How to Ace Your Interview: HR and Industry Insiders Spill Their Secrets
Securing a job in today’s cutthroat market hinges on two critical steps: a standout resume to land the interview and a stellar performance to seal the deal.
But what makes a candidate truly unforgettable?
It’s not just about showcasing achievements or a flawless work history.
The real difference lies in the subtleties—your mindset, the questions you ask, and the behaviors that signal your potential.
In this HR Spotlight article, we’ve gathered exclusive insights from top business leaders and HR experts who reveal the strategies and unspoken cues they prioritize.
Discover how to move beyond standard advice and position yourself as an invaluable asset to any team.
Read on!
Tricia Harrison
Online Business Manager, VA Recruiter & Remote Work Strategist
In my world of VA placement and online business management, the candidates who stand out own three things: preparation, presence, and proactivity.
Preparation: I love when candidates come with clarity, not just about the role, but about how they uniquely solve founder pain points. Knowing my company and the value of remote operations is a huge green flag.
Presence: Whether it’s a polished Zoom background or confident body language, show me you take the interview and yourself seriously. Remote doesn’t mean relaxed.
Proactivity: Ask smart questions. Reference the systems or gaps you’re excited to help fix. Bonus points if you’ve already peeked at my brand and can reflect back how you’d support our mission.
In short? Don’t just apply, align.
Preparation, Presence, Proactivity Win Hiring
3 Tips in preparing:
- Read and understand our company values
- Be up to date on the company news (website, quarterly reports, industry news, etc.)
- Read and digest the job description so you understand what we expect and can talk about the job responsibilities in the job description and why we should consider your candidacy
What we would like to see in a candidate:
- Has specific examples of how they’ve solved our problems in the past
- Demonstrates they have a continuous learning mindset and are able to pivot when needed based on changing market conditions
- Ask intelligent questions that show knowledge of our company and industry.
- Demonstrates confidence
- Is excited about our company and what we have to offer
Preparation and Mindset Win the Interview
Sheraz Ali
Founder, HARO Links Builder
Preparation is key.
Candidates who come prepared with questions about the company’s mission, recent success, and industry trends indicate they care and are ready to make a contribution.
In my experience, individuals with specific questions regarding the company’s direction and challenges are evidence of a true desire to contribute. The type of preparation is unusual but not forgotten.
Professional demeanor cannot be overstated. Studies have proven that first impressions are created in seven seconds, and job applicants who are professionally dressed, maintain good eye contact and are confident are always deemed more qualified and credible. Everything, even grooming and posture, speaks of discipline and respect for the opportunity.
Authenticity is the biggest differentiator. I am always attracted to those who respond to questions thoughtfully, provide true stories of triumph over adversity, and don’t hesitate to display their passion.
When a person allows their true self to be seen, it’s interesting and memorable.
“Ready, polished, and authentic-these are the qualities that can turn a candidate into a leader of the future.”
Be Ready, Polished, and Authentic to Win
Edward Hones
Founder, Hones Law
Be Prepared with Purposeful Stories
One of the most impressive things a candidate can bring to an interview is a well-thought-out story that connects their past experiences to the role they’re applying for.
At Hones Law, we represent people whose stories have often been dismissed or minimized, so we look for candidates who can tell a story clearly, confidently, and with emotional intelligence.
Whether you’re discussing a past conflict at work or how you handled a demanding client, your ability to convey the facts, reflect on the impact, and show what you learned tells us a lot about how you’ll show up for our clients.
Show Sincerity and a Grounded Commitment to Justice. We work in a field where authenticity matters just as much as credentials.
I look for candidates who are genuinely passionate about workers’ rights, not just those who say the right things, but those who’ve done something about it. Whether it’s volunteering, organizing, or simply advocating for someone else in a tough situation, showing that you’re not just here for a paycheck but for a purpose will always stand out.
A calm, professional demeanor paired with a clear moral compass is the combination that catches my attention every time.
Purposeful Stories, Sincerity Win Interviews
Lilly Williams
Senior Recruiter, Greystones Group
Improve Your Interview Game
AI-Powered tools can now offer AI-driven mock interviews. These tools analyze your answers, body language, and tone of voice during mock interviews, providing feedback on how you can improve your performance.
Some AI systems use machine learning to assess how your answers compare to successful candidates. They might provide feedback on how to improve your answers and offer suggestions on tone, pacing, and content. Tools like InterviewBuddy allow you to practice real-world interview scenarios with AI-powered feedback.
AI-Powered Mock Interviews Improve Performance
Paige Arnof-Fenn
Founder & CEO, Mavens & Moguls
I’ve interviewed candidates throughout my career from working in large companies, startups and now as an entrepreneur.
Given most people are working hybrid more, the skills I look for and questions I ask have shifted to reflect how fundamental soft skills like charisma/confidence can help you rise in the office environment, but when it comes to remote/hybrid work, groups value helpfulness/reliability over bluster/charm.
In a hybrid environment you want people who are independent/self-motivated/adaptable/flexible with strong communication skills.
The best marketers like asking lots of questions/are naturally curious, they listen for ways to help and share ideas.
A career in marketing/communications is about relevancy so every day you have to pay attention to pop culture/trends.
It’s critical to ask questions at the end of the interview to show you are interested/ambitious/have done your homework.
Many technical skills can be learned with training.
Cultural fit and attitude matter more now.
Remote Skills: Helpfulness Trumps Charm
Felicia Shakiba
CEO & Executive Coach, CPO PLAYBOOK
In interviews, I look for three things: intentional preparation, thoughtful presence, and role alignment over resume hype.
- Preparation means more than Googling the company. Great candidates come in with insightful observations about the business and questions that show they’re already thinking like an insider.
- Presence matters—especially in leadership or scaling environments. I look for composure, curiosity, and the ability to connect ideas clearly without overperforming.
- Role alignment is crucial. The best candidates can articulate why this specific role is the right challenge for them at this exact moment—not just why they’re qualified.
“Great interviews aren’t performances—they’re shared diagnosis sessions. Candidates who lean into that mindset stand out.”
Intentional Preparation, Thoughtful Presence, Role Alignment
Mark Sanchez
Founder, Gator Rated
As the founder of Gator Rated, I regularly interview candidates for roles across our Florida real estate platform, so I’ve developed a clear sense of what makes someone stand out during interviews.
The most memorable candidates always do their homework—they not only know our company’s mission, but they reference specific features or recent projects that show they’ve dug deeper than a quick glance at our website.
Secondly, I value candidates who ask thoughtful questions that challenge the status quo or show curiosity about how our business works, rather than just waiting for instructions.
Third, authenticity goes a long way: I’m always drawn to those who admit what they don’t know but are excited to learn, rather than trying to appear perfect.
In my experience, these qualities signal long-term potential over just a polished interview performance.
Homework, Curiosity, Authenticity Win Interviews
Be honest: Our job is to place you in a job that’s going to be a good fit for your skills. If you try to make it sound like you have skills you don’t, or say you’re willing to take a job that won’t actually be a good fit for you, you’re hurting your chances.
Research your employer: The more knowledge you can show, the better this is going to go. The company’s website is essential reading, but look for social media and press coverage, and if you have a strong professional network, reach out to them to learn more.
Relax: If you overprepare or worry too much, they’re going to notice and it’s going to hurt your chances. If you’ve made it to the interview stage, you have the skills people are looking for. It’s just a matter of making a personal connection.
Honesty, Research, And Relaxing Win Interviews
The HR Spotlight team thanks these industry leaders for offering their expertise and experience and sharing these insights.
Do you wish to contribute to the next HR Spotlight article? Or is there an insight or idea you’d like to share with readers across the globe?
Write to us at connect@HRSpotlight.com, and our team will help you share your insights.


