Your Complete Guide to Acing a Job Interview

Interviewing for a job can be stressful, nerve-wracking, and sometimes pretty discouraging. But it doesn’t have to be. We’ve compiled all our best interview advice into a one-stop guide designed to answer every question you might have. 

The wisdom we've gathered reflects decades of collective career experience from women in a diverse array of industries across the U.S. This means you can feel empowered and confident as you focus on what should be your top priority when job searching: acing that interview! 

We’ll explore all the interview tips you need to know, from how to respond to interview questions to what to wear. 

In-person job interview tips for candidates

Are in-person interviews even a thing anymore? They are. Online interviews are convenient for everyone involved, particularly during the initial stages of the hiring process. However, when a candidate progresses further, many companies prefer to conduct the final interview in person.

What to wear to an in-person interview

Putting together your interview outfit doesn't have to be hard—you just have to do a little digging on the company to choose a look. If you're interviewing at a casual startup or marketing agency, that might call for a business casual look. A more corporate environment might call for a suit or dress. As long as you look professional, well-groomed, and appropriate, you should pass muster. 

For a little extra guidance, read this next: The Best Interview Attire for Women: All the Tips You Need

What to bring to an in-person interview

Bringing copies of your resume to an in-person interview may seem outdated in today’s digital world. However, many companies—even digitally savvy tech companies—will ask candidates for a copy on the spot, especially if multiple interviewers are involved (as someone might walk away with HR's copy).  Even if nobody asks for one, having copies on hand shows that you are prepared and professional. 

Pen and paper may also sound old school but they are essentials. Having these tools on hand can help you take down notes in case you need to address any specifics.   

If you’re interviewing at companies with day-long sessions (looking at you, startup world!), packing the essentials to get you through an entire day will help keep you sane. Make sure you’ve stashed tissues, medications, and other essential personal items (eyedrops, a spare pair of contacts, or backup glasses). Anything that will help you feel more prepared should go into your bag, purse, or briefcase. 

For an even more detailed list, check out this Fairygodboss career coach’s full rundown of what to bring to an interview.

What time to arrive to an in-person interview

Aim to arrive about 10 minutes prior to your time slot. That means planning backward from that time to account for how long it will take to get there (with traffic!), park and find the office building, and any unavoidable delays. 

While you might think “the earlier the better” for check-in, 10 minutes early is the sweet spot. Arriving more than 15 minutes early before your interview can make interviewers feel pressured to start the meeting early. (And nobody likes feeling like their calendar has been hijacked.) If you do end up arriving extra early, take a walk around the block or take a few minutes to meditate in your car before walking in.

On the flip side, if you're running late, always call or email ahead to explain the delay. And be realistic—if something happens that you know will push you later than, say, 30 minutes, ask to reschedule. (This should go without saying, but save rescheduling for true emergencies.) 

Virtual job interview tips for candidates

While in-person interviews are still relevant, virtual interviews have become a staple in the hiring process. They offer flexibility and convenience, especially for remote roles or candidates in different locations. However, a virtual interview requires its own special set of preparations. Here’s how to make a great impression from behind the screen.

What to wear to a virtual interview

Just because you’re interviewing from home doesn’t mean you should dress like it. Your outfit should still reflect professionalism, even if the interviewer can only see your top half. Stick to the same guidelines as an in-person interview: business casual for startups or creative roles, and more formal attire for corporate environments. Avoid overly bright patterns or distracting accessories, as they can look odd on camera. And yes, wear pants—just in case you need to stand up to adjust a window shade or remove your cat from your desk during the call.

Tech you need for a virtual interview

Unlike in-person interviews, you won’t need physical copies of your resume, but having pen and paper on hand is useful for taking notes. You will need to make sure your digital setup is flawless. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A reliable device: Use a laptop or desktop computer with a stable internet connection. Avoid relying on your phone unless absolutely necessary.

• A quiet, well-lit space: Choose a location with minimal distractions, good lighting, and a neutral background. If your home environment is noisy, consider using noise-canceling headphones.

• Your resume, job application, and notes: Open a digital copy of your resume, the job application you're applying to, and any prepared notes on your screen for easy reference. Keep them organized in separate tabs or windows so you can quickly access them without fumbling.

• A backup plan: Technology can be unpredictable. Have a phone or secondary device ready in case of technical issues, and make sure you know how to quickly reconnect if you’re disconnected.

What time to log in for a virtual interview

Timing is just as important in a virtual interview as it is in person. Aim to log in to the video platform five to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. This gives you a buffer to troubleshoot any last-minute tech issues, adjust your camera angle, or take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves.

If you log in too early, you might catch the interviewer off guard or appear overly eager. If you’re running late, notify the interviewer immediately via email or chat. And if something unexpected happens (like a power outage or internet failure), communicate proactively and reschedule if necessary.

Bonus tips for virtual interviews

Here are some extra tips to make sure you ace any virtual interview:

• Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection at least 30 minutes before the interview.

• Close unnecessary tabs or applications to avoid distractions and ensure your device runs smoothly.

• Maintain eye contact by looking at the camera, not the screen, when speaking.

• Smile and nod to show engagement, as virtual interviews can sometimes feel less personal.

What about phone interviews?

While video interviews have largely taken over, phone interviews are still a somewhat common first step in the hiring process. They’re quick, convenient, and allow recruiters to screen candidates efficiently. Phone interviews are often used to confirm basic qualifications, assess communication skills, and gauge your interest in the role. Plus, they’re a great way for companies to narrow down their candidate pool before investing time in longer, more detailed interviews.

Phone interviews are typically short (15-30 minutes) and focus on high-level questions about your background, skills, and interest in the role. They’re especially useful for roles with a high volume of applicants or for companies that want to quickly identify top candidates. Sometimes, phone interviews aren’t even scheduled—recruiters might call unexpectedly just to confirm your availability or interest in the job.

Here are our tips for phone interviews:

• Be prepared for the unexpected. If you receive an unscheduled call, don’t panic. Politely ask if you can have a moment to step into a quiet space or suggest a better time to talk. Most recruiters will understand.

• Find a quiet space. Background noise can be distracting and unprofessional. Choose a quiet, private location where you can focus.

• Smile while you speak. It might sound silly, but smiling can make your tone sound more friendly and confident.

• Keep your materials handy. Have your resume, the job description, and any notes about the company in front of you for quick reference.

• Speak clearly and concisely. Without visual cues, your words carry all the weight. Avoid rambling and focus on delivering clear, thoughtful answers.

Prepare for the most common interview questions 

Interviews can vary significantly, making it impossible to prepare for every potential question. However, it is essential to be ready with answers to the most common interview questions that are likely to arise.

To start, expect the typical “Tell me about yourself” request, which should prompt you to give a well-rehearsed, short, and dynamic elevator pitch. “Start with a description that can apply to both your professional and personal self,” says Molly Owens, a career coach, and Fairygodboss contributor. “For instance, you might say, 'I like to think of myself as a relationship engineer.' Then, go on to talk about your strengths. Share your most recent accomplishments, as long as they align with the job for which you’re interviewing.”

 Next, you'll likely hear:

• “Why are you interested in the role?” Employers want to know if you’re genuinely excited about the position and how it aligns with your career goals.

• “What do you know about this organization?” This tests your research skills and shows whether you’ve taken the time to understand the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements.

• “How did you hear about this position?” This helps employers understand where their recruitment efforts are most effective and gives you a chance to mention any connections or referrals.

• “Why are you leaving your current job?” Employers want to ensure your reasons for leaving are professional and that you’re not jumping ship due to unresolved issues. Focus on growth opportunities, not negativity.

• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This is a chance to showcase self-awareness and how you’re working on improvement.

• “Why should we hire you?” This is a direct question to highlight your unique value and fit for the role.

• “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Employers want to gauge your ambition and long-term alignment with the company.

• “What are your salary expectations?” This is a tricky but common question—be prepared to research and answer tactfully.

• “Can you describe a challenge you faced at work and how you overcame it?” This is a behavioral question to assess problem-solving and resilience.

• “Do you have any questions for us?” Always have a few thoughtful questions ready to show your interest.

Prepare yourself by conducting a practice interview with friends, family, and acquaintances (or even with yourself in the mirror). 

Good questions to ask in an interview (as the interviewee)

It doesn't matter what step of the interview process you're at: phone screen, first-round interview, or final round—asking good interview questions can make or break the hiring decision. Engaging with the hiring manager, recruiter, or interviewer (who is your potential new boss) is how you build rapport. Questions are a key part of the process.

You can't go wrong asking:

• What excites you about [company name]?

• What challenges are you facing right now?

• If I were hired, what projects would I be working on in my first three months?

Sending a thank-you email after interviews

A thank-you note after an interview is an essential way to express appreciation and reinforce your interest in the position. The ideal is to send it within 24 hours of the interview. That way, you're still at the top of the interviewer's mind, and you demonstrate good manners and enthusiasm right off the bat.

What to write in your post-interview thank-you email

Here are three things you'll want to include in your thank you:

1. Your interest in the company: This is especially important if you aren't naturally bubbly or enthusiastic. This is your chance to let the company know that, YES, you want this job.

2. An added value demonstration: This could be an article or idea that related to something your interviewer mentioned; or, it could be an example of a project or accomplishment that matched what your interviewer expressed as the company's next task. Don't overthink this—you're just trying to demonstrate that you listened and want to collaborate.

3. The actual “thank you for your time” portion: Even if you don't think the job is quite right for you, you're thanking the company for its time and interest in you. And, the world is often smaller than you realize. Hiring managers often know one another. Leaving a good impression (even if you think it's overly polite!) is key. 

Post-interview thank-you email template

Want to see how it looks in action? Here's a suggestion to inspire you:

Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity – [Your Full Name]

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I truly enjoyed learning more about [specific aspect of the company or role, e.g., “the team’s innovative approach to [project or goal]” or “the company’s commitment to [value or mission]”].

After our conversation, I’m even more excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific team, project, or goal discussed]. I was particularly intrigued by [something specific the interviewer mentioned, e.g., “your plans to expand into [market or initiative]”]. It reminded me of a similar project I worked on at [Your Previous Company], where I [briefly describe a relevant accomplishment or skill]. I’ve attached [an article, resource, or idea] that relates to our discussion and thought you might find it interesting.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to interview and for sharing more about [Company Name]’s vision. I’m genuinely enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to [specific goal or value]. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from me.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio Link, if applicable]

For a little extra guidance, read this next: How to Write a Thank-You Letter After an Interview

Following up after the interview

So, let’s say you sent a thank-you note or email within 24 hours of your interview. Now, you're waiting to hear back from the hiring manager to see if you made it to the next step in the hiring process. When should you ping them? How often can you follow up before becoming a nuisance? 

If you don’t hear back within four to five business days, you can send a second brief follow-up letting the company know that you are still interested in the opportunity and asking about the hiring process for the next steps. That's assuming the hiring manager didn't respond to your thank-you note with, “We'll be in touch when something changes.” 

As a candidate, it can be easy to think you're out of the running if you don't hear anything in a week or two. However, hiring decisions take time. In some cases, you may be waiting a month or more while the company interviews other candidates before you hear any word back. 

Nail that interview

In conclusion, whether you're preparing for an in-person or virtual interview, the key to success lies in thorough preparation and confidence. Understanding the nuances of the interview process, from what to wear and bring to arriving punctually and presenting yourself professionally, can significantly impact your performance. 

Remember to research the company and role in advance, practice your responses to common interview questions, and be ready with questions of your own to ask the interviewer. With the right mindset and approach, you're well on your way to acing your next interview and taking a big step forward in your career. Good luck!