How to ace your next job interview: Tips that work

Job interviews can feel intimidating — your career and future opportunities may hinge on a single conversation. But according to Juliana Gilbride and Jack Zolla, two recruiting leaders at Robert Half, nerves are natural. The key is channeling that energy into preparation and making sure you present yourself in the best light possible.

As part of our webinar series for aspiring CPAs, Hunter Richardson, an accounting and computer science student at Georgia Institute of Technology, sat down with Gilbride and Zola to discuss job interview tips.

Here’s a breakdown of their expert advice to help you walk into your next interview with confidence.

Research thoroughly

Think of interview prep the way athletes think about training before a big game. As Gilbride explains, success starts with research on both the company and the people you’ll meet.

• Company research: Check the company’s website, LinkedIn, and even social platforms like Instagram or YouTube. Learn about their mission, values, and any recent initiatives so you can connect your experience to their goals.
• Interviewer research: Review LinkedIn profiles to see if you share a school, mutual connections, or common interests. These small details can help you build rapport quickly.

“Really what you’re doing here is trying to gain a clear picture of what the company does and how your role might plug into the bigger picture,” Gilbride says.

Prepare your responses

Once you know who you’re meeting and what matters to them, focus on yourself.

• Anticipate common questions. Search for typical interview questions and jot down key points you want to highlight. Don’t memorize a script; just have stories and examples ready.
• Tie answers to the job description. Use examples from past experience to demonstrate you can handle the responsibilities listed. “Think about being able to tell a story,” Gilbride advises.
• Showcase transferable skills. Zolla notes that even unrelated jobs can highlight traits like reliability, teamwork, and communication. Whenever possible, back those skills up with measurable results.

Practice out loud

It may feel awkward, but practicing responses makes a difference. Try recording yourself on video or doing a mock interview with a friend. “It’s better to embarrass yourself in front of a family member than fumble in the real interview,” Gilbride says.

Make a strong first impression

Zolla emphasizes that presentation matters. “You can never be too overdressed for an interview,” he says. Always dress professionally, even for video calls. Avoid distractions by sitting upright at a desk, not on a couch or bed, and make sure pets or background noise won’t interfere.

Ask smart questions

When the interviewer turns the spotlight on you, don’t waste the opportunity with generic questions like “What are the hours?” or “When would I start?” Instead, Zolla suggests asking about:

• Company initiatives you’ve researched
• Community engagement or team culture
• How success is measured in the role
• Opportunities for professional development

These thoughtful questions signal that you’re not just looking for any job — you want to be a valuable, long-term contributor.

Gilbride calls this approach the “reverse interview,” which helps shift the dynamic. “You’re also assessing whether the role is the right fit for you,” she says.

Address weak spots head-on

What if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements? Gilbride says go ahead and apply anyway. If you land an interview, ask the “million-dollar question:” What hesitations or reservations do you have about my background?

This gives you the chance to clarify gaps, emphasize transferable skills, and show growth plans. Maybe you don’t yet have years of experience, but you’re pursuing a certification or advanced degree. The goal is to turn concerns into opportunities to sell yourself.

Keep it professional and positive

At some point, you may be asked why you left a past role. Both recruiters stress honesty, but also diplomacy. Avoid criticizing former managers or focusing on salary alone. Instead, frame your move around career growth, new challenges, or seeking a better cultural fit.

If you’ve been laid off, be upfront. “There’s no shame in being laid off,” Gilbride says. Always keep a list of strong references (your personal “board of directors”) to vouch for your skills and character.

Don’t forget the thank you

One simple step too many candidates overlook is sending a thank-you note. A short email after your interview can reaffirm your interest and highlight one thing you appreciated about the conversation. For later stages, a handwritten note can help you stand out.

The bottom line

Interviewing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With preparation, practice, and professionalism, you can shift nerves into confidence and make the most of every opportunity.

As Zolla reminds candidates: “You only get one first impression. You want to make it great.”

Hear the full conversation between Zolla, Gilbride, and Richardson by watching the webinar from Sept. 25 on interview tips that work.