25 Job Interview Tips to Help You Get Hired in 2026

Getting invited to a job interview means an employer has already seen something in your application worth exploring.

Now your goal is to turn the information on your resume into a clear story about what you can do, how you work and why you could be a good fit for the position.

A successful interview is rarely about having the perfect answer to every question. Preparation, specific examples, communication and genuine interest in the role usually matter much more.

The New York State Department of Labor recommends researching the employer and position, understanding your strengths, preparing examples that demonstrate those strengths and planning carefully for the interview itself.

Similarly, CareerOneStop , a career resource sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, recommends researching the employer and practicing answers to common interview questions before the interview.

Before the interview

Most interview performance is influenced by what happens before you enter the room or join the video call.

1. Read the job description again

Start with the job posting.

Identify the responsibilities, skills and qualifications the employer emphasizes most. Those are likely to influence the questions you receive.

Look especially for repeated requirements such as:

• Customer service
• Sales
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Communication
• Excel or other software
• Industry knowledge
• Certifications
• Years of experience

For each important requirement, think of one example that demonstrates you have used that skill successfully.

2. Research the company

One of the easiest ways to stand out is to understand the organization before you speak with the interviewer.

Review:

• The employer's website
• Products or services
• Recent company news
• Mission and values
• Locations
• Customers or markets served
• The team or department connected to the role

The New York State Department of Labor interview guide specifically recommends researching the employer so you can better explain how your abilities fit its needs.

You do not need to memorize the company's history. Focus on information that helps you understand the job.

3. Know the story your resume tells

Anything on your resume can potentially become an interview question.

Before the interview, review:

• Your employment dates
• Job titles
• Main responsibilities
• Achievements
• Skills
• Education
• Certifications
• Employment gaps

You should be able to explain every major item naturally without appearing surprised by your own resume.

If your resume needs improvement before you begin applying, see our guide to the best resume format for job applications .

Candidates with limited employment history can also read our guide on how to write a resume with no work experience .

4. Prepare a strong answer to “Tell me about yourself”

This is often one of the first questions in an interview.

Avoid giving your entire life story. Instead, use a simple structure:

1. What you do now
2. Your most relevant previous experience
3. Why this opportunity makes sense as your next step

Example

I'm currently working in customer service, where I help customers resolve account and billing issues. Over the past three years I've developed strong experience handling high-volume interactions and solving problems quickly. I'm now looking for an opportunity where I can use those skills in a role with more responsibility, which is what interested me about this position.

Aim for a focused answer rather than a long autobiography.

5. Prepare examples, not just adjectives

Anyone can say:

“I work well under pressure.”

A stronger candidate can show it.

Weak answer

I'm very organized and good at multitasking.

Stronger answer

In my previous role I frequently handled customer requests while processing orders and updating our internal system. During busy periods I prioritized urgent requests first and used a checklist to make sure nothing was missed.

The second answer gives the employer evidence.

6. Use the STAR method for behavioral questions

Behavioral interview questions often begin with phrases such as:

• “Tell me about a time when...”
• “Give me an example of...”
• “Describe a situation where...”

A useful way to structure your answer is the STAR method:

• Situation: What was happening?
• Task: What were you responsible for?
• Action: What did you personally do?
• Result: What happened?

Example

A customer contacted us because an important order had been delayed. I was responsible for finding a solution before their deadline. I contacted our warehouse, found an alternative shipment option and kept the customer updated throughout the process. The order arrived the next morning and the customer later renewed their account.

7. Practice answers out loud

Thinking about an answer and actually saying it are different things.

CareerOneStop recommends practicing responses to common interview questions, including using real examples from work, school or other experiences.

Practice:

• In front of a mirror
• With a friend
• While recording yourself
• In a mock interview

The goal is not to memorize every word.

You want to know your key points well enough that your answer sounds natural.

8. Prepare your salary expectations

Salary can come up during the interview process.

Do not wait until the interviewer asks before deciding what you want. Research:

• The employer's posted salary range
• Market pay for similar jobs
• Local salaries
• Your experience level
• The complete benefits package

For scripts and examples, read our complete guide: How to Negotiate Salary in 2026 .

9. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer

An interview is not only an employer evaluating you. You are also learning whether the job fits your goals.

Good questions include:

• What would success look like in the first 90 days?
• What are the biggest challenges someone in this role will face?
• How is performance measured?
• What does a typical day look like?
• Who would I work with most closely?
• Why is this position open?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Avoid asking something that could have been answered by spending 30 seconds on the company's website.

10. Learn what type of interview you're attending

Not every interview follows the same format.

CareerOneStop identifies formats including screening interviews and more detailed selection interviews, while the New York State Department of Labor also discusses one-on-one and panel interviews.

Before the meeting, ask whether the interview will be:

• Phone
• Video
• One-on-one
• Panel
• Group interview
• Technical interview
• Multiple rounds

Knowing the format can help you prepare appropriately.

11. Plan your route or test your technology

Do not create avoidable stress on interview day.

For an in-person interview

Confirm:

• Exact address
• Building entrance
• Travel time
• Transit delays
• Parking options
• Security or check-in requirements

For a virtual interview

Test:

• Internet connection
• Camera
• Microphone
• Interview software
• Lighting
• Background

CareerOneStop's virtual interview guidance also recommends reviewing the job description, researching the company and doing a practice run before the interview.

12. Dress for the environment you're interviewing for

Interview clothing does not need to look identical for every industry.

A law firm, restaurant, construction company and technology startup may all have different expectations.

The New York State Department of Labor recommends understanding the work environment and choosing clothing that shows you understand how employees in that environment typically present themselves.

When unsure, being slightly more polished than the normal workplace standard is usually safer than appearing significantly less formal.

13. Bring the right materials

For an in-person interview, useful items may include:

• Several copies of your resume
• Photo ID if building security may require it
• Pen
• Notebook
• Portfolio or work samples if relevant
• Copies of licenses or certifications when appropriate
• Your list of questions for the employer

The New York State Department of Labor specifically recommends preparing items such as identification, resume copies, paper and pen, work samples where applicable and questions for the interviewer.

During the interview

14. Make a strong first impression

Your interview begins before the first formal question.

Be professional with:

• Reception staff
• Security
• Recruiters
• Assistants
• Potential coworkers

Interviewers may ask other employees about their interaction with you.

Be polite, attentive and professional from the moment you enter the organization or join the video meeting.

15. Listen to the entire question before answering

Nervous candidates sometimes begin answering before the interviewer has finished.

Listen carefully.

A short pause before answering is perfectly acceptable.

If you do not understand the question, ask for clarification:

Could you clarify what you mean by that?

or:

Would you like an example from my current role or from my previous experience?

16. Answer the question that was actually asked

Long answers are not automatically better answers.

If the interviewer asks:

“Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.”

They probably do not need a ten-minute description of your entire customer-service career.

Choose one relevant example and explain it clearly.

17. Quantify your accomplishments when possible

Numbers make achievements easier to understand.

Instead of:

I helped improve sales.

Try:

Over six months, my territory's monthly sales increased by approximately 18%.

Useful metrics can include:

• Revenue
• Sales
• Customers served
• Time saved
• Costs reduced
• Projects completed
• Team size
• Customer satisfaction
• Processing volume

18. Explain what you did, not only what the team did

Teamwork matters, but interviewers also need to understand your individual contribution.

Using “we” constantly can make it difficult to determine what you personally accomplished.

It is fine to say:

Our team was responsible for launching the project. My role was to coordinate the customer onboarding process and track implementation deadlines.

That demonstrates teamwork while clearly defining your contribution.

19. Be honest when you don't know something

Do not invent skills or experience.

If an interviewer asks about a tool you have never used, a strong response can be:

I haven't worked directly with that platform yet. I have used [similar tool], and I was able to learn it quickly. I'd be comfortable learning this system as well.

That is much stronger than pretending you are experienced and being unable to answer the next question.

20. Don't speak negatively about previous employers

Even if you had a genuinely difficult experience, focus on what you want next rather than attacking your previous employer, manager or coworkers.

Instead of:

My manager was terrible and the company didn't know what it was doing.

Try:

I'm looking for a role with clearer opportunities for growth and more responsibility.

The second answer keeps the conversation focused on your future.

21. Show interest without sounding desperate

Employers generally want candidates who are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

You can show enthusiasm by:

• Knowing the company
• Asking thoughtful questions
• Connecting your experience to the job
• Explaining why the role interests you

You do not need to say:

“I'll take anything.”

That can weaken the impression that you specifically want this job.

22. Pay attention to body language

The New York State Department of Labor emphasizes non-verbal communication during interviews.

Useful habits include:

• Maintaining attentive eye contact
• Sitting with good posture
• Avoiding excessive fidgeting
• Showing that you are listening
• Using natural facial expressions

For virtual interviews, try looking toward the camera periodically rather than watching your own image constantly.

23. Ask about the next step before leaving

Before the interview ends, find out what happens next.

You can simply ask:

What are the next steps in the hiring process?

You might learn:

• Whether there is another interview
• When the employer expects to decide
• Whether references will be contacted
• Whether an assessment is required

This also makes follow-up easier because you know the employer's timeline.

After the interview

24. Send a short thank-you message

After the interview, send a concise thank-you email.

The New York State Department of Labor recommends following up with a thank-you letter or email after an interview.

Keep it short.

Example

A personalized message is better than a generic template copied without modification.

25. Review the interview and keep applying

After the interview, write down what happened while it is still fresh.

Ask yourself:

• Which answers went well?
• Which questions were difficult?
• What information did I forget to mention?
• What did I learn about the employer?
• Would I actually want this job if it were offered?

The New York State Department of Labor recommends reviewing what went well and what could be improved after an interview.

And one of the most important rules of job searching is simple: keep applying until you have accepted an offer you want.

You can browse current job opportunities on Empregara or explore jobs in New York City .

Common job interview questions to prepare for

You cannot predict every question, but candidates should be ready to discuss the most common themes.

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What is one area you're working to improve?
• Tell me about a difficult customer or situation.
• Tell me about a mistake you made.
• Describe a conflict with a coworker.
• How do you prioritize your work?
• Why should we hire you?
• Where do you see yourself in a few years?
• What salary are you expecting?

Do not memorize a script for each question. Instead, prepare several strong examples that can be adapted to different questions.

How to answer “Why should we hire you?”

Connect three things:

1. What the employer needs
2. Your relevant qualifications
3. Evidence that you can perform the work

Example

From our conversation, it sounds like you're looking for someone who can handle a high volume of customers while maintaining accuracy. In my current role I regularly manage more than 50 customer requests per day while maintaining our quality targets. That experience would allow me to contribute quickly in this position.

How to answer “What is your biggest weakness?”

Avoid fake weaknesses such as:

“I work too hard.”

Choose a genuine area that is not a fundamental requirement of the position, and explain what you are doing to improve it.

Example

Earlier in my career I sometimes spent too much time perfecting small details. I've become better at setting time limits and prioritizing the parts of a project that have the greatest impact.

How to answer “Why did you leave your last job?”

Keep the answer brief and future-focused.

Examples

I'm looking for more opportunities to develop my skills and take on additional responsibility.

My previous position ended after the company reorganized the department, and I'm now looking for a role where I can apply my experience in [skill].

Virtual job interview tips

Video interviews require almost all the same preparation as in-person interviews, plus technical preparation.

Before joining:

• Test your camera and microphone
• Charge your computer
• Close unnecessary apps
• Silence notifications
• Choose a quiet location
• Use a clean or neutral background
• Position the camera near eye level
• Keep your resume and job description nearby
• Join a few minutes early

CareerOneStop recommends conducting a practice run and reviewing the job description and employer before a virtual interview. You can review its virtual interview guidance for additional preparation.

What if an interviewer asks an inappropriate question?

Most interview questions should focus on whether you can perform the job.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explains that pre-employment inquiries should generally be limited to information relevant to determining whether someone is qualified for a position.

Questions involving areas such as race, religion, sex, disability and other protected characteristics can raise discrimination concerns. The EEOC also places specific restrictions on disability-related questions and medical examinations before a conditional job offer.

If you receive a question you are uncomfortable answering, you can redirect it toward the job requirement.

Example

If someone asks about family responsibilities, you could respond:

I can meet the schedule and attendance requirements of the position. Could you tell me more about the normal working hours?

Job interview checklist

What if you have little or no work experience?

You can still interview effectively without a long employment history.

Use examples from:

• School projects
• Volunteer work
• Internships
• Sports
• Community organizations
• Freelance projects
• Family responsibilities
• Informal work

The employer is often looking for evidence of qualities such as reliability, communication, teamwork and willingness to learn.

You may also want to explore our guide to jobs that usually don't require previous work experience .

What to do if you receive a job offer

An interview can eventually lead to the conversation every candidate wants: a job offer.

Do not look only at the headline salary. Consider:

• Base pay
• Bonus or commission
• Health benefits
• PTO
• Schedule
• Commute
• Remote-work options
• Career progression
• Job responsibilities

If the compensation is below what you expected, you may be able to negotiate. See our complete salary negotiation guide with scripts and examples .

Frequently asked questions about job interviews

How should I prepare for a job interview?

Review the job description, research the employer, study your resume, prepare examples of your experience, practice common questions, prepare questions for the interviewer and confirm the interview logistics in advance.

How early should I arrive for an interview?

Give yourself enough time to handle transportation, parking, security or technical issues without rushing. For virtual interviews, connect early enough to verify that your camera, microphone and software are working.

What should I bring to a job interview?

For an in-person interview, consider bringing copies of your resume, identification if needed for building access, a pen and notebook, work samples when relevant and any licenses or certifications the employer requested.

What questions should I ask at the end of an interview?

Ask about the responsibilities, expectations, team, performance measures, challenges, company culture and next steps in the hiring process.

Should I send a thank-you email after an interview?

A short, professional thank-you message can reinforce your interest and give you another opportunity to briefly mention why you fit the role. The New York State Department of Labor recommends sending a thank-you note after an interview.

How long should interview answers be?

There is no universal time limit. Give enough detail to answer the question and provide useful evidence, but avoid unrelated stories. Behavioral answers often benefit from a clear situation, action and result.

What should I do if I don't know the answer?

Be honest. If the question involves a skill or technology you have not used, explain related experience and how you would learn the new skill rather than pretending to know something you do not.

What is the best way to answer behavioral interview questions?

Use a clear example. The STAR structure — Situation, Task, Action and Result — can help organize the story and keep the answer focused.

How do I prepare for a virtual interview?

Test your internet, camera, microphone and interview software beforehand. Choose a quiet environment, position the camera appropriately, minimize distractions and practice speaking naturally on video.

Sources and further reading

• New York State Department of Labor — Interviewing
• CareerOneStop — Get Ready to Interview
• CareerOneStop — Types of Interviews
• CareerOneStop — Virtual Interviews
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — Prohibited Employment Policies and Practices

Editorial note: Interview expectations vary by employer, industry and position. This article provides general career guidance and does not guarantee a job offer. Always review the instructions provided by the employer before your interview.