At Pathlighter Mentors, we know the job search process can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re reentering the workforce, shifting careers, or simply facing rejection with no feedback. Interviews, in particular, are a common stumbling block. But here’s the truth: with the right preparation, confidence, and strategy, you can stand out from the crowd.
This guide shares five insider tips gathered from hiring managers, career coaches, and our own workforce readiness training sessions to help you walk into your next interview prepared and powerful.
Step 1: Know the Job Inside and Out
Before the interview:
Carefully read the job description. Highlight the specific responsibilities and required skills.
Research the company’s mission, values, and recent news so you can speak to why you align with them.
Use keywords from the job description and naturally insert them into your resume and interview answers. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems that scan for these terms—without them, your resume may never even be seen by a human.
Example:
If the job mentions “project coordination” and “stakeholder communication,” include those exact phrases in your resume and say them in your interview stories.
Step 2: Prepare STAR-Based Stories
Hiring Managers Want: Specific, Proven Results
Use the STAR method to answer behavioral questions:
Situation: Set the scene
Task: What needed to be done
Action: What YOU did
Result: What positive results occurred because of your actions
Example:
“Tell me about a time you solved a problem.”
Instead of saying, “I’m a good problem solver,” share a quick STAR story that proves it with a specific and quantifiable example.
Step 3: Practice Your Body Language
Hiring Managers Notice: Confidence, Energy & Connection
What you don’t say matters:
Sit upright with open posture
Make intentional eye contact (even on video)
Smile—genuinely
Avoid fidgeting and filler words like “um” or “you know".