Question 1

What are the best tips for first-time job interviews?

Accepted Answer

For your first interview: (1) Research the company thoroughly, (2) Practice common questions out loud, (3) Prepare 5-6 stories using the STAR method, (4) Arrive 10-15 minutes early, (5) Bring copies of your resume, (6) Prepare thoughtful questions to ask, and (7) Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Most importantly, remember that interviewers want you to succeed—they're not trying to trick you.

Question 2

How can I calm my nerves before an interview?

Accepted Answer

To reduce interview anxiety: (1) Practice extensively—familiarity breeds confidence, (2) Do a mock interview the day before, (3) Exercise the morning of to burn off nervous energy, (4) Use box breathing: inhale 4 counts, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4, (5) Arrive early so you're not rushed, (6) Remember that some nervousness is normal and even helpful—it shows you care.

Question 3

What should I do the day before an interview?

Accepted Answer

The day before: (1) Do one final mock interview practice, (2) Review the job description and your resume, (3) Research recent company news, (4) Plan your outfit and lay it out, (5) Map your route or test your video setup, (6) Prepare your bag with resume copies, notepad, and pen, (7) Get a good night's sleep—7-8 hours minimum. Avoid cramming new information.

Question 4

How long should interview answers be?

Accepted Answer

Most answers should be 1-2 minutes. Behavioral questions using STAR might take 2-3 minutes. Simple factual questions can be 30 seconds. If you're unsure, ask: "Would you like me to go into more detail?" Signs you're rambling: the interviewer looks away, checks notes, or tries to interject. Practice timing yourself.

Question 5

What questions should I ask at the end of an interview?

Accepted Answer

Strong questions to ask: (1) "What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?", (2) "What are the biggest challenges the team is facing?", (3) "How would you describe the team culture?", (4) "What do you enjoy most about working here?", (5) "What are the next steps in the process?" Avoid questions about salary, vacation, or information easily found online.

Question 6

How do I answer "Tell me about yourself"?

Accepted Answer

Use the Present-Past-Future framework: Start with your current role and a key responsibility or achievement (Present), briefly mention relevant past experience that led you here (Past), then explain why you're excited about this specific opportunity (Future). Keep it under 2 minutes. Focus on professional highlights relevant to the role, not personal life unless relevant.

Question 7

What's the biggest mistake people make in interviews?

Accepted Answer

The biggest mistakes are: (1) Not preparing specific examples—generic answers fail, (2) Talking too much without answering the question, (3) Not researching the company, (4) Badmouthing previous employers, (5) Not asking any questions at the end, and (6) Failing to follow up after the interview. All of these signal low interest or poor preparation.

66 Interview Tips (From Hiring Managers Who've Interviewed 1000+)