How to Ace Your Job Interview: Tips from an HR Expert

A job interview is a rite of passage in the hiring process. It’s a chance for employers to get to know their potential hire, and for you to peek into the company and its demands. The more at ease and polished you appear, the better your odds of shining. But how do you get there? Yana Datsenko, a career coach and HR specialist with the “Successful” women’s career guidance project from the Masha Foundation, spills the secrets.

Preparing for an interview is just as crucial as sending off your resume. The journey kicks off the moment a recruiter’s call lights up your phone, inviting you to the next step. So, what’s the game plan?

Yana Datsenko urges you to start by digging up everything you can about the employer and the company you’re stepping into.

“You’ll walk in knowing what they’re about, ready with questions that matter to you, and poised as a candidate who’s got it together,” she explains.

Before the big day, pore over the job description. Highlight the requirements where you’ve already cut your teeth. Jog your memory for standout moments from past roles—successes you can share. If you’ve led a team before, for instance, mention how many were under your wing or spotlight projects you brought to life.

And brace yourself: they’ll toss questions your way too. The internet’s brimming with articles and even books listing common interview queries. You don’t need answers for every single one, but having a rough script for the basics is a must.

Here are some questions you might face:

• Why did you leave your last job?
• How do you handle conflict?
• What are you looking for now—work style, schedule, tasks?
• When was the last time you learned something new?
• What draws you to this company and role—what do you hope to find?
• Your strengths and areas to grow?
• What matters to you in a job or company right now—your values?
• What fires you up or drags you down?
• What’s your salary expectation?

When they ask about pay, name a firm figure. Offering a range—like “between this and that”—signals you’d settle for the lower end. And if they probe about pregnancy plans in the next year or two? That’s a red flag—maybe this isn’t the place for you.

“You might get a curveball question you can’t answer,” Yana notes. “Don’t rush to say ‘I don’t know.’ Be honest if it’s not something you’ve tackled hands-on, then muse aloud about how you’d approach it if it landed in your lap.”

Warm up for the interview with a self-presentation rehearsal. At home, practice speaking about yourself out loud or record a video to review later. This dry run helps you pitch your experience with clarity and punch, making them eager to keep you in the game.

What to weave into your self-pitch:

• A quick intro—your name, where you’re based
• A rundown of your work history
• Key wins, changes you sparked, or results you delivered (stick to big, specific hits that showcase your impact)
• Skip emotional tangents about your job hunt goals or past gigs

And here’s the golden rule: put in the effort, and you’ll come out on top!