10 Tips To Stand Out And Nail Your Next Interview

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially in competitive markets. Whether you’re applying for your first gig or aiming to level up your career, preparation is key. The good news? With the right steps, you can walk in feeling confident, credible, and ready to impress.

Here are 10 proven tips to help you prepare for your next interview—plus one unexpected detail that might give you a surprising psychological edge.

1. Research the Company Like a Pro

Get to know the company’s mission, values, and culture. Browse their website, check recent media coverage, and review their LinkedIn. This shows genuine interest and lets you tailor your answers.

2. Understand the Job Inside Out

Don’t just read the job ad—analyse it. Highlight keywords and required skills, then match them to your own experience. Be ready with specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills.

3. Practice STAR Responses

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure clear, impactful answers. It helps avoid rambling and keeps your responses focused.

4. Know Your Value – and Own It

Confidence isn’t arrogance. Be ready to speak about your achievements without downplaying them. According to a SEEK survey, 60% of Aussie employers look for candidates who can clearly articulate their strengths and impact.

5. Dress for the Role (and for Confidence)

First impressions matter. Choose an outfit that aligns with the company’s culture—but never underestimate the power of the details.

Here’s where psychology kicks in:

Studies show that wearing bold, colourful accessories can boost your self-perception and positively influence how others perceive you.

That’s why many young professionals are swapping boring black socks for bold designs that make a subtle statement.

Want to feel more confident walking into the room? A pair of bright, high-quality socks (like these) can give you a quiet edge that says “I’m comfortable in my own skin.”

6. Plan Your Journey

If it’s an in-person interview, map out your route in advance and allow extra time for unexpected delays. Running late = instant stress.

7. Prepare Thoughtful Questions

When asked, “Do you have any questions?”—don’t say no. Ask about the team, growth opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. It shows you’re thinking long-term.

8. Review Your Digital Footprint

Hiring managers will Google you. Clean up your social media and ensure your LinkedIn reflects your latest experience. A 2023 Hays report found 71% of employers research candidates online before hiring.

8. Bring Copies of Your Resume

Even if your interviewer has it digitally, handing over a neat, printed copy demonstrates professionalism and preparation.

10. Practise, Don’t Memorise

You want to sound natural—not like you’re reading a script. Ask a friend to do a mock interview or record yourself answering common questions. This helps with tone, clarity, and nerves.

BONUS TIP: Nail the Virtual Interview Setup

With many interviews now happening online, your tech setup matters just as much as your answers.

• Test your mic, camera, and internet the day before

• Find a clean, quiet, well-lit space (natural light is your friend)

• Look into the camera, not at yourself, to simulate eye contact

• And yes—still dress to impress head-to-toe. Confidence starts from the ground up.

That includes your socks. Even if no one else sees them, you will—and that can make all the difference.

Final Thought:

Interview success isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about showing up as your best self—prepared, polished, and confident. Sometimes that confidence comes from your experience, sometimes from your preparation—and sometimes from the unexpected, like a killer pair of socks that remind you you’ve got this.

Want that extra edge? Start from the ground up. Grab your first pair of bold socks free, just pay shipping + $2 to Beyond Blue. Step in confident—and make your mark!