You’re about to go into an interview. What is the most important thing to remember when answering questions?

1. Know well your resume/experience, be ready to explain your different experiences/successes 2. Do some research on the company and the position you’re applying for. 3. Always use the STAR method 4. Positive and dynamic communication

The most crucial thing to remember when answering interview questions is to be authentic and concise. Listen carefully to each question, take a moment to gather your thoughts, and then respond thoughtfully and confidently. Focus on highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your capabilities effectively. Additionally, maintain a positive attitude, engage with the interviewer, and showcase your enthusiasm for the role and company. Remember to tailor your responses to showcase your fit for the position and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.

Before an interview, thoroughly review your resume—it's your personal marketing tool. Beyond listing achievements, be ready to share stories and details illustrating how you applied skills in various situations and achieved results. Familiarity with your resume not only demonstrates qualification but also confidence and adaptability. It's not just about what's on paper but how well you can articulate and exemplify your professional journey. This ensures you leave a lasting impression on interviewers, showcasing not just qualifications but practical capabilities.

Ser clara e objetiva, o famoso "não enfeitar o pavão". Muitos candidatos pecam ao querer transmitir algo que não é necessário ou que não faz sentido naquele momento. Clareza na comunicação, ser sincero nas suas experiências - você será testado, obviamente-, buscar sempre transmitir leveza. Ser também muito claro com as suas próprias limitações, é o básico para uma boa entrevista. Claro que, devemos revisar o currículo, estudar sobre a empresa, pesquisa o fit cultural para saber se você se encaixa entre outras ações que te colocam a frente na entrevista.

Research is the most important aspect of any pursuit, let alone, navigating one's career. It is important to all to realize that one should not only focus on "proving" to the key decision makers during the process that one is the best fit, but also to make sure that this role and company are the best option for one's career, which should be designed and not just "go with the flow". Read about the company: Vision, mission, values. Sadly, many times there is misalignment between the stated values to the actual culture. Reach out to individuals at the company and ask them the questions that are most important to you and may make or break the deal. For commercial roles, I suggest also to read the company's financial reports (if public).

In my recruiting experience, candidates who neglect company research often face disqualification. It reflects a lack of interest, curiosity, and motivation — qualities hiring managers value. Before an interview, delve into the company's mission, culture, and products. Understanding the role's expectations helps tailor responses, showcasing alignment and problem-solving abilities. This preparation, coupled with insightful questions for the interviewer, demonstrates genuine enthusiasm and interest, essential traits hiring managers and recruiters seek.

It is important to be specific and structured in your answers. Refer to examples from your professional life and select those which are most relevant and ideally, come from recent experience. If you apply for an expert position requiring several years of experience and then refer to examples from student projects, it will not be as powerful and convincing to the interview panel. Remember also to be concise in your answers - the rule of two minutes per answer can help here. In case, you are asked a question about the area where you can't provide any example from your experience, be honest with the interviewers and instead, you can say how you would approach such situation now.

The STAR method when answering interview questions is like using a decoder ring to crack the code of success. It helps you translate your past experiences (jumbled message) into a clear and compelling story (decoded message) that demonstrates your skills and value to the interviewer.

Building a "like & trust factor" is pivotal for engaging with internal and external customers and fostering a positive work culture. When responding to interview questions, honesty and positivity are paramount. Avoid exaggerations; admit if you don't know something, emphasizing your eagerness to learn. Acknowledge mistakes, detailing corrective actions and lessons learned. Stay positive about past experiences, emphasizing your contributions. Confidence is key, but humility matters — be self-assured without arrogance and humble without self-deprecation. This approach builds the trust and likability crucial for effective collaboration and cultural contribution.

Frame your challenges as opportunities for growth. When discussing past mistakes, don't dwell on them. Briefly acknowledge them, emphasize what you learned, and showcase how you used that experience to improve your skills or approach.

Always leave them wanting more. If they're interested in what you're saying they'll ask you to elaborate, if you're boring them they may not jump in to cut you off. Let them decide what they find interesting.