How to ace the interview: Four key steps to help you give yourself the edge over other potential candidates

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How to ace the interview: Four key steps to help you give yourself the edge over other potential candidates

Interviews are often the most daunting part of the job application process. But acing one isn’t about memorizing the “right” answers, it’s about preparing with intention, responding with clarity, and navigating each stage with confidence. Whether it’s face-to-face, online, or unexpected, here are four key steps to help you stand out and get ahead.

What to prepare before a job interview

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I’ll spend the first four sharpening the axe.” When it comes to an interview, the thinking you do in advance can make all the difference.

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Preparation isn’t about doing everything, it’s about focusing on what matters. Here are three key areas to get right:

1. Figure out the basics: This includes making sure you know the interview date and time, the company name and name of your interviewer, what you're going to wear and, if it's an in-person interview, the company address and how to get there.

2. Know yourself: First impressions are key, therefore, to really make a good impression, you need to know your CV, application form and cover letter inside out. You don’t need to say everything, focus on delivering a one-to-two-minute advertisement for yourself, highlighting the key achievements in your employment history that matter most for the role.

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3. Research the opportunity

The interviewer expects you to have done your research on the role, as well as the organisation itself, the culture, the sector, and the interviewer. When you understand this, your responses in the interview naturally become more relevant and grounded, rather than generic.

Go beyond the surface and study the job description carefully. It tells you exactly what the employer is looking for and helps you identify what they may focus on during the interview, from required skills to expected responsibilities.

Also, review common interview questions. Questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why do you want this role?” come up often for a reason, they help interviewers understand your direction and motivation. Don’t try to memorize full answers. Instead, outline the key points you want to cover so your thoughts stay clear and focused.

Answering interview questions

But there are so many questions you could face during an interview, so how can you answer confidently?

No two interviews are the same, and you won’t be able to predict every question. But strong answers don’t come from guessing, they come from having a clear way to respond.

One of the most effective ways to structure your answers, especially for behavioral or Common interview questions, is the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It helps you stay focused and turn your experiences into clear, easy-to-follow stories.

Companies participating in the Internship Fair offered exciting internships and the chance for students to interview on-the-spot

Keep your setup short, and focus most of your answer on the action, this is where interviewers understand how you think and work.

You don’t need a perfect story. A clear, structured response will always be more effective than a long, unfocused one. If you lose your train of thought, pause and reset, taking a moment to think is better than rushing.

In the end, answering well isn’t about covering everything. It’s about choosing the right example and explaining it clearly.

Learn more about the STAR method

Understanding assessments

For many roles, especially within multinational corporations (MNCs), the interview process extends beyond conversation. It often includes assessments designed to evaluate how you think, not just what you say.

One of the most common assessments is the aptitude test, which measures your ability to learn or perform required tasks and succeed in a particular environment. It is not a measure of intelligence but an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, giving you and the evaluator an idea of your abilities. These may cover numerical reasoning, logical thinking, verbal analysis, or situational judgment. For students encountering them for the first time, they can feel unfamiliar and time pressured.

It’s also important to understand what each assessment is measuring:

Numerical tests assess your ability to interpret data
Logical tests evaluate problem-solving patterns
Situational tests explore how you respond to workplace scenarios, and many more.

This awareness helps you approach each section with the right mindset.

Unlike interview questions, where personality and communication play a role, assessments are more structured and objective. That can actually work in your favor, clear thinking and calm focus often matter more than prior experience.

If you’re preparing digitally, using an Interview AI assistant or online platform to simulate timed tests can help build confidence. And if assessments are conducted remotely, applying remote interview tips, like ensuring a stable connection and distraction-free environment, becomes just as important here.

Negotiating salaries and offers

Negotiating a salary when you are offered the job can be an awkward discussion. What is the best way to ask for what you want and is there a better time to do it?

Serious businessman working with analysis financial at office.

Negotiations are about finding an agreement that works for both parties. According to the 2026 salary trends in Vietnam, reported by NIC, average salaries are forecasted to rise by 8–10%. In more competitive sectors such as technology and digital roles, growth can exceed 10%–15%, while highly specialized or senior positions may see increases above 20%.

Therefore, start by understanding your value. Research typical salary ranges for the role, industry, and location. This gives you a realistic foundation for discussion, rather than guessing or underselling yourself.

Also, make the top rate a 'best case scenario' and a bottom rate that you won't go under. Allowing some wiggle room will ensure negotiations don't reach a dead end early on.

When an offer comes, take time to review it carefully. Salary is important, but it’s not the only factor. Consider:

learning opportunities
career progression
work environment
benefits and flexibility

If you decide to negotiate, approach the conversation professionally and collaboratively. Express appreciation for the offer, then clearly explain your reasoning. For example, you might reference your research, your skills, or the responsibilities of the role.

Final thoughts

Acing an interview isn’t about having all the right answers, it’s about being prepared, staying clear in your responses, and approaching each stage with confidence. From understanding the role to handling assessments and evaluating offers, every step is an opportunity to show how you think and what you bring.

RMIT Career Portal

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27 April 2026

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