

Many interviewees fall short in tailoring their responses to be relevant to the job they’re interviewing for. So, if you want to get a leg up on your competition, use every question as an opportunity to address the requirements mentioned in the job description.

Example: If you’re an accountant applying for a finance job, you should talk about the aspects of your current job that are analytical in nature.

Remember to include specific examples of solutions or results you’ve made, saved, or achieved in your career to leave an even stronger impression on the hiring team.

Here’s an example:

7. Win Them Over With Positivity

Just as you desire to be liked by the interviewer, they also want to feel a connection with you. A positive attitude and a friendly smile can leave a lasting impression!

Additionally, expressing genuine enthusiasm to be a part of their team and contribute to their company’s success sets you apart from other candidates. And it also increases your chances of landing the job! So, let your passion shine through and show that you’re eager to make a meaningful impact.

8. Ask Stellar Questions

The questions you ask an interviewer say a lot about you. Standard questions like, “How would you describe the company culture?” are good options. But they’re pretty blasé.

Stand out from other candidates by asking thoughtful, relevant, and non-generic questions during your interview. Not only do these convey your interest and engagement level, but they also give employers a glimpse into your thought processes.

Here are a few questions to impress interviewers:

What major projects or initiatives are you hoping that this role will be involved in, aside from day-to-day responsibilities?

Based on my background, experiences, and skills, are there any areas where you foresee a significant learning curve for me in this position?
To be considered highly successful in this position, what specific accomplishments or milestones would you expect within the first six months? And what about within the first year?

9. Express Your Interest

Interviews are like first dates — a chance to get to know each other, showcase your best qualities, and determine if there’s any chemistry. And just like you want them to like you, they want to be liked, too.

Expressing interest during an interview doesn’t mean you’re committed to leaving your current job, but rather, it shows the hiring manager that you’re intrigued by the possibilities they offer.

One way to do this is by saying, “How you described the position aligns well with my career goals. Is there anything in my background that could prevent me from moving forward in the process?” at the end of the interview.

You can equate it to hearing, “I had a great time, and I’d like to see you again soon!” at the end of a first date. Both parties feel good, helping to build a strong connection.

So, take it from us as skilled recruiters: Being engaged and enthusiastic can make all the difference in landing your dream job.

After the Interview

After your job interview, increase your chances of moving forward by doing the following:

10. Send a Thank You Email

A well-written thank-you note is a small yet powerful way to build rapport and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. It shows appreciation for their time and communicates your professionalism.

Even if you don’t ultimately get the job, sending that thank-you email is a chance to foster a positive connection, build your network, and have another person in your corner!

To craft an effective thank-you note, consider these best practices:

Send it promptly, ideally within 24 hours after the interview
Personalize by using the interviewer’s name and referencing specific conversation points
Show genuine appreciation for the opportunity and their time
Emphasize your enthusiasm for the position and the company
Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements
Keep it concise, using only a few paragraphs
Proofread carefully before hitting send to ensure a polished and error-free message