10 Things to Do During an Interview

Reviewed by the OnJob Editorial Team — career researchers covering jobs, salaries and hiring across India. Questions? editorial@onjob.io

Knowing the right things to do during an interview is what separates candidates who get offers from those who get a polite “we’ll get back to you.” Recruiters decide quickly, and small behaviours — how you greet them, how you answer, how you close — carry real weight. This guide walks through ten practical actions that help you perform confidently and stand out.

Browse live jobs on OnJob.io →

1. Arrive Calm and On Time

Reach the venue (or log in to a video call) at least ten minutes early. Arriving rushed shows in your voice and body language. Use the spare minutes to silence your phone, review your notes, and take a few slow breaths so you start the conversation composed.

2. Make a Strong First Impression

The first thirty seconds matter. Offer a firm handshake or a clear greeting, smile naturally, and use the interviewer’s name. Dress one level smarter than the company’s everyday code — a formal outfit for corporate roles, smart casual for startups and tech teams.

3. Listen Before You Answer

Let the interviewer finish the full question, then pause for a second before responding. This small habit prevents you from answering the wrong question and signals that you are thoughtful rather than rehearsed. If a question is unclear, it is perfectly fine to ask for clarification.

4. Answer with Structure and Examples

Vague answers are forgettable. Frame responses around a situation, the action you took, and the result you achieved. For behavioural questions (“Tell me about a time you handled pressure”), a short story with a concrete outcome is far more convincing than a generic statement.

5. Show You Researched the Company

Reference the company’s products, recent news, or mission when it fits naturally. Connecting your skills to what the organisation actually does proves genuine interest and helps the interviewer picture you in the role.

6. Mind Your Body Language

Non-verbal signals shape how confident you appear:

• Sit upright and lean in slightly when listening
• Maintain steady (not staring) eye contact
• Keep hands relaxed and avoid fidgeting
• Smile when it suits the moment

7. Be Honest About What You Don’t Know

If you are asked about a skill you lack, say so plainly and add how you would learn it. Interviewers respect honesty far more than bluffing, and an overstated claim usually unravels in follow-up questions.

8. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. Strong questions to ask include:

• “What does success look like in this role in the first six months?”
• “What are the team’s current priorities?”
• “What growth or learning opportunities exist here?“

9. Talk About Achievements, Not Just Duties

Anyone can list responsibilities. Stand out by quantifying impact where you can — a process you improved, a target you met, a problem you solved. Numbers and outcomes stick in an interviewer’s memory.

10. Close Well and Follow Up

End by restating your interest in the role and thanking the interviewer for their time. Within 24 hours, send a short thank-you email that references something specific from the conversation. A polished close leaves a lasting, professional impression.

FAQs About Things to Do During an Interview

How do I prepare for an interview effectively?

Research the company, re-read the job description, practise common questions out loud, review your own resume, and prepare two or three achievement stories you can adapt to different questions.

What should freshers focus on during an interview?

Freshers should highlight willingness to learn, relevant coursework or projects, and clear communication. With limited work history, attitude, basic skills, and genuine enthusiasm often weigh most.

What do employers evaluate in an interview?

Most interviewers assess four things: relevant skills, communication, cultural fit, and problem-solving ability. Keeping these in mind helps you decide what to emphasise.

Conclusion

Doing the right things during an interview is a skill you can build with preparation and practice. Stay calm, answer with real examples, show genuine interest, and follow up — and you will give every interviewer a clear reason to remember you. When you are ready to put these tips to use, line up the right opportunities on OnJob.io.