As someone who’s conducted my fair share of interviews, I’ve picked up a few tips that can make all the difference. Whether you're new to the job market or a seasoned pro, I want to share what I’ve learned about what works (and what doesn’t) during an interview. 

I hope these do’s and don’ts will help you show up confidently, authentically, and ready to impress. 

Ready to take the next step? Let’s dive in!

DOs – The "Hire Me" Energy I Love to See

1. Do Your Homework
Yes, even grown-ups still get homework. Googling the company and reading the job post before the interview = gold star. No one’s impressed by freestyle answers that sound like a TED Talk gone rogue.

2. Do Show Up Authentically
Leave the “interview persona” at the door. I’m not hiring a robot with a buzzword generator—I want to see you. Your quirks, your calm confidence, your cat that may or may not walk across the screen.

3. Do Listen Like You Mean It
Interviews aren’t monologues. Listen, reflect, and respond like you’re in a human conversation—because (spoiler) you are.

4. Do Share the Impact, Not Just the Job Description
If I wanted a list of duties, I’d read your job ad in reverse. Tell me how you moved the needle, made a difference, or saved the day (bonus points if there’s a plot twist).

5. Do Ask Good Questions
No, “What does your company do?” is not a good question. Ask what matters to you—growth, culture, coffee policies. You’re interviewing them too.

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DON’Ts – Things That Make Me Want to Close Zoom Early

1. Don’t Wing It
Confidence is great. Overconfidence mixed with zero prep? Not so much. Interviews deserve more effort than your last-minute brunch plans.

2. Don’t Oversell or Undersell Yourself
You’re not a used car, so don’t pitch yourself like one. Be honest about what you bring to the table—but also know you deserve a seat at it.

3. Don’t Trash Talk
Even if your last job was a soul-sucking vortex of micromanagement, keep it classy. I listen not just to what you say—but how you say it.

4. Don’t Hide Behind Buzzwords
“Synergistic go-getter with a passion for innovation”? Cool. Now, translate that into English with a real-life example. I’m fluent in corporate, but I prefer human.

5. Don’t Ghost the Follow-Up
Sending a quick thank-you doesn’t make you look desperate. It makes you look thoughtful. And in my book? That’s the TLC touch.

I’m not just here to fill jobs—I’m here to connect good humans with the right teams, one meaningful conversation at a time. Interviews can be intimidating, but with a little prep, personality, and TLC? You’ve got this.