Your Best Interview Performance: 7 Tips to Stand Out and Succeed

Having conducted over a thousand interviews over the past two decades as both a hiring manager and recruiter, I’ve seen firsthand what separates successful candidates from the rest. An interview is not just a conversation; it’s your opportunity to demonstrate how you can add value to a company and align your skills with its needs. Preparing and practicing thoroughly can make the difference between landing the job offer and being the runner-up. Here are some actionable tips to help you excel in your next interview.

1. Understand the Company and the Role

Before starting the interview, invest time in researching:

• What the company does: Understand their products, services, mission, and industry position.

• Why they are hiring: Identify if this role is newly created to support growth, or if you’re replacing someone, which could indicate the criticality of the position.

• How the role contributes to success: Map the job responsibilities to the company’s goals. Knowing this helps you speak directly to how you can drive results.

2. Prepare Your Achievements

Be ready to articulate your professional achievements with clarity and impact:

• Document specific performance: Make a list of key projects, tools, technologies, or methodologies you have worked with. Include specific examples of companies, clients, or partners that add validity to your claims. Having these details on hand will give your answers more impact.

• Know the numbers: Quantify your impact whenever possible. For example, “I managed a $2 million project that was delivered two weeks ahead of schedule” is much stronger than a vague description. If you describe yourself as "data-driven", or it's part of the job description, this is even more paramount.

3. Know Your Names and Network

Connections and references add credibility, so use them wisely:

• Have references ready: Be prepared with names of people who can vouch for your work and provide positive, accurate feedback. This is especially important when asked for references or if you’re discussing past companies.

• Use names tactfully: While you don’t want to come across as a name dropper, mentioning relevant connections thoughtfully can lend credibility to your experience. Ensure their involvement is directly related to the role or context of the conversation. Also anticipate what the people you mention may say about you when you're not there.

4. Focus on Concise Communication

In interviews, clarity and brevity are key:

• Stick to three points or fewer per answer: Structure your responses with a beginning, middle, and end, focusing on no more than 3 points.

• Avoid rambling: If you find yourself going off on a tangent, “land the plane” by quickly summarizing your point and moving on.

• Power of the pause: A brief pause is okay prior to answering a question, asking a question, or at any critical junctures. It shows thoughtfulness and helps you stay composed.

5. Answer the Question Asked

It sounds simple, but many candidates struggle with this:

• Focus on the question: Listen carefully and respond directly to what was asked. The interviewer is asking the question for a reason, and you have to be mindful of that in your response.

• Stay on topic: If additional context is relevant, ensure it ties back to the original question to keep the interviewer’s attention. Once you get off topic, you risk the interviewer losing interest in you as a candidate, and moving on mentally.

6. Tailor Your Questions

Show your interest and preparation by crafting thoughtful questions:

• Individual-focused questions: It's important engage the interviewer, and to show interest in them. For example, asking questions such as “What’s been your biggest challenge leading this team?” or “What do you value most in a team member?”

• Company-focused questions: It's also crucial to show that you're highly interested in the company. Questions showing this interest might include, “What are the company’s growth priorities over the next year?” or “How does this role fit into the organization’s broader strategy?”

7. Practice for the Interview

Preparation doesn’t stop at research—it also includes practicing your responses and questions:

• Practice your responses: Anticipate common interview questions and rehearse your answers. Record yourself on video to review your delivery, as painful as it may feel, to identify areas for improvement.

• Debrief after interviews: After each interview, take time to reflect. Write down the questions you were asked, the responses you gave, how you felt about those responses, and what you would do differently next time. This self-evaluation is invaluable for continuous improvement.

Final Thoughts

Performing at your best in an interview requires preparation, clarity, and confidence. By understanding the company, highlighting your achievements, and communicating effectively, you’ll position yourself as the ideal candidate. Remember: preparation isn’t just about impressing the interviewer—it’s about ensuring you’re the right fit for the role and the company’s culture. Good luck!