5 Tips for Preparing for an Interview That Will Land You the Job

Forget the rehearsed answers, it’s time to flip the script. What if I told you that interviews aren’t about giving the "right" answers but about making the interviewer believe you are the right person, regardless of what they ask? Most people prepare for interviews by memorizing answers to standard questions: “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths?” But that's predictable. If you're serious about standing out, you need a fresh strategy—one that's not reliant on outdated advice.

1. Own Your Story
Instead of regurgitating bullet points from your résumé, think about the narrative you want to tell. Your story should explain how your experiences (not just your job titles) have uniquely prepared you for this role. Consider this: What is the overarching theme of your career? Maybe it's adaptability, maybe it's creativity under pressure. Whatever it is, make sure every answer you give ties back to this narrative. This turns the interview into a coherent story, not a disjointed Q&A session. Humans are wired for stories. Give them one to remember.
In a study by Stanford, people were 22 times more likely to remember a fact if it was part of a story. So instead of saying, “I improved efficiency by 20%,” explain how you tackled inefficiencies in a chaotic environment and transformed it into a well-oiled machine. That’s memorable.

2. Prepare for the Unscripted
Here’s a harsh truth: Many interviews follow a script, but the best ones don’t. Companies are increasingly adopting behavioral or situational interview styles, meaning the questions are about hypothetical situations or your past behavior in specific scenarios. Here’s where people fall apart—they didn’t prepare for the curveballs.
To master these, rehearse stories from your career where you demonstrated key skills: leadership, problem-solving, teamwork. Frame your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), but don’t stop there. Practice answering questions that are completely random—because they often are. Questions like, “How many ping-pong balls can you fit in a school bus?” are designed to test your ability to think on your feet. The answer itself doesn't matter—your thought process does. Show how you can stay calm under pressure and think critically.

3. Interview the Interviewer
Here’s a shocker: Interviews should be a two-way street. The interview is as much about you deciding if this company is right for you as it is about them evaluating you. But don’t ask bland questions like, “What’s the company culture like?” That shows you didn’t do your homework. Instead, ask insightful questions that reveal your deep understanding of the company and the industry. This not only demonstrates that you’re serious about the role, but it also puts you in a stronger negotiating position later on.
For example: “What are the biggest challenges your team is facing right now?” or “How do you see this role evolving over the next year?” These questions show you’re thinking long-term and give you a chance to imagine yourself in the role. Now, who’s interviewing whom?

4. Body Language Is Half the Battle
You’ve heard this before, but body language is critical in interviews—and not just yours. Pay attention to the interviewer's cues. Are they engaged? Are they nodding along? If not, you may need to adjust your tone or delivery.
Researchers have found that non-verbal cues account for 55% of communication, so if your body language doesn’t match your words, you’ve already lost half the battle. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and most importantly—mirror their body language subtly. People are naturally inclined to like those who are similar to them, so use this to your advantage. If they’re leaning forward and seem enthusiastic, reflect that energy. If they’re more laid back, dial down your intensity a notch.

5. The Close That Seals the Deal
The end of the interview is just as important as the beginning. This is where most people make a fatal mistake—they don’t properly close. Your last words are the final impression, and they should be impactful. You don’t need to say, “I want this job,” but you do need to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
Try something like, “I’m really excited about the opportunity to contribute to [company name]’s mission and believe my experience in [specific area] makes me a strong candidate for this role. I would love to be a part of what you’re building.” This not only reinforces your enthusiasm but subtly reminds them why they’re talking to you in the first place. Leave no doubt in their mind that you’re the right choice.

Conclusion: Rewire Your Approach

Think of interviews as performances—you're not just showing your skills but how well you can deliver under pressure. Preparation doesn’t mean memorizing answers; it means understanding your story, practicing your reactions, and reading the room. If you shift your mindset from “getting through the interview” to “telling my story effectively,” you’ll stand out. Interviews aren’t obstacles to overcome—they’re opportunities to show exactly why you're the right person for the job.

Tip	Why It Works
Own Your Story	Creates a memorable narrative, tying back to key themes
Prepare for the Unscripted	Shows adaptability and critical thinking under pressure
Interview the Interviewer	Demonstrates deep understanding and gives you leverage
Focus on Body Language	Builds rapport through non-verbal communication
Seal the Deal	Reinforces enthusiasm and suitability for the role