What Top Performers Do Differently in Interviews: The Hidden Secrets
Interviews are a critical step in the hiring process, but for many, it’s the difference between getting the job or being overlooked. Top performers—those who seem to effortlessly land the roles they want—don’t just answer questions; they know how to stand out, leave a lasting impression, and prove they’re the right fit for the job.
If you want to level up your interview game, here’s what the best candidates do differently and how you can apply their secrets.
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Preparation Beyond the Obvious
Top performers don’t just research the company—they put effort into understanding the company culture, the challenges it faces, and the specific needs of the department they’re applying to. They know the company’s recent news, its competitors, and the industry trends that may impact the business.
What to Do Differently: Go beyond surface-level company knowledge. Research the organisation’s values, mission, and future projects. Understand the role from multiple angles: not just what the job description says, but how your skills will align with what the company needs next. Tailor your responses to demonstrate that you’ve done this extra homework.
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Mastering the Art of Storytelling
The best candidates don’t just rattle off a list of skills or experiences—they turn them into compelling stories. They take their achievements and weave them into narratives that highlight their problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and results-driven approach. These stories make them memorable, showing not just what they’ve done, but how they’ve made an impact.
What to Do Differently: When asked about your experience or how you handled certain challenges, avoid generic responses. Instead, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers. Be specific, focus on outcomes, and illustrate how you went above and beyond to achieve success.
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Confidence Without Arrogance
Top performers exude a quiet confidence that makes employers trust they can handle the role without needing constant supervision. However, they don’t come across as arrogant or overly self-assured. They know their worth but aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something.
What to Do Differently: Balance confidence with humility. Be sure to highlight your accomplishments, but also acknowledge areas where you’ve had to learn or grow. Employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate self-awareness and a willingness to continue developing. Do not be overly optimistic either – remain firmly grounded in reality.
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Asking Insightful Questions
The best interviewees ask questions that demonstrate a true interest in the company and the role. These aren’t just basic inquiries about benefits or team dynamics—they’re thoughtful, well-researched questions about challenges the company is facing or the direction they’re heading.
What to Do Differently: Come prepared with questions that show you’re thinking long-term about how you’ll fit into the company. Ask about the company’s strategic goals, team structures, or specific projects you’d be working on. Your questions should reflect a deep understanding of the company’s current position and how you can contribute to its success.
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Cultural Fit Is Just as Important as Skills
Top performers know that technical skills alone won’t get them hired. They understand the importance of cultural fit and align their responses to demonstrate how they mesh with the company’s values and working style. They show they can thrive in the work environment and contribute positively to team dynamics.
What to Do Differently: Highlight how your personal values align with the company’s mission and culture. Be genuine—don’t try to give what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Show that you’re a good fit for the team and that you’ll thrive in their environment. Use examples from your previous experiences to back up your claims.
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Displaying Emotional Intelligence
Top performers are often those who display a high level of emotional intelligence (EQ) during interviews. They recognise and adapt to the interviewer’s tone, body language, and style, allowing them to establish a rapport and create a positive connection.
What to Do Differently: Pay attention to the interviewer’s body language and energy. If they’re laid-back and conversational, match their tone. If they’re more formal, adjust accordingly. Being able to adapt shows emotional intelligence and helps you build a connection.
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Bringing Energy Without Overdoing It
While it’s important to be enthusiastic, top performers know how to channel their energy in a controlled way. They strike a balance—coming across as excited and passionate about the role without appearing desperate or too over-the-top.
What to Do Differently: Stay positive, but avoid over-exaggerating your excitement. Enthusiasm is great, but ensure it’s matched by professionalism. Focus on what excites you about the job and how you see yourself making an impact, rather than just saying, "I really want this job."
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Handling Questions with Poise
Difficult questions—such as gaps in employment or a lack of experience in a particular area—are inevitable. Top performers handle these questions with grace, acknowledging any challenges but focusing on how they’ve overcome them or what they’ve learned.
What to Do Differently: Don’t avoid difficult questions. Address them head-on, but always spin them in a positive light. If you have gaps, explain how you stayed productive or developed new skills during that time. If you lack experience in a certain area, show your enthusiasm for learning and adapting.
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Following Up with Purpose
Top performers always send a follow-up after the interview. But it’s not just a generic “thank you” note. They craft a follow-up message that reiterates key points from the interview, reaffirms their interest in the position, and further demonstrates their understanding of the role and company.
What to Do Differently: Send a personalised thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. Include specific points discussed during the interview and explain why you’re still excited about the role. This reinforces your professionalism and commitment, and it keeps you top of mind for the interviewer.
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They Are Prepared to Talk Salary (If It Comes Up)
Top performers know their worth and are prepared to discuss salary expectations without hesitation. While it’s not the first thing you should bring up, they understand that this topic will likely come up during the interview process, and they are ready with a clear range or figure.
What to Do Differently: Be prepared for the salary conversation. Research industry standards for your role and location so you can give an informed response. Don’t undervalue yourself, but be flexible enough to negotiate if needed.
Top performers don’t just show up to interviews—they excel by preparing, thinking strategically, and demonstrating exactly why they’re the right fit for the job. By incorporating these secrets into your own interview process, you’ll increase your chances of landing the job and setting yourself apart from the competition.