Why Interviews Decide Everything

You’ve made it past the CV scan. You’re in the top 10% of candidates.

Now comes the test that decides if you actually land the job: the interview.

• According to The Interview Prep Bible (2024), 70% of graduates underperform in interviews because they fail to prepare specific answers.
• Murphy’s Never Say These Words in a Job Interview warns: “Most candidates eliminate themselves not because of lack of skills, but because of careless words.”
• Christine Reidhead adds in Get That Job! Ace Your Job Interview: “First impressions are made in the first 30 seconds — before you even sit down.”

So how do you crush the interview and stand out in a crowded 2025 job market?

Let’s break it into 8 recruiter-approved strategies.

1. Prepare Like It’s an Exam

Research = Confidence.

• Company: mission, campaigns, competitors.
• Role: key responsibilities, required skills.
• Industry: latest trends (AI in marketing, TikTok SEO, sustainability campaigns).

Phil Monroe (My Interview Secrets) says:

“The candidate who links their answers back to the company’s goals is always remembered.”

Pro Tip: Create a One-Page Interview Cheat Sheet:

• 3 company facts
• 2 competitor insights
• 1 question for the interviewer

2. First Impressions & Body Language

Christine Reidhead:

“Your handshake, smile, and eye contact speak before your mouth does.”

Data: 55% of first impressions come from non-verbal communication (Interview Prep Bible, 2024).

Checklist for 2025 interviews:

• Eye contact (but not staring).
• Open posture (no crossed arms).
• Professional background if virtual.
• Smile (shows confidence + warmth).

3. The Power of STAR & SHER

Recruiters love structured answers.

STAR Method (classic):

• Situation, Task, Action, Result.

SHER Method (Murphy’s twist):

• Situation, Hindrance, Effort, Result.

💡 Example Question: “Tell me about a time you solved a problem.”

❌ Weak: “I solved a social media issue by posting more.”
✅ STAR:

• S: At my internship, engagement dropped 30%.
• T: I was asked to fix it.
• A: I analysed data, identified weak times, shifted to reels, partnered with student influencers.
• R: Engagement rose by 50% in 2 months.

4. Words That Win (and Words That Lose)

Mark Murphy warns: avoid “negative self-sabotage phrases” like:

• “I don’t know.”
• “I’m a perfectionist” (overused cliché).
• “I just need a job.”

Instead, use confident phrases:

• “Here’s an example of when I…”
• “I learned from that challenge by…”
• “I’m particularly proud of…”

5. Handling Behavioural Questions

Most graduate interviews in 2025 will include behavioural questions:

• “Tell me about a time you worked in a team.”
• “Describe a challenge and how you overcame it.”
• “When did you show leadership?”

From Most Common Behavioural Questions (TechTalk resource):

“Employers aren’t testing memory — they’re testing how you think, act, and grow.”

Tip: Write 5 mini-stories in advance using STAR. Use them flexibly across different questions.

6. Asking Smart Questions Back

The Interview Prep Bible emphasises:

“Candidates who don’t ask questions are 50% less likely to be offered the role.”

Examples of smart questions:

• “What skills do your top graduates develop in their first year here?”
• “How does the company support learning in digital marketing trends?”
• “What does success in this role look like after 6 months?”

❌ Don’t ask: “What’s the salary?” (save for negotiation stage).

7. Virtual Interview Mastery

Since 2020, remote/virtual interviews remain common.

Tips for 2025:

• Test tech (camera, mic, internet).
• Look at the camera, not just the screen.
• Use hand gestures naturally.
• Reduce background noise + distractions.

Data: 63% of employers now use AI-assisted video interview tools (HBR, 2024).

Hack: Practise with Google’s Interview Warmup tool.

8. Closing Strong

Never leave without a strong finish.

Phil Monroe:

“The last thing you say is what recruiters remember most.”

Template:

• Thank them for their time.
• Reaffirm interest: “I’m very excited about this role because…”
• Leave a hook: “I’d love to bring my skills in SEO and analytics to help your campaigns grow.”

Mini Glossary – Interview Terms

Evidence & Data

• 70% of grads underperform due to lack of prep (Interview Prep Bible).
• 55% of first impressions = body language (Reidhead, 2019).
• 63% of employers use AI in interviews (HBR, 2024).
• 50% lower chance of offer if you don’t ask questions (Interview Prep Bible).

Quick Checklist

• I researched company, role, and industry.
• I have 5 STAR stories ready.
• I know phrases to avoid and confident replacements.
• I practised virtually (tech + eye contact).
• I prepared 2–3 smart questions for the interviewer.
• I have a strong closing statement rehearsed.

Conclusion

In 2025, interviews are less about trick questions and more about testing if you’re prepared, confident, and resilient.

Show proof of skills, structure your answers with STAR, and end with confidence — and you’ll leave the interviewer thinking: “We need this graduate on our team.”

📥 Download OTINGA’s Interview Mastery Pack (2025) — includes:

• 20 behavioural questions with STAR answers.
• Words to use (and avoid) in interviews.
• Virtual interview checklist.

References 

• Murphy, M. (2024). Never Say These Words in a Job Interview. New York: Career Press.
• Monroe, P. (2024). My Interview Secrets: Sell Your Skills & Win the Job. Career Success Press.
• Reidhead, C. (2019). Get That Job! Ace Your Job Interview. USA: College Tips Series.
• Caputo, T. (2023). Stand Out! How to Master Your Next Job Interview. London: Job Success Publishing.
• TechTalk (2024). Most Common Behavioural Questions Pack.