STAN'S
Veterans Support
Veterans Support
Interview Tips
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
Types of interviews
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:
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.
• Avoid distractions – Never eat, chew gum, or do
anything that might detract from your focus during the call.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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.
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.
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.