Written by: Mariann Johnson, VP of Strategic Partnerships
Interviewing Is a Skill (And Yes, You Can Learn It)
If you have ever been on the hiring side of the table, you know one thing for sure: interviews can be… memorable.
Recently, our team has been interviewing candidates, and over the years I have conducted more interviews than I can count. Some have been outstanding. Others… well, let’s just say they have provided great stories for later.
The truth is that interviewing is a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and improved. Unfortunately, many students and early-career job seekers walk into interviews without ever being taught how the process works or what employers are really looking for.
That is where preparation makes all the difference.
Why Interviews Matter More Than You Think
A résumé might get someone in the door, but the interview is where employers decide if they can see that person on their team. It is where communication skills, professionalism, confidence, and problem solving all show up at once.
Employers are not expecting perfection. What they are looking for is someone who is prepared, thoughtful, and able to connect their experiences to the role they want.
Unfortunately, many candidates simply have not been taught how to do that.
Interview Stories We Will Never Forget
Anyone who has interviewed candidates for long enough collects a few unforgettable moments.
For example:
We had panel interviews happening for a promotional opportunity. The organization I worked for had a strict “no tattoos” policy. One of the candidates we interviewed (who already worked for the organization) had the largest sleeve tattoo showing for the whole interview. All we could think about was how she was violating the policy before we even hired her!
Or the time when:
We were conducting virtual interviews. A young candidate did not turn on a virtual background. The entire interview we were distracted by the unmade bed and piles (lots of piles) of laundry on the bed behind her. I know she mentioned organization being a skill of hers-which we could clearly see was not true!
These stories are funny in hindsight, but they highlight something important. Most of the time, the candidate was not trying to do poorly. They simply did not know what to expect or how to present themselves.
That gap in preparation can cost someone an opportunity they might have been perfect for.
How Preparation Changes Everything
This is exactly why our Tomorrow’s Talent Workforce Readiness training focuses so heavily on interview preparation.
Students learn how to:
- Tell their story clearly and confidently
- Connect their experiences to real workplace skills
- Prepare thoughtful answers to common questions
- Demonstrate professionalism and communication
- Turn everyday experiences into meaningful examples
In other words, we help students understand that the interview is not a test designed to trick them. It is a conversation where they can show what they are capable of.
When students practice these skills ahead of time, the difference is immediate. They walk into interviews more confident, more prepared, and far better able to represent themselves.
The Big Takeaway
A bad interview does not mean someone lacks potential. It usually means they have not been taught how to interview yet.
That is why workforce readiness training matters so much. When students learn how to prepare, how to communicate their skills, and how to navigate the hiring process, they do not just perform better in interviews. They start their careers with confidence.
And the good news for employers? It means fewer unforgettable interviews for all the wrong reasons.
Although, if we are being honest, those stories do make great newsletter material.
What is the most memorable interview moment you have experienced, either as a candidate or an interviewer?