Nobody loves interviews. Well, maybe a few people do, but for most of us they bring nerves and a bit of dread. You walk in, sit down, and suddenly every answer you rehearsed feels like it’s gone missing. If you’ve been wondering how to ace an interview, the truth is there isn’t a magic line or trick. It comes down to preparation, confidence, and remembering you’re talking to people, not robots. Read on and learn how to ace an interview.
Do More Than a Quick Google
Everyone says, “do your research.” The problem is most candidates don’t. They read the homepage, maybe look at the “About Us” section, and call it a day. That’s surface level.
If you want to stand out, go deeper, check the company’s social media posts, scroll their LinkedIn activity, see if they’ve been in the news. If it’s a bigger firm, there’ll probably be reports or press releases. For smaller ones, reviews or even a quick scan of Glassdoor might tell you something useful.
Why does this matter? Because when you bring it up, the interviewer knows you cared enough to look, mentioning a recent campaign or challenge shows you’ve already thought about how you’d fit in.
Get Ready for the Predictable Stuff
Yes, interviews can throw curveballs. But let’s be honest, there are a few questions you can almost guarantee. “Tell me about yourself.” “Why do you want this job?” “What are your strengths?” “What’s a weakness you’re working on?”
People trip over these all the time. The trick is to prepare, but not overprepare, don’t memorise a script, you’ll sound like you’re reading lines, instead, note down key points, practise saying them, and make sure you’ve got an example or two ready.
Stories are powerful. If you say “I work well under pressure,” that’s fine. If you explain how you managed a project when half the team was off sick, and still delivered on time, that’s even better.
Use STAR if You Ramble
Nerves make a lot of people talk in circles. If that’s you, try STAR. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Think of it like a mini framework.
So instead of giving a long, vague answer about teamwork, you’d set the scene, explain your role, say what you did, and then share what happened. It’s simple, and it keeps you from losing track of what you’re talking about.
Show the Human Side
Interviews aren’t just about your technical skills. Employers are looking at how you’ll work with others. Will you bring energy to the team? Can you adapt when things change?
This is where soft skills come in, talk about moments when you helped a colleague, solved a conflict, or dealt with a last-minute change. They might sound small, but they tell the interviewer what you’re really like day to day.
Ask Questions Back
Almost every interview ends the same way: “Do you have any questions for us?” Too many candidates say no. That’s a mistake.
Ask something, anything that shows you’ve thought about the role. For example, what success looks like after six months. Or how the team works together. Or what challenges the business is tackling right now.
It’s not just about impressing them, it also helps you figure out if the job is really what you want.
Watch the Body Language
Words are only half the story. How you sit, how you look at the interviewer, even whether you smile, all of it matters.
Sit up, keep some eye contact, nod when you’re listening, they’re small things, but they add up. On the flip side, folded arms, tapping your foot or looking at your phone can send the wrong signals. You don’t need to overthink it, just be present.
Practise Out Loud
Here’s where lots of people slip. They rehearse in their head, but never actually say the words. Then on the day, it feels awkward.
Do it out loud, even better, rope in a friend to throw questions at you. If you record yourself, you’ll catch habits you didn’t notice before, like speaking too quickly or drifting off. It’s uncomfortable, but it works.
Keep the Nerves in Check
You will get nervous, everyone does, the goal isn’t to get rid of nerves completely, it’s to stop them running the show. That’s the key when learning how to ace an interview.
Plan your journey so you’re not rushing and arrive with time to spare, take a few deep breaths before you walk in and remind yourself of this: you were invited because they saw potential, the hard part, getting noticed, is already done.
Don’t Forget the Follow-Up
Once it’s over, send a quick thank-you note, nothing formal, just a short email. Say thanks for their time, mention that you enjoyed the conversation, and confirm you’re interested.
It’s a small touch, but it leaves a good final impression. And it might make the difference if they’re choosing between you and another candidate.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to ace an interview isn’t about perfect answers, it’s about being prepared, showing real interest, and letting your personality come through, do your homework, practise a little, keep your nerves steady, and treat the interview like a conversation. Do that, and you’ll already be ahead of most people walking into the same room.
At Recruiting Talent, we see every day how preparation changes the outcome, with the right approach, you’ll feel more confident and give yourself the best shot at success.