By: Mariann Johnson, VP of Strategic Partnerships

After interviewing hundreds of candidates over the years—and surviving a few interviews myself—I can confidently tell you this: being prepared isn’t just helpful. It’s magical. It’s the difference between “Wow, we need to hire them!” and “Wow… what just happened?”

Do Your Homework (Yes, Homework Still Exists)

Want to know one of the clearest signs that someone is truly ready to crush an interview? They’ve done their research. I’m not talking about scrolling through the first line of our “About Us” page. I mean really digging in—learning who we are, what we do, who we serve, and what we’re working toward.

The best candidate I ever interviewed? She found the actual funding plan that created the role (yes, it was on our website, but it is still Gold Star). Not only had she read it, she understood it, and she came with thoughtful, spot-on questions about how the position would support those goals. I nearly hired her on the spot. Spoiler alert: she got the job.

Ask Smart Questions (Not Just “When Do We Get Paid?”)

At the end of every interview, there’s always that moment: “Do you have any questions for us?” And here’s where things get interesting. The best candidates use this time to ask about things like team culture, goals, challenges, and how success is measured. They’re interviewing us right back—and we love that.

This is your chance to find out if the job is a good fit. Don’t waste it asking if we offer “Summer Fridays” or when you’ll hear back. Ask what it’s really like to work here. After all, there’s no sense in jumping into a new job only to realize two weeks later that you’ve accidentally joined a corporate version of Survivor.

It’s Not a Test. It’s a Two-Way Street.

Believe it or not, we’re not just judging your handshake or counting how many times you say “team player.” We’re also hoping you are evaluating us. Great interviews go both ways.

True story: I once made it to a second interview, and the manager came in with serious “villain in a workplace sitcom” energy. Rude, dismissive, interrupting me mid-sentence… just no. So I did what any self-respecting job seeker would do: I started asking questions designed to highlight exactly the culture mismatch I was feeling. It worked. I didn’t get the job, and I was thrilled. Dodged a toxic bullet.

Bottom Line: Do Your Research. Ask Great Questions. Be Normal.

That’s it. That’s the secret formula. Preparation makes you stand out. Good questions make you memorable. And a little curiosity shows you care—not just about landing the job, but about finding the right one.

So go forth. Don’t be that interview. Be the one we talk about later—in the good way.