The Perfect Job Interview
- niki738
- Nov 18, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The perfect job interview isn’t a myth. Here’s how to lead the conversation.
What this article covers:
Must-prep before you walk in. From smart research to the right questions, you’ll make a full spectrum impression.
Answers that land. Nail it with a clear message, real examples and zero worn out phrases.
Questions that elevate you. Twelve, sharp go-to questions that make an impact and shift the conversation’s momentum.
A downloadable interview guide: step-by-step prep to maximise your shot at your dream job!
Job interviews shape careers, yet many go in unprepared. But if you read on, you won't be.
With the right questions, intelligent answers and an eye for what makes your interviewer/prospective employer tick, you switch from being a ‘maybe’ to a ‘definite’ candidate at your dream company.
Heads up: talks with headhunters are interviews too, and even if no specific roles are on the table your professional presence counts. Lucky for you, our downloadable career guide (see link below) walks you through how to prep perfectly and show up clear headed, confident and convincing to dramatically boost your chances at landing your dream gig.
1. Preparation what you need to know beforehand
Here’s a little known fact you might not have realised yet - you're not in a job interview to impress anyone. You're actually there to decide... does this fit me? Our guide makes that happen organically.
Research smart: Don’t just browse the website. Check the company’s LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Kununu, read up on industry news. Whoever thinks ahead shows up differently. Your prep shapes your presence and makes the difference.
Dig into:
Company essentials: What’s their business model? How big is the company? What are their locations, strategy etc?
Competitor comparison: Who are their key rivals? What sets this company apart or ahead?
Current news & market challenges: Track developments, crises or expansions via Google News, relevant trade portals (e.g. with ChatGPT) or the company’s investor relations page. Ask yourself: How do these trends impact the business model?
Contact person: Check on LinkedIn who you are talking to. What posts does this person share or like? Are there any commonalities or topics you can address to demonstrate your expertise or motivation?
2. Answers that stick for questions that might give you the ick
“Tell me about yourself.”
Don't just walk the interviewer through your resume. Focus on the soft and hard skills you have that are relevant to this role. Walk them through your journey, what motivates you, and why you're a perfect fit for the position and company. Explain why you, why now, why this role.
“What are your strengths & weaknesses?”
Strengths aren't sold as labels, but as stories. So don’t just say that you’re a team player, show them why. Paint a scene where you made a difference in a team. Describe the project, crisis or challenge, your contribution and what it reveals about your strengths. When it comes to weaknesses: be reflective and solution oriented. Avoid clichés like ‘I’m too much of a perfectionist. Explain the real challenge and how you’re tackling it.
For example: “In my last project I often spent too long polishing tasks. Not because I was slow, but because I was never satisfied. I’m working on it: ‘very good’ can be enough. I’ve responded by setting clear deadlines and checking in on myself when refinement costs outweigh gains. Plus, I’ve started asking my manager for feedback so I can keep improving.”
“Why this company?”
In your mind, the answer is because it fits, professionally, strategically and values wise. Here’s where you explain that you’re not applying because there’s a vacancy - you’re applying because you see alignment: in values, work style, product or vision. Show them you’ve done your homework. Why exactly is this position the perfect next step in your career? What excites you and sparks your ambition? Concrete examples hit harder than any platitude.
“Your biggest wins & failures?”
Don’t be shy here - wins show impact, not self-praise. What have you achieved, with what resources and for whom? Use numbers, explain your responsibility/role, and provide outcomes and examples (without breaching confidentiality, of course). Make visible the change you drove.
Don’t be afraid to share failures, too – it demonstrates emotional and professional maturity. Failures are inevitable - what matters is how you present them. What did you learn? What would you do differently today? Focus less on the failure and more on your growth.
3. Questions that make an impact
These questions will let you truly get to know the company, its people and your career potential and signal that you're structured, ambitious, professional:
What are the biggest current challenges for this role, the team, the business?
→ If you've already researched issues: show it now! Example: “I noticed the new US tariffs hit your Boston operations. How is management responding?” Or: “AI is eliminating some of your selling points – what are you doing to stay future proof?” (this signals strategic interest and foresight).
What do you personally appreciate most about working here and what excites you about your employer?
→ Builds personal connection and gives authentic insight.
How does onboarding typically work in your company?
→ Demonstrates your professional expectation for structured integration.
What must someone in this role achieve in the first year for you to say: 'Great Job'?
→ You understand what matters and can align yourself to it.
How is success measured in this role, e.g. KPIs/OKRs and how often is feedback given?
→ Signals performance orientation and feedback culture awareness.
What does a typical day in this role look like?
→ Gives insight into everyday reality beyond the job description.
How is the team structured in terms of skills, personalities, age, company tenure, collaboration?
→ Shows you care about team dynamics and social & professional environment.
How are mistakes and successes handled here?
→ Offers insight into error and success culture.
What’s the leadership style & experience of my direct manager?
→ Indicates you value collaboration and management understanding.
What growth paths are available for this role?
→ Signals long term interest and perspective.
If not already covered: what about salary, vacation policy, benefits?
→ Once you've convinced on substance, you can confidently negotiate. If asked about salary expectations: set your anchor (check our salary negotiation guide). Tip: don’t commit immediately. Sleep on it. That looks professional.
4. Salary, benefits & vacation how you bring it up
Yes, these are important, but they shouldn't be your opener. Focus first on the role, team, and development. When they feel like they fit, ask specifically about terms. That keeps it professional and shows genuine interest in the position, and not just in perks.
Btw: if you have vacation planned, be upfront early. The best moment is when they ask about your potential start date - that gives you leverage, and helps you avoid waiting until probation week.
5. Virtual interview? Your setup matters
These days, most first interviews are digital, and an unusual number of people tank with a bad first impression. That’s why prioritising a professional setup with your laptop, not your phone, is key. And if working from home/remotely matters to you, wow them with your gear and setup!
Key points:
High quality video, camera at eye level, good lighting
Headset or external mic for clear sound. Bad or delayed audio kills communication.
Stable internet router nearby to avoid lag
Test tech a few hours ahead: mic, video, connection
Clean, professional background
Dress to match the role
Ensure silence: phone off, door shut, full focus
Be ready early: 10–15 minutes before the call
6. No go's that will hold you back
No preparation → weak impression or poor terms
Bad mouthing ex employers → lacks reflection
Lying → unnecessary, comes back to bite you, breaks trust
Ghosting → unacceptable, even with headhunters
Only focusing on benefits → sends the wrong signal
Tech chaos → unprofessional
Being late → digital or in person, always show up 10-15 minutes early
7. Follow up how to stay top of mind
Whew, the interview’s over! Now you show class. Send a short, personal follow up email within 24 hours. No essay, no copy paste. Instead: reaffirm interest, highlight key takeaways, create commitment. Those who follow up, win.
Example: “Thank you for the insightful conversation and the perspectives on XYZ. The point about XYZ really resonated with me. I see strong connections to my experience in XY. I’d like to emphasise my strong interest in the position and would be delighted to continue to the next round.” That leaves an impression of you that’s polite, professional and distinct from other candidates. And: it shows you’re thinking not just ticking process boxes.
8. Remember, every interview moves you forward
Job interviews are rare, but they are crucial. They are not a plea for approval; they are your stage, so use it! You have more to offer than you think.
Prepare well, ask smart questions, and stay true to yourself. Maybe it will not be a match. But you have still practiced, received feedback, and developed further.
And maybe it is exactly the push you needed.
Go to interviews, even when you feel unsure. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
P.S. Be sure to also read our article on Communication & Expectation Management to increase your chances of landing your dream job and securing the best possible terms!
