Excelling in Interviews: Tips for Interviewing Success in 2026
- Mar 23
- 7 min read
Let's face it: Interviews have always been one of the most daunting parts of a new job search. But this year your interviews could be dramatically different. Companies are embracing new technologies to screen, test, and converse with candidates.
Employers are also looking for more than evidence of your ability to communicate well or insights into your technical skills throughout the interviewing process. Increasingly, business leaders are looking for signs that candidates have durable human skills, like empathy, resilience, and creativity, when they interact with candidates.
When being interviewed for a vacancy you do not get a second chance to present yourself as the candidate of choice. In this highly competitive stage of the selection process it’s essential you get it right, first time! There is no prize for coming second.
Ensuring you make the right impression in today's world means taking a new approach to managing each interview that focuses on demonstrating extensive preparation, emotional intelligence, and aptitude. Here's your guide to mastering interviews in 2026.
The Top Interview Skills to Master This Year
In 2026, as part of your interview preparation it's not enough to rehearse the perfect answer for every question your prospective employer might ask. You must do your research, prepare for different interview scenarios, and master the art of body language, too. These are the top interviewing skills you should fine-tune for the best chances of success this year.
Skill 1: Virtual Interview Mastery
90% of companies are using virtual interviewing techniques. Assessing candidates through a video call or conference is generally far more convenient than finding the time to invite them to a face-to-face discussion.
This means you need to ensure you're ready to make the right impact on your potential employer from a distance. Start by familiarising yourself with the basics of virtual interviewing. Ensure you know how to use the platforms companies might implement for interviews, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Ensure your camera is set up correctly and positioned at eye level, with no pesky distractions in the background. Also, be prepared for any technical difficulties by setting up a contingency plan, such as giving your interviewer your phone number in case you lose a connection.
Skill 2: Storytelling with “STAR”
Competency-based interviews have become increasingly popular thanks to their ability to help companies gauge a candidate's resiliency, creativity, agility, and problem-solving skills. Preparing for these types of questions means honing your storytelling skills.
Think about the kinds of questions your employer might ask, such as "Tell us about a time when you overcame a problem with a client," and prepare answers using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Outline the situation and task in detail, and make sure you draw attention to both your hard and soft skills when explaining the "actions" you took. For instance, you might highlight your collaboration and communication skills by explaining how you drew on insights from your team. When sharing results, be specific - explain what you accomplished, supported by facts and figures.
Skill 3: AI Interview Navigation
According to studies, around 43% of large companies now use some form of AI to interview potential hires. Since it's hard to forge an emotional connection when answering AI-generated questions, you must take a different approach.
Research how the AI tools your potential employer is using might work, and practice responding to their questions. For instance, if your employer uses an AI tool to send automated prompt questions for you to answer on camera, practice responding to those questions.
AI systems often assess response content, communication skills, and non-verbal cues. Engaging in mock interviews using AI tools can provide valuable feedback and improve your performance in actual AI-mediated interviews.
Skill 4: Non-verbal Communication
It's not just what you say in an interview that matters – it's how you say it. That's particularly true now that 92% of companies believe soft skills are more important than technical expertise. They'll seek evidence of soft skills like emotional intelligence and resilience in your body language, facial expressions, and gestures.
Focus on maintaining open and confident body language by sitting up straight, with your shoulders back and your arms by your sides (not crossed or fiddling with something). Make eye contact with your interviewer (or look at the camera in a virtual interview), and smile.
Be aware of your gestures. While hand movements are great for conveying passion and excitement, they can be distracting. Practice interviews with friends for insights into what your body language might be saying about you.
Skill 5: Question Anticipation
It's difficult to predict exactly what a employer might ask you in advance, but the right research can help you prepare. Conduct comprehensive research into the company you want to work for. Find out about the organisation culture, values, and industry position.
Review the job description to identify required skills and experiences and prepare example stories and responses that highlight your alignment with these criteria. Researching the latest trends in your industry can also demonstrate to your interviewer that you're committed to constant improvement, development, and discovery.
Before the interview, consider spending some time reading news reports and updates, particularly those shared by the company on social channels.
Skill 6: Active Engagement
Practice makes perfect, but interviewers are becoming increasingly wary of candidates who seem to come to interviews with "pre-determined answers." You need to consistently show your interviewer that you're engaged in that specific conversation.
A good way to do this is to practice active listening techniques, like repeating an interviewer's question back to them for clarity. You can also ask strategic follow-up questions to show that you're thinking about what your interviewer is saying.
For instance, if an interviewer asks you what you think the major trends in the industry are right now, share your ideas and then ask for their opinions on something like "AI" or "automation."
Quick Tips to Prepare for Any Interview
Success in interviews starts long before you enter the room—or log in to a virtual session. Thorough preparation, strategic practice, and a professional approach prepare you for any scenario. Here's how to effectively prepare to show the interview skills outlined above.
Commit to Research
Invest in research before every interview. Review the company's mission, products, services, and recent news to understand its priorities. Study the role requirements carefully to identify essential skills and experiences so you can prepare relevant responses to questions. Stay up-to-date on industry trends to demonstrate thought leadership.
Practice Interview Skills
The more you practice your interview skills, the less daunting the concept of an interview becomes. Conduct mock interviews to refine your delivery. Record your responses to identify areas for improvement, such as clarity or tone. Actively request feedback from mentors, peers or anyone else who helps you with mock interviews. Apply their insights to further "mock tests" and track your progress.
Create a Pre-Interview Plan
Before your interview, aside from researching the company, ensure you have a preparation plan. If you're having a virtual interview, ensure your technology works as it should. Double-check that any documents you need to take with you are up-to-date. Prepare your mindset with positive self-talk and confidence-building exercises.
Refine your Interview Checklist
During an interview, make sure you’re checking off items in your mental "to-do" list. Think about showing active engagement with insightful questions and active listening. Regularly assess your body language and tone of voice. At the end of the interview, ask your interviewer for insights into when you can expect to hear feedback.
Prepare for Post-Interview Success
Finally, make sure you have a best-practice strategy for post-interview interactions. Prepare to send a follow-up email to the interviewer thanking them for the opportunity, then reflect on your performance and make notes about anything you did well or could improve.
Conclusion: Mastering the Interview Journey in 2026
Mastering the interview in 2026 will feel very different and a little nerve-wracking for many people. There are many new nuances to consider, from how you demonstrate soft skills to how you master virtual interview practices.
Focusing on improving your interviewing skills should prepare you for success. Remember, for a small investment a personal coach or mentor can help you gain valuable insights and guidance. Consider drawing on my knowledge to ensure you're fully prepared for your next interview.
Would you like to walk into your next interview…
Feeling confident, well prepared, and in control
Knowing how to highlight your strengths and abilities
Be ready for every testing question
Able to easily communicate your real value
Present yourself as the candidate of choice
………..that’s how you should feel after your interview preparation work with me, Bob Garton
Interview Hints & Tips and Coaching
I will take you through a planned process to thoroughly prepare you for what could be a series of 2-3 competitive interviews. Every person is different and so the content of my pre-interview coaching and preparation varies dependent upon your own requirements.
To supplement our discussions I will provide you with a series of up to three powerful guides that will transform your interview preparation. They are packed with expert hints, proven tips, and up to 200 FAQ’s. These guides cover Interview Success Strategies, Questions Every Person Must Practice, plus Challenging Management and Leadership Questions.
Then, 48 hours in advance of your face-to-face interview I will take you through the final stage of your preparation.
Following that interview, you and I will then conduct a debriefing session to review and analyse your performance so you can make any improvements in advance of the next stage.
Can you risk getting this key stage of your job search wrong? For a small investment compared to your potential personal rewards, contact me to help steer you through this daunting process and receive my 3-part Interview Guides. Go to https://www.bobgarton.co.uk/contact and enter “Interview Help” in the Additional Information area.
Phone: 07850 366108 Email: bob@bobgarton.co.uk
