Best 6 tips to succeed in a job interview

Hey my friends!

Last month, I was approached by a company through LinkedIn. They had reviewed my CV and thought I’d be a great fit for a position they were looking to fill. Honestly, I wasn’t actively looking to leave my current job, but curiosity got the better of me. I decided to go through with two interviews—just to see what was out there.

To my surprise, just a few hours after the second interview, I received a very appealing job offer… which I ended up accepting! The feedback I received was incredibly uplifting—they were impressed by my communication skills and the positive energy I brought to the conversation. They were genuinely excited to welcome me to their team.

This unexpected turn in my career reminded me just how powerful a good interview can be. That’s why I’m writing this post—to share what I’ve learned and help you feel confident and prepared for your next big opportunity.

So, whether you're re-entering the workforce after a baby break or just ready to climb that career ladder, don’t sweat it—I’ve got six fresh, fabulous tips to help you shine!

1. Own Your Achievements—Don’t Downplay Them

Women often downplay their accomplishments—sometimes out of modesty, sometimes out of fear of sounding boastful. But here’s the truth: confidence isn’t arrogance, it’s clarity. So when you talk about your achievements, be clear, specific, and unapologetically proud. Use numbers whenever you can—like “increased sales by 30%” or “led a team of 10”—because quantifiable results speak volumes. They show credibility, impact, and real value.

Also, be ready to connect the dots between your experience and the company’s goals. What can you bring to the table? How do your skills solve their problems? Make it easy for them to see why they need you on their team.

Remember: you’re not just applying for a job—you’re offering them a rare find. You’re the catch. And they’d be lucky to have you.

2. Dress with Confidence and Authenticity

Choose professional attire that aligns with the company’s culture—but also feels like you. When you’re comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it shows in your posture, your smile, and your energy. A polished, well-fitted outfit makes a strong first impression.

Not into suits or two-piece sets? No problem. A flattering, midi-length dress in a neutral tone can be just as powerful—elegant without being provocative. Your clothes don’t need to be expensive, but investing in quality fabrics and sticking to a neutral palette (think black, beige, navy, or taupe) will always look elevated.

Carry a medium-sized leather handbag—black or tan are timeless choices. Bonus points if you bring a sleek notebook and pen. It shows you’re prepared and professional. And please, skip the flashy logos—they can be distracting.

Details matter:

• Keep makeup soft and flattering.

• A light spritz of perfume is lovely, but don’t overdo it—some people are sensitive.

• Choose shoes that are both elegant and walkable. If stilettos aren’t your thing, go for chic ballet flats. Confidence is hard to fake when you’re wobbling!

• Hair should be simple and flattering—no towering updos or overly styled looks.

• Jewelry? Keep it minimal. A pair of discreet earrings and a classic watch are more than enough.

And don’t forget your most powerful accessory: a genuine smile. It radiates warmth, confidence, and approachability. Remember—kindness is a superpower.

3. Practice Clear, Assertive Communication

Speaking with clarity and conviction transforms how your message is received. When you eliminate hedging language like “just,” “maybe,” or “I think,” you project confidence and competence. It’s not about arrogance — it’s about owning your expertise.

For example, instead of saying:

“Well, I think I could help the company by improving team collaboration and maybe streamlining some processes…”

Say:

“I will strengthen team collaboration by implementing structured communication channels and streamline processes through automation and clear accountability frameworks.”

See the shift? The second version communicates certainty, strategy, and leadership. It tells the listener: I know what I bring to the table.

4. Do a Deep Dive on the Company

Before any interview, it’s essential to thoroughly research your potential employer. Go beyond the company’s website—Google them, explore their social media, read recent news articles, and check out what employees are saying on LinkedIn. Identify two to three key insights that you can naturally weave into your answers. This small step can set you apart from other candidates in a big way.

For example, you might say:

“I saw your team recently launched a mentorship program—love that initiative.”

That kind of comment shows you’re already engaged and invested. It signals that you’re not just looking for any job—you’re interested in this company. It’s a simple move that earns major credibility points.

5. Ask Empowered Questions

This ties directly into the previous point about doing your homework. When you’ve researched the company, you’re naturally equipped to ask thoughtful, strategic questions—ones that reflect ambition, alignment, and long-term interest.

Examples of strong questions include:

• “How do you measure success and productivity in this role?”

• “What leadership or growth opportunities typically emerge from this position over time?”

Avoid jumping straight to compensation. That information will come—either during the interview or in the offer stage. Instead, focus your questions on professional development and impact. This signals that you’re not just job-hunting—you’re looking to build a future with the company. And that’s exactly the kind of mindset employers value.

6. Let go of the results

This might just be the most powerful tip of all. When you walk into that interview, your mindset is everything. You want to radiate calm confidence—not clingy desperation. Think of it like this: when you chase something too hard, it tends to run. But when you’re grounded, self-assured, and open to whatever outcome, you become magnetic.

So, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that you deserve this opportunity. You’re not begging for a job—you’re offering your skills, your experience, and your unique energy. And if it’s not this one? There are others. You’ve got options.

The goal is to show genuine interest in the role and the company, but also to subtly communicate: “I’m a catch, and I know it.” That energy? Irresistible.

I hope you found these tips valuable. Job interviews can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, they become much more manageable—and even empowering. The more you prepare, the more control you gain over the process. You’ve got this!

Take care,

Katerina

Note: All pictures in this post are AI-generated.