Interview practice

Why interviews matter

An interview is a two-way conversation. The employer is figuring out whether you're a good fit for the role and the team — and you're figuring out whether the role and the team are a good fit for you. Use the time to highlight your most relevant skills and experience, and to gather the information you'd need to say yes (or no) if an offer comes.

Types of interviews

• Phone: Often a first screen. Treat it like an in-person interview — dress the part, sit up, and smile when you talk. Make sure your voicemail greeting sounds professional in case they call before you pick up.
• Video: Use the TIE framework — Technology (test your camera, mic, and internet ahead of time), Impression (dress professionally, look into the camera, speak clearly), and Environment (a quiet, distraction-free space with good lighting and a neutral background).
• On-site: Site visits can range from a single 30-minute conversation to a full day. Be polite to everyone you meet, from the receptionist on up — you're being evaluated the entire time, including over coffee or lunch.

Preparing in four steps

1. Know yourself. Be ready to name the skills, interests, and goals that connect you to the role. A clear sense of what you bring helps you sound confident and intentional.
2. Research. Read the job description closely. Learn the organization's mission, what they actually do, who their customers are, and where they're headed. If you can, look up the people who'll be interviewing you.
3. Prepare your responses and questions. Think of interview answers as short, focused stories that show you can do the job. Have a few thoughtful questions ready for them too.
4. Practice. Out loud, with a friend, a family member, or a mirror. The more reps you put in before the real thing, the more natural you'll sound.

The STAR method

STAR is a clean structure for behavioral questions — the "tell me about a time when…" prompts. Each answer becomes a short story with four parts:

• Situation

  Set the scene — where you were, what was going on.

• Task

  What you were responsible for or trying to accomplish.

• Action

  The specific steps you took (not the whole team).

• Result

  How it turned out — concrete outcomes whenever possible.

Tie each story back to a skill that matters for the role you want.

Questions you can ask them

The questions you ask are as important as the ones you answer. They show you've done your homework and you're genuinely interested. Skip anything you could have found on their website, and save salary, benefits, and perks for the offer stage.

• What would I be expected to accomplish in the first few months?
• What does success look like in this role?
• How would you describe the team's culture?
• What's the most challenging part of this job day-to-day?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?

Dress and show-up tips

• Dress one step more formal than you think you need to.
• Keep your look clean and neutral — let the focus stay on you.
• Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early. Never be late.
• Bring a couple of printed copies of your resume.
• Silence your phone before you walk in or join the call.

After the interview: the thank-you note

A thank-you note is one of the easiest ways to stand out. Roughly 80% of hiring managers say thank-you notes help them choose between candidates, but only about a quarter of applicants actually send one.

Timing: send your note the same day if you can, and within 24 hours at the latest. Email is standard. If you want to go the extra mile, follow up with a short handwritten note in the mail — but always send the email first.

During the interview, listen for small personal details — a project they mentioned, advice they shared, a book or show that came up. Those details are what turn a generic thank-you into a memorable one.