How to Ace an Interview and Get a Job Offer

Landing an interview is an exciting step in your job search, but it's just the beginning. To turn that interview into a job offer, you have to do what the average candidate isn't doing.

And considering the job market today, 'above-average' doesn't cut it either. To get a job offer, you have to be exceptional in your interviews.

This article will teach you how to ace your next interview and receive a job offer. Whether you have an in-person or phone interview, our tips will help you present your best self and secure that job.

Before the Job Interview

Preparing for a job interview is important. It sets the stage for a successful conversation with your potential employer. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel, and this confidence will shine through during the interview setting.

Here are the key steps to take before the big day:

1. Respond to the Job Interview Invitation

When you receive an interview invitation, you should respond promptly. This shows genuine interest and respect for the opportunity. It also makes it easier for hiring managers to schedule the interview with you.

It's important to keep your response polite and professional. Confirm the date, time, and location of the interview. If the employer is hosting virtual interviews, make sure you have the necessary details, such as the link to video meeting platforms.

Being too slow to respond could disqualify you as a candidate. You won't be able to move on to the next steps of the hiring process.

2. Analyze the Job Description

After responding to the interview opportunity, you can go back to the employer's job post or website, specifically their career services page.

Next, analyze the job description carefully. You must understand the required skills and responsibilities. If you don't know a term, acronym, or technology, Google is your friend.

Then, take note of instances in your past roles where you've demonstrated these abilities. Doing so will help you prepare talking points, stories, and relevant responses to interview questions.

For example, if the job requires project management skills, think about specific projects you've managed successfully. Be ready to discuss these in detail when the interviewer asks about your work history.

3. Research the Company

Knowing about the company shows you're genuinely interested in the role.

Start with the company’s website. You can look at their mission statement and core values. Highlight things that interest you specifically or relate to your personal life.

You should also research the company's products or services. Make it your mission to know what problems they solve and who their customers are. You can also study their main competitors.

You can even read news about the company. Simply Google the company name and filter by news. Or you can go to their blog page.

Lastly, look into the leadership team. Who are the CEO and exec team, and what are they saying in the press and on social media?

You can use all the information you've learned to tailor your answers and questions during the interview. For instance, if the company recently launched a new product, you could mention it and ask how your role might contribute to its success.

4. Network with Employees

You can also connect with current and former employees of the company. Use LinkedIn to find these key people and reach out with a polite message.

Asking for advice or insights about the hiring process is among the best networking strategies to land a job. You can also get an insider’s perspective on what it's really like to work there, which helps you determine if you're a good fit.

Plus, word will likely get back to the hiring manager that you're taking the initiative. 

5. Research the Interviewer(s)

Knowing who will be interviewing you can also help you prepare.

You can find your interviewers on LinkedIn or the company's website. Learn about their role in the company and their professional background.

Then, review their online posts. This can help you find common ground or relevant topics to discuss during the interview. For example, if your interviewer has a background in sales and you have sales experience, you can tailor your answers to highlight this shared interest.

6. Practice Common Answers to Interview Questions

Whether you have in-person or video interviews, the hiring manager will usually ask general questions to learn about your background.

"Tell me about yourself" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" are just a few common questions to expect. You should practice your answers to these questions.

Keep your responses concise, compelling, and concrete (also known as the 3 Cs of interviewing). You can also highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job.

When facing behavioral questions, you can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

7. Prepare Specific Examples and Stories

While preparing responses to common questions helps, this doesn't mean you should have robot-sounding and scripted answers.

Remember, interviews want to see if you're the ideal candidate. And the best way to do this is to highlight your skills using past experiences and narratives.

Be ready with detailed examples or stories you can use to answer questions like:

• Why do you want this job at this company?
• What are your career goals?
• What would you do in this (specific situation)?
• Tell us about a time when you had a conflict with a colleague.
• Do you have experience in (specific tool or technology)?

You can always get surprised with some difficult questions, like the technical ones. In this case, don't be afraid to pause, think about your answer, and share your honest thoughts.

It's okay to say, "I don't know," or "I don't have specific experience in this area." The hiring manager will appreciate your honesty.

8. Ask Thoughtful Questions

"I don't have any questions" is one of the worst things you can say during an interview. The interviewer will automatically assume you're either uninterested or unprepared.

Remember, interviews are a two-way street. This means interviewers aren't the only ones who should ask questions. You must also prepare thoughtful questions specific to the person and their role.

For example, if you're interviewing with the hiring manager, you should go beyond usual questions like "What's the culture like?". Instead, ask the following: "Can you tell me about a recent policy or process change that you made based on feedback from the team?" Doing so will help you learn about their company culture and encourage the hiring manager to think.

When having a peer interview, you can ask something like: "I completed [ ] training on your product. What other resources would you recommend I dig into to help me learn more?" This shows you've taken the initiative and want to keep learning more.

9. Send a Pre-interview Email

The idea behind sending a pre-interview email is that the interviewer will go into the interview with a positive inclination toward you, and only a few candidates do it.

Imagine the interviewer showing up with a smile because they read your thoughtful email. That's a great starting point for your interview.

When writing a pre-interview email, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and confirm the details of the interview. Keep it brief and professional.

10. Write a Post-interview Email

Many candidates send post-interview emails or thank you notes. However, not many do it right.

Make it personalized based on what was discussed in the conversation.

You should also write it before the interview so you only have to add a few specific points from the discussion. Doing so allows you to send the email immediately following the interview before the interviewer makes a decision and submits their rating.

11. Practice Your Answers Out Loud

Practicing your answers out loud helps you become more comfortable and confident in the interview.

You can conduct a mock interview with a family member, a partner, or a friend. Make eye contact and speak clearly. After this test, you can ask them for areas of improvement regarding your body language or speech, for example.

You can also record yourself while responding to potential interview questions. Then, listen to the recording to improve your performance.

Or, even better, practice with a career mentor or coach who can provide feedback specifically related to the position you're interviewing for. 

Day of the Interview

All the preparation you’ve done leads up to this big moment. Below are the steps to follow to stand out in the interview.

1. Dress to Impress

First impressions matter. You should choose an outfit that is appropriate for the company culture and the job you’re applying for.

If you're unsure about the dress code, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Make sure your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and ironed.

You must also pay attention to grooming and hygiene. This includes clean nails, tidy hair, and minimal jewelry.

2. Bring Resumes and Other Documents

If you have an in-person interview, it's best to bring several printed copies of your resume. You can also prepare other relevant documents, such as your work portfolio, reference letters, or certificates.

Having these materials on hand shows you’re prepared and gives the interviewer something to refer to during the conversation.

3. Check Your Environment

For virtual interviews, keep your environment professional and free from distractions.

Choose a quiet, well-lit space where you won’t be interrupted. Make sure your background is tidy and neutral. Consider using a virtual background if necessary.

Then, test your internet connection, microphone, and camera ahead of time. If the interviewer can't see or hear you well, it will make for a rough interview.

4. Arrive Early

Arriving early gives you a buffer in case of any unexpected delays and shows punctuality.

For in-person interviews, aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. You can map out your route beforehand and allow extra time for traffic.

If you have a video interview, log in a few minutes early to ensure everything is working properly. It demonstrates your respect for the interviewer's time.

5. Do Warm-Ups

Use the extra time to do warm-ups before the interview. You can take deep breaths to relax and calm any nerves.

Also, practice your answers out loud one more time. Or review your key points and the questions you plan to ask the interviewer.

Additionally, some light physical activity, like a short walk or stretching, can reduce anxiety and increase your energy levels.

6. Relax and Ace Your Job Interview

The time of the interview has finally arrived! Breathe easy because you're fully prepped for this moment.

Listen carefully to each question the interview asks, and take a moment to think before you respond. Maintain good eye contact and a positive attitude. Your goal is to show enthusiasm for the role and the company.

If you get a difficult question, stay calm. You can use your prepared examples and stories to illustrate your points.

You should end the interview with a strong closing statement. Express your gratitude for the opportunity and your excitement about the potential to join the team.

After the Interview

The interview may be over, but your work isn’t done yet. What you do after the interview can have a significant impact on your chances of getting the job. Here are the steps to follow after the interview:

1. Send a Thank You Note

You already prepared a post-interview email before the interview. To personalize the message, mention something specific from your conversation.

Send this email or thank you note immediately after the interview. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position.

2. Complete Assessments on Time

Some companies may ask you to complete additional assessments, such as skills tests and personality assessments, after the interview.

Finish these tasks promptly and carefully. Check if your responses are high-quality and accurate. Doing so proves your dedication and ability to meet deadlines.

If you have questions about the assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to the recruiter for clarification.

3. Check In With the Interviewer

If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe discussed during the interview, it’s okay to follow up.

You can send a polite check-in email to check on the status of your application. Keep it brief and professional.

Better yet, you can provide value-added information in your email. Here's a good example: "I was reading this article about (something related to the company's technology), and I thought you might find it interesting. Looking forward to hearing back about the next steps!" 

Let Better Career Help You Ace Your Interview

Need further help in preparing for your upcoming interview and securing your dream job in tech sales? Here's how Better Career can assist you:

• Job Accelerator Program: Follow our step-by-step guide to land a tech sales job quickly and efficiently. Whether you want to be a Sales Engineer, Customer Success Professional, or Project Manager, our mentorship program is designed to accelerate your tech career. Say goodbye to the frustration and guesswork of a typical job search.
• 1-on-1 Career Coaching: Work closely with experienced career coaches to start or advance your career in the B2B tech industry. We'll customize the program to meet your unique goals and needs.
• B2B Tech Job Board: Connect directly with key people at hiring companies through our curated job board for B2B tech positions. This includes direct LinkedIn profiles and posts for each listing.

Haven't found what you're looking for? Fill out our contact form, and we'll get in touch with you soon!

FAQs About How to Ace an Interview

How can I make a strong first impression during the interview process?

You can make a strong first impression by dressing professionally, arriving early, and showing a positive attitude. You can also offer a firm handshake and greet your interviewer with a smile.

What should I avoid saying in a job interview?

Avoid speaking negatively about previous employers or colleagues. And steer clear of vague or generic answers. Always be honest, but remain professional and positive. You should also prepare questions for your interviewers.

How soon should I follow up after the first interview?

Send a thank you note within 24 hours. If you haven’t heard back in a week or within the timeframe provided by the recruiter, you can send a polite follow-up email to check the status of your application.

For additional interview tips, check out this video on 10 Things You Should Avoid Sharing In A Job Interview:

If you could use help landing your next AE or SE role, we can help! Apply to work with us 1-on-1. We'll personally reach out to chat about how we can help you accelerate your job search.