So, you’ve got the interview. That’s already a big win, right? But now, it’s time for the real challenge. Let’s face it—interviews can be nerve-wracking. Even if you're confident about your qualifications, the pressure to perform can feel a bit much. The key to making it through successfully isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you say it, how you act, and, of course, how well you prepare. Let’s break down some simple but effective do’s and don’ts that will help you make a great impression.

The Do’s: What You Should Definitely Do

1. Prepare Like You Mean It Okay, so this one might sound obvious, but hear me out. When I say "prepare," I don't just mean glancing over the job posting an hour before your interview. Really dig into the company. Look at their mission statement, their latest projects, any industry news you can find. You’ll be amazed at how many candidates show up without knowing even the basics about the company. Don’t be that person.

Know the Role: Sure, you’ve read the job description, but can you list exactly how your skills match? Can you talk about the projects you’ve worked on that would make you a perfect fit? Be specific.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions: A lot of interviews follow a standard set of questions. Stuff like, “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge” or “Give me an example of when you worked in a team.” These can feel like curveballs if you’re not prepared. Try the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. It'll make your answers feel organized and confident, not rambling.

2. Dress for the Part (Not for the Runway) Let’s talk about your outfit for a second. Look, I know, you probably don’t want to wear a suit if you’re interviewing at a tech startup, but don’t go too casual either. You want to strike a balance—dress appropriately for the company’s culture, but always err on the side of being slightly more formal than the average workday.

3. Arrive Early (But Not Too Early) So, you’ve got your outfit together, and you’re feeling pretty good about it. Now, don’t sabotage yourself by showing up too late. You don’t need to be at the company an hour before your interview time, but being there 10-15 minutes early? That’s the sweet spot. Not only does it give you time to breathe, but it also shows you’re serious about the opportunity.

And, okay, for those of you with virtual interviews... test your tech before you log in. Seriously. There’s nothing worse than a 5-minute scramble before a Zoom interview because you forgot to plug in your headphones. Trust me on this.

4. Be Present and Engaged (It’s Not Just About The Words) Okay, so this is probably something we all forget sometimes, but it’s huge. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Smile, make eye contact, sit up straight. It feels cheesy, but it works. No one wants to interview a zombie who’s barely awake, right?

I know—it’s hard to stay “on” when you’re nervous. But if you find yourself zoning out, just take a deep breath and refocus. It makes a world of difference.

5. Ask Questions (Real Ones) Look, if you’re not asking any questions by the end of the interview, it might seem like you’re just not interested. You don’t have to come up with something groundbreaking, but showing that you’ve thought about the role and the company is crucial.

Here’s the trick: Ask about things you genuinely want to know. Something like, “What does a successful first six months in this role look like?” or “What are some challenges your team has faced recently?” will make you seem engaged and thoughtful. Just don’t go for the generic, “So, what’s the salary?” questions yet—save that for later.

6. Follow Up (It’s Not Just a Formality) Okay, this one might sound like overkill to some of you, but hear me out. Sending a thank-you email after an interview isn’t just polite—it shows you’re invested. A quick, personalized thank-you note (nothing over-the-top, just sincere) goes a long way. It’s a nice way to reaffirm your interest and leave a positive, lasting impression.

Trust me, that little gesture can help you stand out, especially if there are other candidates with similar qualifications.

The Don’ts: What You Should Definitely Avoid

1. Don’t Wing It You might think, “I’ll just go in there and be myself, it’ll be fine.” But here’s the thing—you’ll come across as unprepared. Even if you’re good at thinking on your feet, winging an interview is a risky strategy. You can’t afford to leave things up to chance.

I mean, sure, it’s possible to stumble upon an answer that sounds great, but it’s a lot better to know exactly how your skills and experiences relate to the role. Trust me, it’ll make everything feel smoother.

2. Don’t Badmouth Your Previous Employers It’s tempting to share all the terrible things your last company did (we’ve all been there), but resist. Badmouthing a previous employer can make you seem unprofessional, even if they weren’t exactly a dream to work for.

Instead of focusing on the negative, talk about how you grew or what you learned from those experiences. It shows maturity and professionalism.

3. Don’t Interrupt or Talk Over the Interviewer Interrupting feels natural when you’re nervous or eager to share your thoughts, but it can leave a bad impression. It signals that you’re not listening, and that’s not a good look.

If you need a moment to gather your thoughts, it’s okay to pause before answering. Just take a deep breath and then speak. It shows confidence and thoughtfulness.

4. Don’t Lie or Overstate Your Skills This one’s huge. It might seem like a good idea in the moment, but trust me, it never ends well. If you stretch the truth about your qualifications, it will catch up with you. Maybe not in the interview, but it will eventually.

Instead, focus on what you can do and your willingness to learn. If there’s a skill they want that you don’t quite have yet, be honest. “I haven’t had much experience with X, but I’m eager to learn and can pick up new skills quickly” is better than trying to bluff your way through it.

5. Don’t Focus Only on Salary Right Away Okay, this is tricky. Money is important. We all get that. But focusing too much on salary or benefits too early in the process might give the impression that you’re only interested in the paycheck.

If it comes up, sure, mention it. But I wouldn’t bring it up until they’ve had a chance to talk about the role and the culture. It’ll make you seem more interested in the position itself rather than just the perks.

6. Don’t Get Too Personal You don’t need to spill your life story during an interview. It’s great to show personality, but don’t go off on tangents about your personal life unless it directly ties into the job.

Keep the conversation focused on your qualifications and how you’re the best fit for the role. It’s all about finding that balance between professional and personal.

7. Don’t Overthink Your Body Language We all know that body language matters, but let’s be real: If you’re too worried about how you’re sitting, your gestures, or your posture, it can backfire. Just relax and focus on being genuine.

Yes, make eye contact and avoid crossing your arms—but don’t obsess over it. If you’re comfortable, your body language will naturally follow suit.

Conclusion: Just Be Yourself (But the Prepared Version)

Look, interviews are tough. But you don’t have to be perfect—just be prepared, be genuine, and show them why you’re the right fit for the job. If you focus on being authentic, the rest will follow. And hey, even if you don’t get the job this time, don’t stress. Every interview is practice, and every step gets you closer to the right opportunity. Good luck—you’ve got this!