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

Applying for jobs has changed. These days, your CV might not even be seen by a human — at least not at first. Employers are using artificial intelligence to screen applications, score interviews, and shortlist candidates. It’s fast. It’s efficient. And for job seekers, it can feel like a black box.At Spotajob, we’re seeing more companies turn to AI-driven systems to manage high volumes of applicants. While the tech helps recruiters move quickly, it also means that candidates have to be smarter about how they present themselves.<hr><h3 data-start="913" data-end="947">What AI in Hiring Really Means</h3>Let’s be clear: no robot is making the final hiring decision. But AI tools are doing a lot of the early work — filtering CVs, checking for keywords, and even flagging potential matches. In some cases, AI is used to analyse video interviews or run chat-based screenings.It’s not about tricking the system. It’s about understanding how it works — and adapting.<hr><h3 data-start="1316" data-end="1350">Five Things That Actually Work</h3>1. Match your wording to the job ad. If the role asks for “CRM experience,” don’t just say “worked with databases.” Use their language.2. Keep your CV layout simple. Avoid columns, graphics, or fancy fonts. Most AI systems read top-to-bottom, left-to-right. Clean and clear wins.3. Focus on results. “Managed a sales team” is fine. “Led a team that increased sales by 22%” is better.4. Don’t skip the human parts. A short, well-written cover letter still makes a difference — especially once you’ve passed the first filter.5. Be prepared for weird interviews. Some platforms will ask you to record answers to questions, no interviewer present. Speak clearly. Keep it natural. Don’t overthink.<hr><h3 data-start="2089" data-end="2103">Final Word</h3>Yes, AI is changing how hiring works. But it hasn’t changed what employers want: people who can do the job and fit the team. Your best bet? Learn how the tech filters candidates — then get past it and show them who you are.

large_AI system scanning job applications as diverse candidates prepare for interviews

medium_AI system scanning job applications as diverse candidates prepare for interviews

small_AI system scanning job applications as diverse candidates prepare for interviews

thumbnail_AI system scanning job applications as diverse candidates prepare for interviews

AI system scanning job applications as diverse candidates prepare for interviews

The Rise of AI in Hiring – and How to Get Past It

Ace your next job interview with confidence. Explore the best interview tips, common questions, and preparation strategies at Spotajob.

Interview Tips and Common Questions | Spotajob

InterviewTips