How (not) to Fail an Interview

Jan 13, 2024

If interviews terrify you, or they just aren't your strong suit, I'm here to ease the anxiety and increase your confidence. I picked the brain of a recruiter who reviews hundreds of resumes and conducts dozens of screening interviews each week. 

So we're all clear, the screening interviews Amy conducts are initial interviews after she reviews the resume pool. She's screening candidates for any red flags, qualifications and to be sure they will mesh well with company culture. If a candidate passes this interview, they move on to join her in the next interview with management. Her goal is to present impressive candidates to her bosses. She doesn't want to waste their time. So, this first interview is key.

Many of Amy's screening interview pet peeves seem related to professionalism and common courtesy, but after hearing her share story after story of what she sees, I recognize that the foundation is still vital for me to share. Basics first.

Interview Basics 

  • Read the emailed instructions prior to the interview to know whether it is phone, virtual or in person. If unsure, ask! You want to be prepared to have your camera on if it is virtual.

  • If virtual, try the technology ahead of time. Test your connection, sound and camera.

  • Be early. For virtual interviews, Amy will leave the meeting 5 or so minutes after the scheduled time. Your timeliness makes a big impression.

  • Dress professionally. You don't need a full suit, but look put together.

  • For virtual, check background and lighting. Be sure you can be seen (no bright windows or lights right behind you or dark lighting) and that there is nothing distracting or unprofessional behind you. She doesn't expect a Pinterest worthy background, just one that allows her to easily focus on you and the interview.

  • She wants to see your mannerisms and how you carry yourself. Look at the camera at least a little bit. Give your full attention. Turn off other screens in the room.

  • If you no longer wish to attend the interview, give the courtesy of letting the company know. Ghosting is disrespectful and you never know when burned bridges will come back to get you. Amy deals with "no shows" every day. Don't be one of them.

Okay, we've laid the groundwork. Let's talk about how to prepare and stand out. There is so much power in the preparation. It sets you apart at every stage in the process. (My tip: do NOT wing it. Ever.)

How to Nail the First Interview

  • Be conversational with every answer. The interviewer is trying to get to know you and your experience. One word answers will frustrate them and make it appear that you don't communicate effectively or that you do not care.

  • Amy told me that she's going to ask you questions to see if you read the job description or not. She does this with a very simple question, since they are back in the office. “Have you had a chance to look up where our company is and are you comfortable coming into the office?” It was in the job posting. She can tell when they didn’t even look at it because they won't know where the office is or if they can commute there. Read the description top to bottom right before the interview so you have all the details top of mind. If you're applying for a lot of positions, you don't want to have it mixed up with another job.

  • When Amy sits down for an interview, she has the resume, her questions and the job posting in front of her. As the candidate is talking, she's matching what they say to the job posting. When they something that matches, she'll ask more about that. If you haven't already thought through how your experience lines up with the role while writing your cover letter, definitely consider that vital preparation for any interview.

  • I guarantee in every interview you've had, you've been asked if YOU have any questions for the interviewer. Admittedly, I have said no a time or two in my own interview. Amy gave me a hard time on that one. This is a pet peeve of hers. HAVE A QUESTION. (Yes, she kind of yelled that) Even if it’s an overused or stock question, ask something! Amy said it tells her you don’t care if you don’t ask a question. If you get this job, you’re going to spend 8 hours a day/5 days a week there, you should have questions.

  • Sell yourself! This is your chance to convince the recruiter to send your application forward.

  • Be ready to summarize your experience to date and why you are looking for a new opportunity. Think through this one. Don't let these questions take you by surprise. This is another great opportunity to show them you've done your research about the company. Tell them why you want to work there...and use your research to back it up!

Well. That was a lot to take in, wasn't it? Bookmark this for future reference. Amy gave me some incredible wisdom to share with you. You have what it takes to nail an interview. It's all found in professionalism and preparation. 

If interviewing makes you sweat, let me give you my own secret. Write a cover letter. It causes you to do a lot of this work in advance and gives you the opportunity to write out your personal sales pitch. This kind of preparation is proven to help you in those nervous moments! Your thoughts will be more organized and you'll be ready to connect your experience to the role. If you have no idea where to start on your cover letter, here is my template in a Google doc form that you can copy and paste and fill in your own details. This cover letter has gotten me an interview every time. I know it's going to take all the guesswork out for you!