Interview Tips
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Over the past 50 years, I've been through numerous interviews—both for personal
employment and consulting roles. At the core, the process remains the same: it's
about presenting yourself effectively and securing the opportunity. This page
highlights key strategies to help you stand out and gain an edge in your next
interview. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email.
No 1.  Have a positive attitude  
  • I can't stress this enough—employers always want to see interest, enthusiasm,
    cooperation, and positivity. Your first impression begins the moment you walk in
    before you say a word or answer a single question.

  • Even if it's your fifth interview and you've just faced disappointment, leave those
    setbacks behind. Stay confident, keep your mindset positive, and approach every
    opportunity with fresh energy.
Always be prepared for that interview
  • Dress appropriately and start the interview on the right foot by expressing
    appreciation for your interviewer's time. A strong first impression sets the tone,
    showing respect and professionalism can make a real difference in how the
    conversation unfolds. Demonstrating that you value their time helps establish a
    positive connection from the start.
There are several ways you may be interviewed—whether over the phone or in
person. In-person interviews can also take different formats, from one-on-one
meetings to group interviews with multiple candidates or interviewers. I’ve even
experienced an interview where I was in the room with three other candidates at the
same time. Here’s an overview of these interview types:     

PHONE INTERVIEWS
  • Phone interviews are primarily used as an initial screening step. Interviewers
    typically ask brief questions about your technical skills, qualifications for the
    specific job, and details about your previous work experience. In many cases,
    you’ll also be asked about your salary expectations.

  • Keep your resume handy – Your interviewer will have a copy in front of them,
    and you want to ensure you're aligned when discussing details.

  • Do your research – Learn about the company beforehand and have notes
    prepared, including questions you want to ask.

  • Maintain professionalism – Address your interviewer as Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Dr.,
    unless they request to be called by their first name.
During the Interview

  • Review your resume thoroughly and be ready to expand on every point you've
    included. When asked about specific experiences, provide clear illustrations and
    examples that reinforce your qualifications. Strong, memorable storytelling can
    make you stand out and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Types of interviews
Follow up Yourself
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and learn more about
[Company Name] and the [Job Title] role. It was great speaking with you, and I’m
even more excited about the possibility of joining your team.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to what’s next in
the process.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

This keeps it short, professional, and appreciative while reinforcing your
enthusiasm.
Supporting Information
O*NET OnLine

Bureau of Labor Statistics external site


Any Suggestions, Please contact
STAN'S
Veterans Support
  • Keep in mind, your interviewer may be meeting with dozens, even hundreds of
    candidates before making a final decision. It's up to you to stand out and keep
    them engaged. The fact that you're sitting in that interview means they saw
    potential in you—your resume earned their attention. Now, it's your job to
    reinforce that initial interest and make sure their intent to hire stays strong
    throughout the conversation.

  • Pay close attention to everything they say—both their questions and their
    description of the job. Listening actively shows engagement and respect. Avoid
    interrupting their opening statement; this is their opportunity to communicate
    what they want you to understand. Absorbing this information will help you
    respond thoughtfully and align your answers with their expectations.
  • Avoid giving the impression that you're doing them a favor by showing up. A
    self-centered mindset, focusing only on what they can offer you can work
    against you. Instead, shift your perspective and demonstrate the value you
    bring to their team. Show them how your skills, experience, and attitude can
    contribute to their success.

  • Have strong examples ready that showcase your skills in action. When the
    opportunity arises, provide detailed explanations of key experiences that
    illustrate your capabilities. These real-world examples help the interviewer
    envision how you would fit into their team and succeed in the role
  • Interviews can sometimes catch you off guard—an interviewer may
    challenge your skills or qualifications. If this happens, stay composed and
    avoid getting defensive. Reinforce your experience with a calm, confident
    response and a positive example. Keep the conversation professional, and
    don’t let it turn confrontational. This may be a test to see how you handle
    pressure, so expect to be evaluated not just on what you say, but on how you
    respond.
  • Interviews can vary in length—from 30 minutes to over an hour—but no matter
    the duration, it's important to stay engaged. Becoming too relaxed might lead to
    slouching or speaking in a monotone voice, which can dull your presence. If you
    catch yourself in this state, adjust your posture, add some inflection to your voice,
    and bring a bit more energy into the conversation. This small shift can help keep
    the interview dynamic and engaging.
  • Avoid distractions – Never eat, chew gum, or do anything
    that might detract from your focus during the call.

SERIES INTERVIEWS
  • Series interviews involve multiple meetings with different
    individuals, each assessing different aspects of your
    qualifications

  • Initial Screening – Typically, your first meeting is with a
    personnel or HR representative. If no phone interview was
    conducted beforehand, this step will cover similar topics,
    such as your experience, technical skills, and salary
    expectations.

  • Subsequent Interviews – Once you pass the screening,
    you'll meet with your potential manager, upper
    management, or colleagues in related roles. If you're
    applying for a technical position, you may also meet with
    individuals you'll be supporting.

CANDIDATE GROUP INTERVIEWS
  • Group interviews, while rare, present a unique challenge. If
    you find yourself in this type of setting, the key is to
    collaborate effectively without clashing with other
    interviewees. Employers use this format to assess how
    candidates interact, communicate, and work as a team.

  • I have personally experienced a group interview where
    candidates were given supplies and tasked with developing
    a solution within a set time frame. The goal was not just to
    complete the task but to observe how each person
    contributed to teamwork and problem-solving.

  • Find balance – Work together while ensuring your voice is
    heard. Avoid being too passive, but also be mindful not to
    dominate the group.

  • Adapt to leadership dynamics – If someone steps up as a
    leader, listen to their approach. If their solution is solid,
    support the process. If it seems ineffective, acknowledge
    their effort and suggest an alternative

  • Step up when needed – If the group struggles to find
    direction, don’t hesitate to take control and guide the team
    toward a resolution.

FOLLOW UP INTERVIEWS
  Follow-up interviews typically occur for two main reasons:

  • Additional Meetings – Sometimes, not everyone involved in
    the hiring process had the chance to meet you during the
    initial interview. A follow-up interview allows other key
    decision-makers to evaluate your qualifications and fit for
    the role.

  • Competitive Consideration – If multiple candidates are
    being seriously considered, the employer may conduct
    follow-ups to reassess strengths, clarify details, or compare
    candidates more thoroughly before making a final decision.

    Regardless of the reason, treat a follow-up interview with
    the same level of preparation and enthusiasm as your first.
    It’s an opportunity to reinforce your qualifications, refine
    any points from your previous discussion, and further
    establish why you’re the best fit for the role.