Want to know how to make a good impression during job interview? Then you’re in the right place.
Getting a job interview is exciting. It can also be nerve-racking.
You want to make a strong first impression, answer questions confidently, and convince the interviewer that you’re the right person for the job. Easier said than done when your nerves are kicking in.
The good news? A little preparation can make a huge difference. Whether you’re heading into an office or preparing for a virtual job interview, taking time to get ready can help you feel more confident and make it easier to stand out from other candidates.
Here are 31 practical job interview tips to help you prepare, make a positive impression, and handle the interview with confidence.
How To Make a Good Impression During Job Interview
1. Check your technology before the interview
If you’re having a virtual job interview, don’t wait until five minutes before the meeting to discover that your microphone isn’t working.
Test your webcam and microphone ahead of time. Make sure your video looks clear and your voice comes through without distortion. You should also test your internet connection to make sure it can handle a video call without constantly freezing or dropping.
If possible, make a quick practice call with a friend or family member. It’s much better to discover a technical problem the day before than with the interviewer sitting on the other side of the screen.
- If your built-in webcam or microphone isn’t reliable, consider using an external one.
- If your internet connection is too weak for video, find another location with a more stable connection.
- Find out which platform the company will use, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, and test it beforehand.
- Log in early enough to deal with unexpected technical problems.
A few minutes of preparation can save you a lot of stress.
2. Find a well-lit space for a virtual interview
Good lighting matters more than you might think. Your interviewer should be able to see your face clearly without having to squint at a dark or shadowy image.
Natural light is usually a great option. If you have a large window nearby, position yourself so the light falls on your face rather than directly behind you. If natural lighting isn’t available, use a well-lit room or move a lamp closer to your workspace.
There’s one more thing to consider: the time of day.
A window that gives you beautiful lighting at 9 a.m. may create harsh shadows at 3 p.m. Test your setup around the same time your interview is scheduled.
3. Create a clean, distraction-free background
You don’t need to build a professional home office just for one interview. You do, however, want your surroundings to look neat and professional.
A simple wall or uncluttered room can work perfectly well. Remove anything distracting from the camera’s view, turn off the TV, and put your phone somewhere you won’t be tempted to check it.
If you live with family members, roommates, children, or pets, let them know that you need some uninterrupted time.
- A kitchen table can work if the area behind you is clean and uncluttered.
- If you have children or pets, ask someone to keep them occupied during the interview.
- Close unnecessary computer programs and notifications so they don’t distract you.
Your background shouldn’t compete for attention with what you’re saying.
4. Keep a few talking points nearby
One advantage of a virtual interview is that you can keep a few discreet notes nearby.
That doesn’t mean you should write out your answers and read them word for word. That usually sounds stiff and unnatural. Instead, use short bullet points to remind yourself of important things you want to mention.
For example, your notes might say:
- “Ask about a typical workday.”
- “Mention performance award.”
- “Ask about team structure.”
- “Discuss remote-work experience.”
Keep the notes somewhere outside the camera’s view. Think of them as reminders, not a script.
5. Dress professionally for the interview
Yes, even if the interview is happening from your living room.
Getting dressed professionally can affect more than how the interviewer sees you. It can also influence how you feel and behave during the conversation. When you look prepared, you may naturally feel more prepared.
Unless the company specifically tells you otherwise, dress as you would for a traditional interview.
Depending on the workplace, that could mean a button-up shirt and blazer, a dress, a blouse and skirt, or another polished professional outfit.
When in doubt, it’s generally safer to be slightly more polished than noticeably underdressed.
6. Sit up straight and use positive body language
Body language still matters during a virtual job interview.
Sit upright, keep your shoulders relaxed, and position yourself so your face is clearly visible. Try not to slouch or constantly shift around in your chair.
And don’t forget to smile.
A natural smile can make you appear friendly, interested, and engaged. Just keep it genuine. If the interviewer is discussing a serious problem or difficult situation, obviously, a constant smile isn’t appropriate.
The goal isn’t to look like you’re posing for a photograph. You want to look comfortable, attentive, and genuinely interested in the conversation.
7. Look into the camera during a virtual interview
Video interviews create an odd little problem: looking at the interviewer’s face on your screen doesn’t necessarily look like eye contact to them.
When you look directly into the camera, however, it gives the impression that you’re looking straight at the person.
It may feel unnatural at first. Practice helps.
Before the interview begins, use your platform’s preview feature to check your camera angle, lighting, and overall appearance. If there’s no preview option, make a quick test call.
You’ll feel much more relaxed once you know exactly what the interviewer is seeing.
8. Dress appropriately for the company culture
Professional doesn’t always mean formal.
The right interview outfit depends partly on the company and the role you’re applying for. A corporate law firm may have very different expectations from a creative agency or tech startup.
Research the company’s culture beforehand and choose clothing that fits the environment while still looking polished.
Also, go easy on strong cologne or perfume. You may love the scent, but someone else could be sensitive to fragrances. You don’t want your choice of perfume to become more memorable than your answers.
9. Turn off your phone and other distractions
During an interview, your attention should be on the conversation.
Put your phone on silent or, better yet, turn it off completely. The same goes for unnecessary notifications on your computer, smartwatch, tablet, or other devices.
If your phone suddenly buzzes, resist the urge to check it. Even a quick glance can make it look as though something else is more important than the interview.
There are exceptions, of course. If you have a legitimate reason why you must remain reachable, tell the interviewer beforehand. For example, someone who is on call for their current job may need to remain available for an emergency.
Otherwise, give the interview your full attention.
10. Arrive 10–15 minutes early
Being punctual is one of the simplest ways to demonstrate that you’re organized and dependable.
For an in-person interview, aim to arrive about 10–15 minutes early. This gives you enough time to find the building, use the restroom, collect your thoughts, and settle down before the interview begins.
But don’t show up 30 or 40 minutes early and expect the interviewer to accommodate you.
If you arrive much earlier than planned, take a short walk, grab a coffee, or review your notes nearby. Then head inside at the appropriate time.
For a virtual interview, the same principle applies. Log in a few minutes early and make sure your technology is ready.
11. Make eye contact when you meet the interviewer
Eye contact can help create a sense of connection and shows that you’re engaged in the conversation.
When you first meet the interviewer, look at them while greeting them. Continue making natural eye contact throughout the interview rather than staring at the floor, your notes, or somewhere across the room.
If eye contact feels uncomfortable, practice before the interview. Try speaking with a friend while consciously maintaining eye contact, or practice in front of a mirror.
The goal isn’t to stare. Natural eye contact includes occasional breaks.
Pair eye contact with other positive body-language cues. Sit upright, keep your arms relaxed, smile when appropriate, and lean forward slightly when the interviewer is speaking.
12. Give a confident handshake
If the interview is happening in person and a handshake is customary, make it confident and professional.
Offer your hand, give a firm but comfortable handshake, and make eye contact as you greet the interviewer. You don’t need to crush their fingers or turn the handshake into a competition.
If your hands tend to get sweaty when you’re nervous, discreetly wipe them before entering the interview.
A handshake is a tiny part of the interview, but it contributes to the overall first impression.
13. Keep your tone positive and enthusiastic
Your answers matter, but so does the attitude behind them.
Try to communicate genuine enthusiasm for the position without sounding as though you’ve memorized a sales pitch. Talk about what interests you about the role, what you’ve accomplished in the past, and what you’re excited to contribute in the future.
When discussing a difficult experience, focus on what you learned rather than simply complaining about what went wrong.
For example, instead of saying:
“My previous team leader was impossible to work with.”
You could say:
“Communication with my previous team leader was challenging at first, but the experience taught me how to communicate more clearly and find compromises. In the end, we worked together effectively and completed the project ahead of schedule.”
That kind of answer demonstrates maturity without pretending that every workplace experience was perfect.
Also pay attention to your speaking pace. Nervous candidates often talk too quickly. Slow down, breathe, and give yourself a moment to think before answering.
14. Explain why you’re a good fit for the position
One of the biggest questions behind almost every interview question is simple:
Your job is to connect your experience, skills, and accomplishments to what the company actually needs.
Start with the job description. Identify the skills and qualities the employer is looking for, then think of specific examples from your work or education that demonstrate them.
For example, if the company emphasizes innovation, explain how you’ve created a new process or solved an unusual problem in a previous role.
If the position is remote, mention relevant experience collaborating with people who weren’t physically in the same location.
Don’t simply repeat the words from the job description. Show them what those qualities look like in practice.
15. Tell a memorable story from your career or education
Interviewers often speak with several candidates who have similar qualifications. A good story can help you become more memorable.
Think about an experience that demonstrates something valuable about you. Maybe you solved a difficult problem, recovered from a mistake, won an important client, handled a crisis, or helped a struggling team succeed.
For example, imagine you accidentally damaged the USB drive containing an important client presentation on your way to a meeting. Instead of panicking, you recreate the presentation from memory, use a few handwritten notes, and turn the meeting into an interactive discussion. The client is impressed enough to sign the contract that day.
That story tells the interviewer much more than simply saying, “I’m good under pressure.”
If you struggle to think of examples, prepare several STAR interview stories using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result structure. Having these stories ready can make behavioral interview questions much easier to answer.
16. Frame past career challenges around what you learned
Almost everyone has experienced a difficult boss, frustrating coworker, failed project, or stressful period at work.
The interview is not the place to unload your entire history of workplace grievances.
Even if you had a genuinely terrible experience, focus on what you learned, how you responded, and what you would do differently today.
For example, instead of spending five minutes explaining how unreasonable your former manager was, you could say:
“My former manager and I didn’t always see things the same way, but the experience taught me to communicate more proactively and clarify expectations early.”
You’re not required to pretend the situation was wonderful. You’re showing the interviewer that you can discuss difficult experiences professionally.
17. Be careful with humor
A little humor can make a conversation feel natural. But jokes during a job interview can also backfire quickly.
You don’t know exactly how the interviewer will interpret your sense of humor, and something that seems harmless to you could come across as inappropriate, insensitive, or unprofessional.
So don’t force it.
If a naturally funny moment happens during the conversation, there’s nothing wrong with smiling or sharing a light comment. Just avoid turning the interview into a comedy routine.
In particular, stay away from jokes about the interviewer, their profession, sensitive topics, or the company.
18. Be honest about your weaknesses
“Tell me about your biggest weakness” is one of the most common interview questions—and one of the easiest to answer badly.
Avoid the cliché of disguising a strength as a weakness:
“I work too hard.”
Most interviewers have heard that one many times.
Instead, choose a genuine weakness that isn’t fundamentally incompatible with the position, then explain what you’re doing to improve.
For example:
“I sometimes get nervous when speaking in front of large groups. It hasn’t prevented me from doing my job, but I know I can communicate more effectively if I become more comfortable with public speaking. I recently joined Toastmasters, and I’ve already noticed an improvement.”
That answer works because it demonstrates self-awareness and action. You’re not simply admitting a weakness—you’re showing that you’re working on it.
19. Ask thoughtful questions about the job
Near the end of most interviews, the interviewer will give you an opportunity to ask questions. Take it seriously.
Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’ve been paying attention and are genuinely interested in understanding the role. It also gives you a chance to learn more about what the job is actually like beyond the information in the job posting.
You might ask:
- “What does a typical day in this position look like?”
- “What are the biggest priorities for the person who takes this role?”
- “What does success look like during the first six months?”
- “How does the team typically collaborate?”
- “What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will face?”
- “What opportunities are there for professional growth?”
Try to focus most of your questions on the position, the team, and the company rather than immediately asking about salary, vacation time, or other perks.
Those things matter, of course. But your questions should also demonstrate that you’re thinking about the work itself and how you could contribute.
20. Thank the interviewer for their time
When the interview ends, don’t simply stand up and walk away.
Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. A brief, sincere expression of appreciation is enough.
You might say:
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I really appreciate you telling me more about the position and the team. It was great learning more about the opportunity.”
If the interviewer went out of their way to help you—perhaps they explained the hiring process, arranged a convenient interview time, or gave you additional information—acknowledge that, too.
Small details like this can leave the conversation on a positive note.
21. Let the interviewer know you’re interested in the job
If you genuinely want the position, don’t assume the interviewer already knows that.
At the end of the conversation, it’s perfectly reasonable to express your interest directly. You don’t need to sound desperate or overly enthusiastic. Just be clear.
For example:
“After speaking with you, I’m even more interested in the position. I think my experience would allow me to contribute to the team, and I’d be excited to take the next step.”
This can also be a good opportunity to briefly reinforce why the role appeals to you.
22. Send a follow-up email within 24 hours
Your interview doesn’t necessarily end when you leave the room or close your laptop.
Within a day, consider sending a short thank-you email. Keep it concise. Thank the interviewer for their time, mention something specific from your conversation, and reaffirm your interest in the position.
For example:
“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I enjoyed learning more about the position and especially appreciated our conversation about the upcoming project. After our discussion, I’m even more interested in the opportunity and would be excited to contribute my experience to the team.”
A follow-up message doesn’t need to be long or overly formal. In fact, shorter is often better.
The goal is simply to maintain the connection and show that you appreciated the conversation.
23. Research the company before your interview
One of the easiest ways to prepare for a job interview is to learn about the company beforehand.
Spend some time on its website. Read about its products or services, mission, leadership, recent projects, and current priorities. Then look beyond the company website and check recent news or public announcements.
You don’t need to become an expert. You just want enough context to understand where the company is heading and how the position fits into the bigger picture.
Pay particular attention to:
- The company’s mission and values
- Recent projects or major announcements
- Products or services
- Current business priorities
- The company’s target customers
- Recent developments in the industry
Good research also gives you better questions to ask during the interview.
Instead of asking something you could have answered with a 30-second visit to the company website, you can ask questions that demonstrate genuine curiosity.
24. Look up your interviewer on LinkedIn
If you know who will be interviewing you, it can be useful to look at their professional background on LinkedIn.
You may learn about their current role, previous positions, education, or areas of expertise. That information can give you some useful context before the conversation.
You might even discover a professional connection you genuinely share.
For example, perhaps you attended the same university, worked in the same industry, or have experience with a similar type of project. If it naturally comes up during the conversation, you can mention it.
But keep this professional.
There’s a big difference between researching someone’s career and digging into their private life. Stick to information that’s relevant to the workplace, and don’t make the interviewer feel as though you’ve been investigating them personally.
25. Study the job description carefully
The job description is essentially a roadmap for your interview preparation.
Read it more than once. Look for recurring words, required skills, responsibilities, and qualities the employer emphasizes. Then connect those requirements to specific examples from your own experience.
Suppose the job description mentions:
- “Self-starter”
- “Innovative problem solver”
- “Strong team player”
Don’t simply tell the interviewer that you possess all three qualities.
Prepare evidence.
Think of a situation where you worked independently and delivered results. Identify an example where you developed an unusual solution to a problem. Then prepare a story that demonstrates how you helped a team accomplish something important.
Specific examples are far more convincing than a list of adjectives.
26. Practice answering common interview questions
You can’t predict every question you’ll receive in a job interview. You can, however, prepare for many of the questions that come up repeatedly.
Spend some time thinking through questions such as:
- What are your greatest strengths?
- What is one of your weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- Why are you leaving your current position?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What can you offer that other candidates may not?
- Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
- What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Write down the key points you want to communicate, then practice saying them out loud.
There’s an important distinction here: practice your answers, but don’t memorize a script.
If you memorize every sentence, you may sound robotic. Instead, remember the main ideas and supporting examples. That gives you enough structure to stay focused while still sounding like yourself.
Speaking your answers aloud is much more useful than simply reading them silently. You’ll quickly notice which answers sound awkward, too long, or unclear.
27. Do a mock job interview
One of the best ways to prepare for a job interview is to practice under realistic conditions.
Ask a friend, family member, colleague, or mentor to conduct a mock interview. Give them a list of common interview questions and ask them to behave as much like a real interviewer as possible.
Sit down. Put your phone away. Answer the questions without stopping to restart every time you make a small mistake.
Then ask for honest feedback.
Were your answers too long? Did you avoid eye contact? Did you use too many filler words? Did you sound confident, or did you sound as though you were simply reciting memorized answers?
If you don’t have someone who can practice with you, record yourself answering interview questions aloud. Watching the recording may feel uncomfortable at first, but it can reveal habits you don’t notice during normal conversations.
28. Prepare 5–10 questions to ask the interviewer
Don’t wait until the interviewer says, “Do you have any questions for me?” to start thinking.
Before the interview, prepare a list of five to ten questions. You probably won’t ask all of them, but having options means you won’t be stuck if several of your questions are answered naturally during the conversation.
Your questions could include:
- “What does the team structure look like?”
- “What would you want the person in this role to accomplish during the first few months?”
- “What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?”
- “How do employees typically collaborate on major projects?”
- “What opportunities are available for professional development?”
- “What resources would I have available in this position?”
Also consider asking about the biggest projects associated with the role. This can lead to a more substantive conversation and help you understand what you’d actually be working on.
And remember: your prepared list is a backup, not a checklist. If the interviewer answers one of your questions during the conversation, move on.
29. Prepare stories that demonstrate your skills
A strong interview answer often includes a story.
Instead of simply saying, “I’m a good problem solver,” describe a time when you actually solved a difficult problem.
Think about experiences where you:
- Accomplished something significant
- Solved a difficult problem
- Overcame an obstacle
- Handled a stressful situation
- Improved a process
- Helped a struggling team
- Demonstrated leadership
- Won or retained an important client
- Made a mistake and recovered from it
For example, you could talk about how you handled a situation where a coworker took credit for your work, how you helped a team that wasn’t communicating effectively, or how you solved a problem that could have created a serious financial or operational issue.
The story itself doesn’t have to be dramatic. What matters is that it gives the interviewer concrete evidence of how you think and act.
The STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—is particularly useful for organizing these stories. Start by explaining the situation, describe what you needed to accomplish, explain the action you personally took, and finish with the result.
Prepare several stories in advance so you can adapt them to different interview questions.
30. Bring copies of your resume and portfolio
Even if the interviewer already has your resume, bring several copies to an in-person interview.
Put your resume and, if relevant, your cover letter in a clean folder or professional portfolio. Having extra copies means you’ll be prepared if another person unexpectedly joins the interview.
If your profession relies on examples of previous work, bring your portfolio as well.
A designer, writer, photographer, marketer, architect, or other creative professional may need a portfolio to demonstrate their abilities. For some positions, however, it may not be necessary.
If you’re unsure, check what is customary in your industry or ask the recruiter beforehand.
For a virtual interview, make sure your digital portfolio or relevant work samples are easy to access. You don’t want to waste five minutes searching through folders while the interviewer waits.
31. Prepare for a second interview
Making it to a second interview is a different stage of the hiring process.
At this point, the employer may already know the basics of your background. The conversation may go deeper into your skills, experience, problem-solving abilities, and how you would approach the actual responsibilities of the position.
Prepare additional stories from your career and education. Review the job description again and think about specific situations that demonstrate your ability to handle the role.
You may also meet several people during a second interview, including potential coworkers, managers, or people from other departments. Be prepared to adjust your conversation depending on who is asking the questions.
And expect a few questions you didn’t see coming.
Ask a friend or colleague to throw some unexpected questions at you during practice. The goal isn’t to prepare an answer for every possible question. It’s to become comfortable thinking on your feet.
The more familiar you are with your own experience, accomplishments, and career stories, the easier it becomes to give thoughtful answers—even when the question catches you off guard.
A great job interview isn’t about delivering perfect answers to every question. It’s about showing up prepared, communicating clearly, demonstrating how your experience relates to the position, and giving the interviewer a genuine sense of who you are as a professional.
Preparation won’t eliminate every nervous feeling. That’s okay.
You don’t need to walk into the interview feeling completely fearless. You simply need to be prepared enough that your nerves don’t get in the way of showing what you can do.
