Maximizing your Interview Success
Over the last 18 years of my IT leadership career, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredibly talented individuals and secure several fulfilling opportunities. This article focuses primarily on interview strategies within the IT field, though the principles can certainly be applied across industries.
A common pattern I’ve noticed is that many candidates approach interviews with preconceived notions about the process, unintentionally limiting their potential. I hope these tips will inspire candidates to break free of those assumptions and approach interviews with confidence and a winning mindset. These aren’t your standard do’s and don’ts, but rather strategic insights that could significantly improve your chances of success.
Tip #1: Define Your end goal and align it with the right industry or company
It’s crucial to understand your long-term goal and choose the industry or company accordingly. If your goal is to maximize earnings and don’t mind the fast paced environment, a wall street firm with a back-end IT office may offer attractive compensation packages. However, if you’re focused on deepening your skills and learning, a product-centric, mid-sized company might be a better fit.
If you value work-life balance or have family commitments, a larger, process-driven company might offer the stability you need. Throughout my career, my objectives have evolved, and aligning my career choices with those objectives has consistently led to positive outcomes. Take the time to reflect on your priorities and identify companies that align with them.
Tip #2: Don’t hesitate to reach out to hiring contacts beforehand
Once, I received an email from a candidate scheduled for an interview a week later. He asked if I could suggest a technical topic for him to study in preparation. Initially, I thought this was unusual and assumed he was seeking an unfair advantage. But I admired his initiative and shared an emerging topic.
When he arrived for the interview, he presented handwritten notes after a week of focused research, displaying impressive knowledge. When asked about the email, he explained that he wanted to showcase his ability to quickly learn and master new skills. His proactive approach paid off, and he became a key member of my team.
There’s nothing wrong with being proactive—it might even set you apart. Unconventional approaches can demonstrate your dedication and ability to think outside the box.
Tip #3: Make Your resume stand out
Most companies use automated systems to parse resumes, meaning you’ll likely submit a traditional text-based format for your initial application. However, there’s no rule that says you can’t bring a visually engaging resume to the interview or send one via email.
On several occasions, candidates have handed me graphically enhanced resumes before an interview. These stood out because they reflected creativity and professionalism. Remember, your resume tells your story—you have control over how to present it. Choose the format that best showcases your skills and experience.
Tip #4: Research your interviewers
This might be the most underrated tip of all. Many candidates will briefly look at the LinkedIn profiles of their interviewers, but those who dig deeper and study their backgrounds tend to connect better during the interview. This not only helps with rapport-building but can also give you insight into what to expect.
I’ve had candidates ask me thoughtful questions about my career path, leading to engaging and productive conversations. People appreciate it when you take the time to understand their background—it can also help you anticipate their line of questioning. For example, if your interviewer has been in a leadership role, they may focus more on communication and team dynamics. Conversely, someone heavily involved in emerging technologies might steer the discussion toward technical skills. So the more you have a sense of their background- better prepared you will be.
Tip #5: It’s not over till its over
A popular piece of advice is to send a follow-up thank-you note after an interview, which is great, but don’t stop there. Your last chance to make an impression doesn’t have to end when you walk out the door.
Here’s a strategy I’ve used: During the interview, when asking about the company’s challenges (as often recommended), take detailed notes. While it’s common to showcase how you can help solve these issues during the interview, the reality is that you may not have time to provide a well-thought-out response in the moment.
In your follow-up email (sent within 24–48 hours), include a concise explanation of how your skills can address the challenges discussed in the interview. This approach demonstrates your ability to process information and respond thoughtfully, helping you stand out. Pair it with a polite thank-you and a brief reiteration of how you’re a great fit for the role.
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to take control of your interview experience. Whether through proactive communication, unique resume presentation, or thoughtful follow-up, there are plenty of ways to enhance your chances of landing the opportunity you’re seeking.
