25 Interview Skills That Get You Hired

I used to dread job interviews more than almost anything.

That feeling of being judged, of having to prove your worth in 30 minutes, always left my stomach in knots. For a long time, I struggled with confidence. I spent years stuck in a cycle of bad habits—gaming, overeating, and just being lazy. Rebuilding my life from the ground up taught me that true preparation isn't just about what you do, but who you are becoming. The same discipline it took to lose over 110 pounds and build a healthy routine is the exact discipline you need to walk into an interview and shine.

So if you’re feeling nervous about an upcoming interview, I get it. I’ve been there. But I also know you can conquer it. It’s not about being perfect. It's about being prepared, being genuine, and showing them the real, capable you.

Here are 25 skills that will help you do just that.

The Real Work Happens Before You Walk In

Confidence doesn’t just appear. You build it through preparation. Doing the work beforehand frees you up to be yourself during the actual interview.

1. Dig Deeper Than the Homepage. Don’t just read the "About Us" page. Look for recent news articles, press releases, or the CEO’s posts on LinkedIn. Know their latest wins and challenges.

2. Know Your Interviewers. A quick LinkedIn search on the people you’ll be meeting is a game-changer. It makes them feel less like scary judges and more like real people. You might even find a shared connection.

3. Craft Your Origin Story. The "Tell me about yourself" question is your chance to set the tone. Don’t just list your resume. Create a short, compelling story that connects your past experiences to this specific role.

4. Prepare Your Proof. For every skill you claim to have, prepare a short story to back it up. Use the STAR method: Situation (set the scene), Task (what was your goal?), Action (what did you do?), and Result (what was the outcome?).

5. Plan Your Outfit the Night Before. Don’t add stress to your morning. Choose an outfit that is professional and makes you feel good. When you feel put-together, you act more confident.

6. Do a Dry Run. If the interview is in person, drive there a day or two before to check traffic and parking. If it’s a video call, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection.

7. Ask Smart Questions. An interview is a two-way street. Prepare at least three thoughtful questions about the role, the team, or the company culture. It shows you’re genuinely interested and not just desperate for any job.

It’s a Conversation Not an Interrogation

Your mindset changes everything. If you see it as a firing squad, you’ll be defensive. If you see it as a conversation to see if you’re a good fit for each other, you’ll be relaxed and authentic.

8. Give a Good Handshake. A firm (not crushing) handshake and a warm smile make a fantastic first impression. For video calls, a genuine smile and a confident "Hello!" work just as well.

9. Make Real Eye Contact. Don’t stare them down, but don’t look at the floor either. Good eye contact shows you're engaged and honest.

10. Listen More Than You Talk. It’s easy to get so focused on what you’re going to say next that you don't truly hear the question. Pause and listen carefully. It’s okay to take a second to think before you answer.

11. Sit Up Straight. Your posture says a lot about your energy. Sit up, lean in slightly, and keep your body language open. It signals interest and confidence.

12. Be a Person, Not a Robot. It’s okay to show a little personality. If something is funny, laugh. Be polite and professional, but let them see the human they might be working with every day.

13. Speak Clearly. Mumbling suggests a lack of confidence. Speak at a steady pace and project your voice so they can hear you easily.

14. Connect Your Skills to Their Pain. Don’t just say, "I have experience in project management." Say, "I saw on the job description that you need someone to handle tight deadlines. In my last role, I managed a project that was a week behind schedule and got it back on track by doing X, Y, and Z."

15. Show Real Enthusiasm. Companies want to hire people who are excited to be there. Let your passion for the work or the company's mission come through.

Winning the Inner Game

This is where the deepest work pays off. The confidence you build in your daily life will shine through under pressure.

16. Embrace Honesty. If you don’t know the answer to something, it’s better to be honest than to make something up. A great response is, "I don't have direct experience with that, but here’s how I would approach learning it."

17. Remember Your Worth. You are not a beggar. You are a professional offering valuable skills. You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. This perspective shift is everything.

18. Stay Grounded. For me, overcoming my old life of laziness and addiction was the hardest "project" I ever completed. It taught me resilience. When I face a tough interview question, I remember that I've faced much bigger challenges and found my way through. That inner strength is real.

19. Be Humble. Confidence is not arrogance. Be proud of your accomplishments but give credit to your team members. Humility is a sign of a great team player.

20. Trust the Process. My faith has been a huge part of my journey. I pray before an interview, not necessarily to get the job, but for peace and clarity. Trusting that God has a plan for me, whether it’s this job or another, takes a huge weight off my shoulders. It allows me to perform without fear.

21. Turn Nerves into Energy. That fluttery feeling in your stomach? It's just energy. Instead of calling it "anxiety," reframe it as "excitement." This small mental trick can change how you feel.

The Final Touch That Seals the Deal

What you do after you walk out the door matters just as much as what you did inside.

22. Ask About Next Steps. Before you leave, make sure you understand the timeline for their decision. It shows you’re organized and respectful of the process.

23. Thank Them for Their Time. A simple, genuine "Thank you so much for your time today, I really enjoyed our conversation" goes a long way.

24. Send a Thank-You Note. This is non-negotiable. Send a personalized email within 24 hours. Mention something specific you discussed to jog their memory and reiterate your interest in the role. It’s a simple act of courtesy that so many people skip.

25. Reflect and Move On. Whether you get the job or not, take a few minutes to think about what went well and what you could improve for next time. Then, let it go and focus on the next opportunity. Every interview is practice for the next one.

An interview isn’t a test of your worth as a person. It’s a single conversation on a single day. Prepare well, be yourself, and trust that the right door will open for you.

So, what’s the one thing on this list you can work on today?