New year, new me? Right? Well, some things never change. Here’s an updated version of your interview preparation guide for 2025, incorporating best practices.
Being Skilled is Only Part of the Equation
Being skilled and qualified is crucial, but mastering the art of interviewing is equally important. Many of you might fall into one of three categories: you’re happily employed but exploring new opportunities, haven’t interviewed in years and need a refresher, or have been interviewing without much success. Regardless of where you’re starting from, these updated strategies will help you take the next step with confidence!
Prepare Thoroughly Before the Interview
Interviews can feel high-pressure, but preparation will boost your confidence and help you make a great impression. Here’s how:
- Research the Company and Interviewers: Dive into the company’s background, values, recent projects, and culture, including insights on platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the company’s social media. Also, look up your interviewers’ profiles for common interests or mutual connections to foster rapport.
- Study the Role: Carefully analyze the job description and reflect on how your experience and skills align. Resources like O*NET Online, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are great for understanding expectations and growth outlook by region and role.
- Know Your Value: For salary insights, consider up-to-date platforms like Levels.fyi and Salary.com alongside traditional sites like Glassdoor and Payscale.
Interview Preparation Essentials
- Practice Answers on Video: Virtual interviewing is now a norm. Record yourself answering common questions to improve eye contact, body language, and speaking style.
- Trend: Many companies have retained virtual or hybrid interviewing as a norm, using platforms like Zoom or Teams.
- Tip: Ensure your tech setup is reliable. Test audio, video, and internet connections. Choose a clean, professional background and maintain strong virtual body language (e.g., eye contact with the camera).
- Perfect Your Setting: For virtual interviews, ensure a quiet, well-lit space with minimal distractions. Test your camera and sound in advance.
- Be Ready for a Variety of Formats: Interviews today may be virtual, in-person, or hybrid. Be prepared for any format, including potential panel interviews.
- Showcase Emotional Intelligence: Cultural fit is increasingly important, so be ready to discuss how you handle teamwork, inclusivity, and adaptability.
During the Interview
- Build Connections: Foster rapport with the interviewer(s) by finding common ground. A bit of friendly, relevant small talk can help you stand out.
- Reiterate Your Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the role, the company’s mission, and your readiness to contribute.
- Emphasis on Soft Skills and Adaptability
- Trend: Employers value skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence due to unpredictable market dynamics.
- Tip: Prepare examples of how you’ve demonstrated resilience, collaboration, or handled change in previous roles.
- Skills-Based Hiring
- Trend: Hiring decisions now emphasize practical skills over traditional credentials.
- Tip: Highlight skills relevant to the role, backed by specific examples. Be prepared for skills assessments or job simulations.
- Transparency About Work Preferences
- Trend: Candidates are more upfront about their preferences for remote, hybrid, or in-office work. Employers expect this clarity.
- Tip: Share your preferred working model and your ability to adapt if flexibility is required.
- Questions About Economic Awareness
- Trend: Employers may probe your understanding of how economic trends, AI, or industry changes impact their business.
- Tip: Stay informed about industry trends and economic developments. Tailor your responses to show you’re proactive and forward-thinking.
- Personal Branding and Social Media Presence
- Trend: Employers are likely to check your LinkedIn and other public profiles to assess professionalism and alignment with their values.
- Tip: Keep your profiles polished, aligned with your resume, and reflective of your achievements.
- Behavioral Questions Are Still King
- Trend: STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) remains the preferred framework for assessing experience and problem-solving.
- Tip: Practice answering behavioral questions with concise, impactful stories showcasing relevant skills.
- Negotiation Discussions May Start Early
- Trend: Companies sometimes discuss salary expectations during initial interviews to streamline hiring.
- Tip: Research market rates for the role and be ready to share a salary range or expectation confidently.
- Showcasing Your Digital Literacy
- Trend: Proficiency with digital tools and technology is more critical than ever, especially with automation and AI’s rise.
- Tip: Highlight your experience with relevant tools and demonstrate eagerness to learn new technologies.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: Use questions to show your curiosity and commitment, such as asking about the team dynamics, management style, and company culture.
Common Interview Questions to Prepare For
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “Describe a challenging project and your solution.”
- “How do you manage stress?”
- “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Pro Tip: Tailor your responses to showcase how you can solve the company’s challenges and add value.
Intelligent Questions to Ask the Interviewer
- “What does success look like for this role?”
- “How does the team prioritize work-life balance?”
- “What are the company’s views on professional development?”
- “How do you define the company culture?”
- “Is there a 30/60/90 day review policy?”
These questions allow you to gain valuable insights while demonstrating your long-term vision and commitment.
Questions to Avoid
- Overly Personal Questions: Avoid questions about the interviewer’s personal life unless they bring it up.
- “Me” Questions Too Early: Questions about salary, promotions, or benefits should be left for later stages unless the interviewer brings them up.
2025’s Key Focus: Remote and Hybrid Work Adaptability
In today’s landscape, being adaptable to remote, hybrid, and in-person environments is crucial. Show that you’re prepared to work effectively across different setups, and discuss any remote collaboration experience to emphasize your adaptability.
Final Steps: The Follow-Up
- Thank You Note: Send a thank-you email within 24-48 hours. Mention specific points discussed to reinforce your interest.
- Patience and Self-Trust: Trust in your preparation and authenticity. Interviewing is a two-way process; focus on finding the right fit, not just the next position.
For additional help, feel free to comment below or reach out directly at carol@marchangroup.com. Happy interviewing, and thank you for reading my blog!
Marchan Group 
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