What Are 20 Interview Tips?
Introduction: Why People Keep Asking, “What Are 20 Interview Tips?”
Job interviews remain one of the most stressful parts of career growth. Even highly skilled professionals can struggle to communicate their value in a short meeting with strangers who are judging their suitability for a role.
That is why so many job seekers type the same question into search engines:
What are 20 interview tips?
They are not looking for theory. They want practical advice that actually works in real interview rooms, whether in New York, London, Toronto, or Johannesburg.
This guide provides 20 proven interview tips used by recruiters and career coaches worldwide. Each tip is actionable, realistic, and designed to improve both confidence and performance.
If you are currently searching for jobs, internships, or learnerships, you can also explore opportunities at:
👉 https://www.linkinjobs.de
Why Interview Preparation Matters More Than Ever
Modern hiring processes are more competitive than ever before. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a single job opening can attract over 100 applicants in high-demand fields. Similar trends are reported in the UK and Canada by government labor agencies.
That means interviews are no longer just about meeting requirements. They are about standing out.
Good preparation can:
- Improve confidence
- Reduce anxiety
- Increase clarity of answers
- Improve body language
- Help you build rapport with interviewers
Understanding what are 20 interview tips that truly matter can significantly increase your chances of success.
Tip 1: Research the Company Deeply
Many candidates stop at reading the company homepage. That is not enough.
You should research:
- Company mission and values
- Recent news or projects
- Products or services
- Competitors and industry trends
Recruiters often ask questions designed to test whether you truly understand the organization.
Useful external sources:
- Company profiles on LinkedIn
- Business news platforms
- Industry publications
Tip 2: Understand the Job Description Line by Line
Every bullet point in the job description is a potential interview question.
Before your interview:
- Identify required skills
- Match them with your experience
- Prepare examples for each requirement
This ensures your answers stay relevant and focused.
Tip 3: Practice Behavioral Interview Questions
Many employers use behavioral questions such as:
- Tell me about a time you solved a problem
- Describe a conflict you handled at work
- Explain how you meet deadlines
The STAR method is widely recommended:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
Harvard Business Review supports this structured storytelling approach for interviews:
https://hbr.org/2015/01/how-to-use-the-star-interview-response-technique
Tip 4: Prepare Your Personal Introduction
Almost every interview starts with:
“Tell me about yourself.”
Your answer should cover:
- Who you are professionally
- Your current or recent role or studies
- Why you are interested in this opportunity
Keep it under two minutes and practice until it sounds natural.
Tip 5: Dress for the Role and Industry
Your appearance creates first impressions before you speak.
General rules:
- Corporate roles: formal business attire
- Creative roles: smart casual but polished
- Remote interviews: still dress professionally
Clothing communicates seriousness and respect for the opportunity.
Tip 6: Arrive Early or Log In Early
Being late creates stress and negative impressions.
Plan to:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early for in-person interviews
- Join online meetings at least 5 minutes early
This also gives you time to relax and focus.
Tip 7: Bring Copies of Your Resume
Even if the interviewer has your CV, bring printed copies.
This shows preparedness and professionalism.
For virtual interviews, have your resume open on screen for quick reference.
For CV help, see:
👉 https://www.linkinjobs.de/cv-tips
Tip 8: Show Confident Body Language
Non-verbal communication matters more than most people realize.
Good body language includes:
- Upright posture
- Natural eye contact
- Controlled hand movements
- Calm breathing
Confidence is communicated physically before it is spoken.
Tip 9: Listen Carefully Before Answering
One common mistake is answering too quickly without fully understanding the question.
Take a second to think before responding.
This helps you give clear, accurate answers instead of rambling.
Tip 10: Be Honest About Your Skills
Do not exaggerate abilities you cannot demonstrate.
Most interviews include technical or skills-based questions to confirm competence.
Honesty builds trust and avoids future problems.
Tip 11: Prepare Smart Questions for the Interviewer
At the end of most interviews, you will hear:
“Do you have any questions for us?”
Always say yes.
Good questions include:
- How is success measured in this role?
- What are the team’s biggest challenges?
- What growth opportunities exist?
This shows genuine interest and career focus.
Tip 12: Align Your Answers With Company Values
Companies hire people who fit their culture, not just their skills.
If the company emphasizes:
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Customer service
Then your examples should reflect those values.
You demonstrate cultural fit through storytelling.
Tip 13: Control Nervous Habits
Common nervous habits include:
- Fidgeting
- Tapping
- Speaking too fast
Practice calming techniques such as slow breathing and pausing between sentences.
Confidence often improves when speech slows down.
Tip 14: Prepare for Virtual Interview Challenges
Remote interviews introduce technical risks.
Before the interview:
- Test your camera and microphone
- Check your internet connection
- Choose a quiet, well-lit space
Virtual professionalism is now part of modern interview skills.
Tip 15: Highlight Transferable Skills
Even if you lack direct experience, transferable skills matter.
These include:
- Communication
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
These skills apply across industries and countries.
Tip 16: Be Ready to Discuss Your Weaknesses
Many candidates fear this question:
“What is your biggest weakness?”
Answer honestly but strategically:
- Choose a real but manageable weakness
- Explain how you are improving it
This shows self-awareness and growth mindset.
Tip 17: Know Your Career Goals
Employers want to understand where you are heading.
Be prepared to answer:
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What skills do you want to develop?
Clear goals suggest long-term motivation and stability.
Tip 18: Follow Up After the Interview
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
Include:
- Appreciation for the opportunity
- Brief reminder of your interest
- A professional closing
This small action can differentiate you from other candidates.
Tip 19: Learn From Rejections
Not getting selected does not mean you failed.
Ask politely for feedback if possible.
Use that feedback to improve future interviews.
Career growth is a process, not a single event.
Tip 20: Keep Practicing, Even When Employed
Interview skills fade if unused.
Regular practice keeps you prepared for future opportunities and promotions.
Treat interviewing as a professional skill that requires maintenance.
Why These 20 Interview Tips Work Across Countries
While hiring cultures vary slightly, the fundamentals remain consistent across:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- South Africa
- Australia
Employers everywhere value:
- Clear communication
- Professional behavior
- Preparation
- Cultural fit
- Growth mindset
These interview tips apply globally because human hiring decisions rely on similar psychological factors.
Interview Statistics That Support These Tips
According to LinkedIn Talent Solutions:
- 47% of candidates fail due to poor communication
- 38% fail due to lack of confidence
- 33% fail due to insufficient company research
Source: LinkedIn Global Talent Trends Reports
https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/talent-strategy/global-talent-trends
This data reinforces why preparation and presentation are critical.
How Interview Skills Connect to Long-Term Career Success
Strong interview performance helps you:
- Secure better job offers
- Negotiate higher salaries
- Transition between industries
- Compete internationally
Interviews are not just entry gates. They shape your entire career trajectory.
Finding Jobs and Preparing Strategically
Good interview skills need good opportunities.
If you are actively job hunting, internship searching, or exploring learnerships, you can find current listings and career tools at:
You can also explore:
- Career guidance articles
- CV improvement tips
- Application checklists
Internal resources include:
👉 https://www.linkinjobs.de/jobs
👉 https://www.linkinjobs.de/career-advice
Final Thoughts: Turning Interview Anxiety Into Career Confidence
So, what are 20 interview tips that truly make a difference?
They are the habits that turn nervous applicants into confident professionals.
They help you tell your story clearly, build rapport, and show employers exactly why you deserve the opportunity.
Interviews will always feel challenging, but preparation turns fear into focus and uncertainty into control.
With consistent practice and the right strategies, interviews become conversations — not interrogations.