Job Interview Tips: The Unique 7-Step Technique to Stand Out

Prepare with confidence using this powerful yet simple 7-step interview technique.

Whether you’re job hunting, finishing a contract, or dealing with redundancy, job interviews can be stressful.

So stressful, most candidates walk into interviews unprepared.

Don’t be one of them.

Here’s a simple interview technique that gives you structure, keeps your nerves in check, and can dramatically improve your chances of landing the role.

Here’s how to approach your job interviews in 7 simple steps.

Step One: What To Do Before an Interview

Before your interview, make sure you have:

• A full job description 
• Background information on the company (size, successes, projects etc.)
• Background information on the person(s) interviewing you (their team, successes etc.)
• Information about the opportunity (career development, possible promotions, company culture etc.)
• Your recently updated CV (complete with career achievements)

Most of this info is online. You can find it in company reports, company websites, Google news, and LinkedIn.

Interview preparation is important. Your goal is to be fully briefed before your job interview.

Step Two: Research Until You Can’t Forget It

Read through all your information until you can confidently talk about each item. Why? Employers notice when candidates don't prepare for an interview:

• 45% of candidates are rejected because they failed to prepare. (ZipDo)
• Candidates who haven’t researched the company appear disengaged and unprofessional. (Business Focus Hub)

Tip: Expect interview questions like “What do you know about our company?” or “Why this role?” Be ready with detailed, confident answers.

Knowing what to research before an interview will help shape how you perform in one.  

Step Three: What To Bring To an Interview

Grab a pad and pen.

Now you’re going to write 5 thoughtful interview questions that demonstrate genuine interest. Keep them relevant to the job and the company.

You may wish to cover areas like:

• Training and development opportunities
• Team culture and management style
• Company successes or upcoming projects
• Career progression possibilities

You’ll also need to plan some closing questions that you can ask at the end of your interview.

Here is a simple list of closing questions you may wish to ask to clarify matters:

• What's the next step in your process?
• When do you expect to make a decision?

And finally, if you’re feeling confident…

• Were there any questions you felt I haven’t fully answered that I can expand on before we finish?

You’re going to take these questions with you to the interview.

Tip: Keep your list short. Five is plenty. You’ll focus better, remember them, and still come across confident.

Step Four: Interview Engagement & Making a Strong Impression

When you arrive, place your pad and pen on the table. Taking notes shows engagement before you even start talking.

Think of the perception you’ve just created in the mind of your interviewer(s).

During the interview, jot down important points. This will help you:

• Remember details to reference later
• Appear naturally interested and attentive
• Keep your thoughts organised

Tip: People are drawn to those who show curiosity and attention.

Step Five: Use The STAR Interview Method

The STAR job interview method can be your best ally during your interview.

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. It provides a structured way to answer interview questions, showing not just what you did, but how you approached challenges and delivered results.

Practicing this method can make your responses more concise and impactful. Here's a mock interview practice example:

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Situation:
“In my previous role as an account manager, we had a long-term client who was unhappy because a campaign hadn’t delivered the results they expected.”

Task:
“My responsibility was to retain the client and rebuild their confidence in our team.”

Action:
“I organised a meeting to understand their concerns. I reviewed the campaign data beforehand, identified where expectations may not have aligned, and presented a revised plan with clearer expectations and timelines. I also introduced weekly reporting updates to improve communication.”

Result:
“The client agreed to continue the contract. Within three months, performance improved by 28%, and they later expanded their scope of work with us.”

Bonus: Find a list of common interview questions and ways to answer them. 

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Step Six: Ask Your Interview Questions

Depending on how your interview is going you may have built rapport well enough to ask some questions. If not, there’ll be an opportunity to ask them.

Pick the ones that add value and demonstrate curiosity. Before you ask, signal interest:

“This opportunity really excites me. I have a few questions to better understand the role.”

Tip: What’s the most common response to an interviewer when they ask somebody if they have any questions? It is normally, “No, you’ve covered everything. Thank you.”

It's an opportunity to impress your interviewer(s) with your questions.

Step Seven: Close Strong

End with your closing questions. Confirm next steps, timelines, and if there’s anything you can clarify. Finish by thanking them for their time.

You’ve now:

• Planned and prepared
• Shown genuine interest
• Appeared organised and engaged

Most candidates don’t go this far. By following this approach, you’ve already set yourself apart.

And that’s it.

Simple, yet powerful. You’ve shown that you plan and prepare for job interviews, you’re organised and that you take a genuine interest in what people have to say.

The company’s perception of you will be elevated. Is it likely that each other person at the interview has performed exactly the same as you?

There’s a big chance they won’t have. You’ll do an amazing job.

Now it’s fingers crossed for you with that offer of employment……

Find more career tips and advice like this.

Looking for work? Why not register with us or take a look at the latest Australian FIFO mining jobs. 

 

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