Do Your Research
Understand the company, its culture, and the role you're applying for. It shows you're serious and prepared.
Interview tips for all roles
Before The Interview
Whether you're applying for an entry-level role, a mid-career position, or an executive opportunity, one thing is certain preparation is key. A successful interview goes beyond just answering questions; it’s about showcasing your personality, confidence, and fit for the role. Start by researching the company and understanding its mission, values, and recent achievements. Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. Practice answering common questions, but be ready to adapt to role-specific or situational ones as well. For all roles, communication matters. Speak clearly, be concise, and don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm. Share real examples of challenges you’ve solved or goals you’ve achieved—it adds credibility and impact to your answers. For virtual or pre-recorded interviews, test your tech, find a quiet, well-lit space, and look directly into the camera to simulate eye contact. And finally, ask thoughtful questions. No matter the role, curiosity and engagement signal professionalism and interest.
Bonus Tip: Use ThanQboss’s Pre-Recorded Interview Feature to practice and present your best self to employers—anytime, anywhere!
Before The Interview
Dress Professionally
Even if it’s a video interview, dress like you're attending in person. First impressions matter.
Practice Common Questions
Be ready to answer common interview questions like "Tell me about yourself," "What are your strengths?" and "Why should we hire you?"
Highlight Relevant Skills
Tailor your answers to match the job description. Use real examples to show your experience and achievements.
Be Confident, Not Arrogant
Confidence is key. Speak clearly, maintain eye contact (or camera focus), and be honest about what you know.
Test Your Tech (for Video Interviews)
Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working well before the interview begins.
Ask Smart Questions
At the end, ask thoughtful questions about the role or company. It shows you’re engaged and proactive.
During The Interview
If advancing in the process, the next interview steps vary based on the role you're applying for. Be prepared to demonstrate how you meet the qualifications of the job by sharing specific examples from your past or ideas about how you would accomplish a specific task. Be sure to share how skills you have gained throughout your career will translate to the role for which you are interviewing. For some of our openings you may be asked to write code, share a creative portfolio, or provide examples of your work in other ways. You’ll meet with a few people—some potential teammates and some cross-functional colleagues—for up to an hour each. The hiring team gets a chance to get to know you—and you get a chance to get to know the team. Post-interview, your recruiter can help you understand the specific timeline of when you can expect to hear back regarding the hiring decision.
During The Interview
Be on time (or early!)
Being late is a big no-no. Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. For online interviews, log in early, check your mic and camera, and ensure a clean background. Being prepared shows respect and professionalism.
Manage nervousness with preparation
It’s completely normal to feel nervous. Prepare well, take deep breaths, and remind yourself—it’s just a conversation. The more interviews you do, the more confident you’ll become. You've got this!
Maintain good body language
Yes, your body speaks too! Sit up straight, keep eye contact, smile when appropriate, and use calm gestures. These small things create a big impact and help build trust and rapport with your interviewer.
Ask thoughtful questions to the interviewer
When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”—never say “No.” Use this as an opportunity to show curiosity and initiative. Ask questions like:
- What does a typical day look like in this role?
- What are the team’s current goals?
- How is performance measured in this role?
- What tools or technologies does the team use most often?
Be honest if you don’t know something
No one knows everything—and that’s okay. If you don’t know an answer, it’s better to admit it than guess wildly. You can say something like, “I’m not sure, but I’d love to explore it further.” Honesty and curiosity go a long way.
After The Interview
After your interview concludes, the follow-up process plays a vital role in the hiring journey. Taking time to reflect on the conversation, sending a thoughtful thank-you message, and preparing for potential next steps shows continued interest and professionalism. Depending on the role, you may be asked to complete a follow-up task, participate in additional rounds, or provide further examples of your work. These interactions give the hiring team a more holistic view of your potential—and offer you insight into the company’s culture and expectations. Your recruiter will typically guide you through what comes next and when you can expect an update on the decision.
After The Interview
Send a Thank You Email Within 24 Hours
Sending a thank-you email after an interview is not just polite—it’s strategic. It reinforces your interest, shows professionalism, and reminds the interviewer of your key strengths.
Keep it short, mention something memorable from the conversation, and thank them for their time. A simple message can leave a lasting impression.
Reflect on the Interview Experience
Self-reflection is key to growth. Soon after your interview, take time to think about how it went—this helps you improve for the next one.
- Were you able to clearly explain your experience and skills?
- Did you feel confident in your responses?
- Was there anything you wish you’d said differently?
Follow Up If You Haven’t Heard Back
If the interview timeline has passed and you haven’t received an update, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email. It shows that you’re proactive and still interested.
Keep it professional and respectful. Reiterate your enthusiasm, but avoid sounding impatient or demanding.
Be Open to Feedback and Keep Learning
Every interview is a learning opportunity. If you’re given feedback, embrace it—it’s incredibly valuable. If not, reflect on your own or ask a mentor for insights.
- Take notes on areas where you hesitated or struggled.
- Update your resume or portfolio with anything you learned.
- Use the experience to sharpen your preparation for the next round.