Here’s something no one told me before my first job interview: You can do everything right and still feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. And that’s normal.At Spotajob, we’ve heard so many stories from job seekers — from the panic right before the Zoom call, to the silence afterward when you don’t know if you bombed it or nailed it.This isn’t a “10 tips” kind of guide. This is what actually matters.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="998" data-end="1069">1. “Tell me about yourself” is your chance to steer the whole thing</h3>This one tripped me up every time.What they’re really asking is:<blockquote data-start="1142" data-end="1180">"Why should we keep talking to you?"</blockquote>So give them a short, punchy version of:<ul data-start="1223" data-end="1322"><li class="" data-start="1223" data-end="1253">Who you are professionally</li><li class="" data-start="1254" data-end="1283">One thing you’re great at</li><li class="" data-start="1284" data-end="1322">Why you’re excited about this role</li></ul>You don’t have to sound polished. Just clear.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1376" data-end="1419">2. Most interviewers are winging it too</h3>Here’s a secret: not every interviewer is good at interviewing. Some haven’t read your CV. Some are awkward. Some are tired.Your job is to guide the energy. Smile. Be curious. Help them remember you’re human, not just a PDF.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1664" data-end="1699">3. It’s okay to pause and think</h3>You’re not a game show contestant. Take a breath. Ask for clarification. Say something like:<blockquote data-start="1798" data-end="1857">“Hmm — good question. Let me think about that for a sec.”</blockquote>You’ll look confident, not clueless.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1902" data-end="1954">4. Ask real questions — not the ones you Googled</h3>“Where do you see the company in 5 years?” is fine. But “What does a successful first 3 months look like in this role?” is better.And if you get the vibe that the culture’s not right? Trust it. That’s what interviews are for.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2198" data-end="2238">5. The follow-up email is underrated</h3>Don’t ghost after being interviewed — even if they ghost you. A simple thank-you note with one thing you liked about the chat can tip the scale in your favor.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2411" data-end="2428">Final Thought</h3>Interviews aren’t about being perfect. They’re about showing someone what it’d be like to work with you — on a real day, not your best day.So breathe. Be yourself, but prepared. And if you mess it up? That’s okay too. There’s always the next one.We’re rooting for you.<a class="" data-start="2708" data-end="2771" rel="noopener" target="_new"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spotajob.com">→ See what roles are open right now</a></a>

large_A job seeker preparing for an interview while waiting outside a modern office room, holding a printed CV.

medium_A job seeker preparing for an interview while waiting outside a modern office room, holding a printed CV.

small_A job seeker preparing for an interview while waiting outside a modern office room, holding a printed CV.

thumbnail_A job seeker preparing for an interview while waiting outside a modern office room, holding a printed CV.

A job seeker preparing for an interview while waiting outside a modern office room, holding a printed CV.

Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before My First Interview

 Prepare for your next job interview with confidence. Explore expert advice, sample questions, and techniques to make a great first impression.

Interview Preparation

Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before My First Interview