Interview Tips
From first impressions to final follow-ups, use these proven tips to stand out and move one step closer to your next opportunity.
Research the Company
Know their mission, products/services, recent news, and who you’re meeting with. It shows interest and initiative.
Plan Ahead
Prepare some questions and be sure they are unique enough that they won’t be proactively addressed during the normal course of the interview. Some good examples include:
✔️ What do you think sets your company apart from competitors in your field?
✔️ What can I do can do to prepare to hit the ground running in this job?
✔️ What are the big initiatives and projects in this department this year?
✔️ What do you see as the most challenging aspects of this job?
✔️ What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?
Practice Your Answers
Avoid rambling or providing too much irrelevant detail. Keep your answers clear and to the point. Focus on your achievements as they relate to the position using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Be prepared for common interview questions such as:
✔️ “Tell me about yourself.”
✔️ “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
✔️ “Why do you want this job?”
Be Engaged
Listen carefully, respond thoughtfully, and show enthusiasm for the role. Treat the interview as a conversation, not just a Q&A session. Follow up your answers with your own questions to keep it interactive.
Avoid Negativity
Never badmouth previous employers, jobs, or coworkers — even if asked why you left. Keep things professional and forward-looking.
Close the interview
If you're genuinely interested in the role, don’t hesitate to express your enthusiasm before the interview ends. Leaving a strong final impression can make a big difference.
✔️ Direct Close example: “I’m very excited about this opportunity and would be ready to accept an offer if one were extended.”
✔️ Indirect Close example: “This opportunity sounds like a really good match with my skills and I look forward to hearing back on next steps.”
Follow Up
Send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours, expressing appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest. You can send the email to your BridgeView recruiter, who will forward it directly to the hiring manager.
Video Interviews
These tips will help you present yourself confidently and professionally on screen — no matter the platform.
Test Check
Test your setup and ensure the video software (Zoom, Teams, etc.) is up to date, your internet connection is stable, and your webcam and microphone work well. Join the meeting a couple minutes early to resolve any last-minute tech issues.
Environment Matters
Choose a quiet, well-lit, and neutral background. If that’s not possible, use a virtual background or blur your actual background. Silence notifications, turn off phone sounds, and eliminate distractions.
Presentation and Body Language
Dress the same way you would for an in-person interview. Sit up straight, smile, and nod to show engagement. Look at the camera, not the screen, when speaking, to simulate eye contact and strengthen connection.
Digital Etiquette
Mute yourself when not speaking during group interviews. Speak clearly and avoid interrupting, as video calls can have slight audio delays.
In-Person Interviews
When it’s time to meet in person, every detail matters. Use these tips to walk in confident, prepared, and ready to connect.
Plan Ahead
Map your route, allow extra travel time, and aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. Running late? Call or text your BridgeView Recruiter.
Bring Essentials
Bring a notebook, pen, and a government-issued ID (just in case). There's no need to bring a resume or references as BridgeView will have already provided those.
Dress Appropriately
Business Casual or Business Professional, depending on the company. When in doubt, lean more formal.
Mind Your Body Language
Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, smile, and sit with good posture. Show confidence, but stay relaxed.
Phone Interviews
Without the help of body language, your voice and words do all the work. Here’s how to communicate clearly and confidently over the phone.
Environment
Find a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted.
Speak Clearly and Slowly
Pause briefly after questions to avoid talking over the interviewer. Avoid filler words like “um” or “like”.
Listen Actively
Don’t be afraid to take a second to think before answering. Use verbal cues like “That’s a great question,” or “Absolutely,” to show engaged.
Use Notes
One advantage of phone interviews is that you can keep notes right in front of you. Create a list of key achievements, talking points, and 2–3 smart questions to ask. Just be sure to keep your tone natural and avoid reading word-for-word.