How to Ace the Interview

Last week, we asked you to vote on what the hardest part of job hunting was, and 37% of you said - “acing the interview.” We hear you!

Whether you're on the hunt now or just want to be ready when opportunity knocks, we've got you covered. Let’s break it down! ⬇️

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Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with the right prep, you'll walk in confident and prepared to land the job you deserve. Ready to transform your interview game? Let's get into it.

The Preparation

Before you even step into the interview room (or log into the Zoom call), a little prep work goes a long way. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Do Your Research: Get to know the company—its mission, culture, and recent wins. Check out the company’s website, scroll through their social media, recent news, and LinkedIn pages to get a feel for their vibe and the inside scoop from current employees. Is this somewhere you'd actually enjoy working? Remember - you're interviewing them, too!

Know Your Market Rate: There’s nothing worse than realizing you could've asked for $15K more after accepting an offer. To avoid this, you must come to every job interview with a solid salary range in mind. Use our free Market Research Guide to learn how to conduct proper market research, and check our Salary Database to make sure you’re aiming for fair and competitive pay.

Have a Game Plan for Negotiation: Before you even get to the offer stage, know your numbers: an "I'd take it, but I wouldn't be thrilled" minimum, a "this feels fair" target, and an "I'd do a happy dance" dream number. Our free Salary Negotiation Guide has your back with expert tips. And remember, it's not just about the paycheck – flexible hours, remote work options, and extra vacation days can be game-changers for your work-life balance!

During the Interview

This is your time to shine! Here’s how to make a killer impression and stand out from the crowd:

Nail Your Elevator Pitch: Have a quick, engaging intro about yourself ready to go—who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re excited about this opportunity. Practice in front of the mirror and whoever you feel comfortable with until it flows naturally. Pro tip: Tweak your pitch for each interview to spotlight the experiences most relevant to that specific role.

Listen and Ask Thoughtful Questions: Interviews aren’t just about answering questions; they're conversations! When you really listen (not just waiting for your turn to talk), you'll pick up on what the interviewer cares about, and you can tailor your responses accordingly. Ask about team dynamics, company goals, and what success looks like in the role. Some crowd-pleasers include:

• "What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?"

• "What's the biggest challenge the team is facing right now?"

• "How would you define success for this position in the first 90 days?"

Not sure when to ask about pay? The first interview is fair game—just wait until the end. If they don’t bring it up, ask this when they open the floor to questions: “I'm really excited about this opportunity! I’d love to better understand the compensation range for this role. Could you please share that with me?"

Need help answering questions instead of asking them? Here are the 10 most common job interview questions and answers (with examples).

Closing the Deal

Just because the interview is over doesn’t mean your work is done! Keep the momentum going with a few key steps:

Send a Thank You Letter: You wouldn’t ghost after a great date, would you? The same goes for interviews. Within 24 hours, send a quick, thoughtful email to thank the interviewer and reiterate your excitement for the role. You’d be surprised at how much this will set you apart from the pack.

Pro tip: Make it specific – mention that great conversation about their new product launch or the team challenge you discussed. This shows you were present and engaged, not just going through the motions.

Follow Through: If they ask for references, work samples, or anything else, send them ASAP. Be the candidate who delivers quality work ahead of schedule, and you'll stand out for all the right reasons.

Check-In: Waiting to hear back is torture, we know! If "we'll be in touch by Friday" has come and gone, it's totally fine to check-in. Send a polite follow-up email once a week to keep yourself on their radar.

Remember - interviewing is like any skill: you get better with practice! Even interviews that don't end with an offer provide valuable experiences and insights to help you succeed in the next one.

BONUS! If you make it to the final round and receive an offer but need help negotiating your salary or benefits besides pay, we’ve got you covered!

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🍎 New York State kicked off 2025 by making life more affordable for its residents! On January 1, three new laws went into effect:

• Raising the minimum wage statewide

• Launching the nation's first paid prenatal leave benefit

• Eliminating insulin co-pays for those on state-regulated insurance plans

Learn more about what makes New York State a great place to live and work here!

Thanks to New York State for putting workers first and partnering with us on this week’s newsletter.

Last week was the season 1 finale of Two Cents! In this episode, we shared some major news, including a big change coming for Salary Transparent Street.

Watch or listen on your preferred platform here! We’ll be back next Tuesday (new publishing day) with an interview you won’t want to miss. 🎙️

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• This 24-year-old paid his college tuition through his side hustle. Here’s how he flipped it for $300K.

Made it to the end? We appreciate you! Here’s some exclusive news we haven’t announced yet: We’re hosting 4 live events this spring in Boston, Philly, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Keep an eye out for sign-up links dropping soon!