Navigating the complexities of a job interview can be a source of significant anxiety and uncertainty for many job seekers. However, a strategic and “real-world” approach to preparation can profoundly boost someone’s readiness and confidence. This article distills nine major points from their conversation, providing a comprehensive guide to mastering interview preparation.

1. Strategic Scheduling and Logistical Preparedness

The interviewee meticulously planned his interview timing to optimize his mental and physical state. His Microsoft Teams video interview was set for 1:30 PM, specifically after an 11 AM recording session. This deliberate scheduling allowed him ample time to decompress, mentally reset, change into appropriate attire, and perform crucial last-minute checks, such as confirming his internet connection for the “umpteenth time”. This emphasis on decompression and technical verification underscores the importance of managing the practical aspects of a virtual interview, ensuring a seamless experience and focused mindset.

2. Acknowledging and Managing Interview Nerves

The emotional aspect of interviewing is a significant, yet often overlooked, component of the job search. The interviewee openly admitted to not sleeping well the night before his interview, acknowledging the nervousness that many job seekers experience. While confident in his abilities once the interview begins, the lead-up can be challenging. Jeff Altman emphasized the need for strategies to “ground yourself” and “be present” at the time of the interview, suggesting meditation or other calming techniques to mitigate pre-interview anxiety. This emotional self-care is identified as a vital component of holistic interview preparation.

3. In-Depth Company and Interviewer Research

Beyond merely reviewing a company’s website, the interviewee advocated for a deeper dive into the organization and the specific interviewer. He “Googled the company” to find news articles, aiming to grasp its current trajectory and whether it’s a “growth company,” especially crucial for a part-time role he wanted to “last more than a week or two”. Crucially, he also meticulously reviewed the job specification and his resume to anticipate potential questions, considering whether the role is new or a replacement, and how he would “mesh in” with an existing team. This proactive approach ensures tailored responses and demonstrates genuine interest.

4. Leveraging Recruiters for Key Insights

Recruiters, when utilized effectively, can be an invaluable source of “texture to the answer”. The interviewee highlighted the benefit of a recruiter sharing past feedback from the hiring manager regarding previous applicants’ successes or failures, which can be “kind of helpful for you. Jeff Altman suggested asking recruiters about their relationship with the hiring manager and the firm to gain deeper insights. Generic answers like “Nah, they just weren’t strong enough” are less helpful than specific feedback, such as “this person, they were really close, but they missed on this one point where they said something dumb during the interview,” which signals the recruiter’s genuine understanding of the role and what the manager is seeking. This pre-interview intelligence can provide a significant advantage. The interviewee also confirmed his interview directly with the recruiter just before the call, noting it’s a small but important check, especially in the summer.

5. Taking Control and Structuring the Interview

Jeff Altman firmly believes that “the job hunter always starts the interview”. After initial pleasantries, he advised people to express gratitude and then ask the interviewer for their “take on the role” or to “tell me about the job as you see it and what I can do to help. This strategy “levels the power” dynamic, shifting from a subordinate to an equal footing, and allows the someone to “tailor your answers to what matters to them”. The interviewee added that this approach provides him “a chance to think and just read a little bit and not be bombarded by question after question,” effectively slowing down the interviewer’s “freight train”. Another tactic, which the interviewee trains himself to do, is to intentionally pause a few seconds before answering questions, demonstrating thoughtful consideration rather than rote recitation.

6. Indirectly Addressing Potential Concerns (e.g., Ageism)

The interviewee, being “a certain age,” was aware of potential ageism and planned to address it indirectly during the interview. He aimed to counter the “know it alls” stereotype often associated with older professionals by discussing how he has mentored people and been a “team player” in recent jobs. He also emphasized his continuous willingness to learn, even from individuals half his age, ensuring he doesn’t project an image of being “uncoachable” or “unmanageable”. He also planned to reassure the interviewer about his ability to work independently in a remote setting, drawing on past developer experience. This subtle strategy reassures the interviewer about adaptability and collaborative spirit.

7. Framework Over Script: Emphasizing Soft Skills

Both Jeff Altman and the interviewee advocated for a “framework rather than a script” for interviews, as a script can sound “too robotic”. While competence (hard skills) is important, Jeff stressed that employers also look for “self-confidence, character, chemistry, maybe a little bit of charisma… that you care, that they can connect with you. And ultimately, they want to trust you”. These soft skills are paramount, and a flexible framework allows someone to demonstrate them naturally. The interviewee planned to have “certain stories prepared” about his successes in recent jobs that are relevant to the role, rather than simply reading from his resume or delivering a “30 second elevator pitch.

8. Strategic Closing Questions

The interviewee planned to try a new closing question: “Is there anything in my background that you’re somewhat concerned about that I can put your mind at ease?”. Jeff Altman offered a refined version: “Is there anything that you’ve heard, or not heard, that gives you reason to be concerned about whether I’m qualified to do this job?”. This powerful question encourages the interviewer to voice any hesitations, allowing a person to immediately address them and potentially turn a negative into a positive. This demonstrates confidence and a proactive problem-solving approach, significantly increasing the chances of advancing to the next stage. It is important for the job seeker to feel comfortable and confident asking such a question.

9. Post-Interview Follow-Up and Reading Signals

After the interview, the interviewee planned to send a thank you to the hiring manager and may connect on LinkedIn, but stressed he wouldn’t be a “pest. He planned to ask the recruiter when and how to follow up, as specificity in the next steps is a good sign. Jeff Altman shared his observation that “the more they talk, the more they like you”. If an interviewer shifts from asking questions to “selling to you” – discussing the company’s virtues and the opportunity – it’s a “buy signal” that the interview is going well. Conversely, signs of disengagement or “going in for the kill” indicate the interview is “going south”. The interviewee also noted that in his experience, emails tend to carry good news (like onboarding details), while phone calls from agencies can often signal bad news.

By integrating these nine strategic points into their preparation, job seekers can transform an often stressful experience into a confident and controlled demonstration of their abilities, increasing their chances of securing the desired role. The insights from this real-world preparation discussion provide a practical roadmap for navigating the complexities of the modern job interview.

Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2025  

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