Interviews can be nerve-wracking, no doubt. But with the right preparation, mindset, and strategies, you can stand out from the competition. Whether you’re aiming for a role in digital marketing, SEO, UX design, or tech development, these five principles will help you not only survive the interview process but thrive in it.
In 2025, interviews remain critical to the hiring process despite advances in AI-driven recruitment. They offer employers a chance to connect with candidates on a human level and evaluate traits like problem-solving, communication, and cultural fit—qualities that can’t be fully assessed by algorithms. For job seekers, it’s your moment to shine and leave a lasting impression.
Having partnered with companies across Australia since 2010, Big Wave Digital has seen thousands of interviews unfold. We’ve helped place exceptional candidates in digital marketing and tech roles by equipping them with strategies to ace these moments. Here are the five key points to help you make your mark.
1. Never Be Late – Ever
We’ve all heard this advice a hundred times, but it’s important enough to be repeated. Being late to an interview is like starting a race with a hundred-kilo weight on your back. It puts you at an immediate disadvantage, as punctuality speaks to your professionalism, respect for the interviewer’s time, and how seriously you take the opportunity.
While it’s possible to recover from being late, why risk the extra pressure on yourself?
Plan ahead. Leave early and account for delays like traffic or train cancellations. Arriving on time means you’ll begin the interview calm and composed rather than stressed and flustered.
Same goes for a Virtual online Interview, be early, 3 minutes is our pick, yes seriously.
If, for reasons beyond your control, you’re running late, notify the interviewer as soon as possible. Apologise, provide an explanation, and ask if they’d still like to proceed. While this won’t erase the negative impression entirely, clear communication and professionalism can help mitigate the damage. After all we are all human, well unless AI has taken over by the time you read this …
2. Do Your Research (Properly)
Researching the company you’re interviewing with is non-negotiable. However, a surface-level Google search won’t cut it. You need to go deeper. Learn about their products, services, business strategy, and key achievements. Identify their competitors and explore the challenges or opportunities they might face in the near future.
More importantly, ask yourself: How can you add value to their success? If you’re interviewing for a digital marketing role, look into their marketing strategy. Do they have strong social media engagement? Could they benefit from better SEO or data analytics? Come prepared with insights that demonstrate critical thinking about their business needs.
This preparation will set you apart from candidates who only offer vague, generic responses. It shows you’re not just job-hunting but genuinely invested in helping the company grow and achieve its goals. Companies value candidates who show an understanding of their future and how they can contribute to it.
This also illustrates initiative and drive which is exactly what ALL employers look for.
3. Know WHY You Want to Work at This Company
This is one of the most important questions you’ll face.
It often trips candidates up because they haven’t given it enough thought. If your answer boils down to “I need a job” or “I heard you pay well,” you’ll be dismissed quickly. Employers want to know that you’ve chosen them for a reason that goes beyond a paycheck.
Ask yourself:
- What is it about their products, projects, or vision that excites you?
- Have they achieved something that aligns with your values, such as innovation, sustainability, or social responsibility?
- Is there a particular leader, team, or culture you admire at the company?
Your answer should reflect genuine enthusiasm for what the company represents.
At Big Wave Digital, we advise candidates to reflect on what makes a potential employer special to them. This thought process helps you present yourself as motivated, engaged, and someone who will be committed long-term. Employers want to hear that you see a future with them—not just a temporary stop on your career journey.
4. Ask Insightful Questions
When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” this isn’t just a formality.
It’s a chance to demonstrate your curiosity, analytical thinking, and engagement with the role.
Thoughtful questions can leave a strong impression and show you’ve taken the time to understand the company and role on a deeper level.
Prepare at least three meaningful questions in advance. Good examples include:
- “What does a typical day look like in this role?”
- “What challenges do you foresee for this position in the next 6 to 12 months?”
- “How does the company support employee growth and development?”
- “What are the team’s biggest priorities over the next year?”
Avoid questions about salary or benefits at this stage unless the interviewer brings it up.
Focus on learning more about the company’s vision and how you might fit within it.
This approach demonstrates maturity and professionalism—qualities that employers value highly.
5. Leave a Lasting Positive Impression
Interviews can be repetitive for both candidates and employers.
After meeting with several applicants in a single day, hiring managers may struggle to remember everyone. That’s why it’s important to leave them with something memorable.
Think about what makes you unique. Can you provide a personalised touch that showcases your expertise? For example:
- If you’re applying for a marketing role, you could present a draft marketing plan tailored to the company’s upcoming campaign goals.
- If you’re in tech, perhaps share a portfolio or demo of a dev project that highlights your technical skills and creativity.
At Big Wave Digital, we’ve seen candidates land roles simply by going the extra km.
Employers are impressed by those who take the initiative to demonstrate their capabilities beyond the standard interview format. Even if you don’t get the job, you’ll leave a lasting impression that could open doors to future opportunities.
Bonus Tip: Always Show Gratitude
One of the most overlooked yet impactful things you can do is express your thanks after the interview. Sending a brief thank-you note shows respect for the interviewer’s time and highlights your professionalism.
This small gesture can leave a strong positive impression and sometimes even tip the balance in your favour.
In your follow-up, you might say something like: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I really enjoyed learning more about the role and your business. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your team and am looking forward to possible next steps.”
Keep it short, sincere, and non-intrusive—no need to follow up multiple times or pester the interviewer.
One thoughtful note is enough to demonstrate gratitude and leave a lasting impression.
Why Interviews Still Matter in 2025
Despite the rise of AI and automated recruiting tools, interviews remain a cornerstone of the hiring process. Employers want to see how you communicate, problem-solve, and interact with others in real-time. They’re assessing more than just your technical skills—they’re looking for qualities that indicate you’ll be a good fit for the team and company culture.
For candidates, interviews are just as important. It’s your chance to evaluate whether the company aligns with your career goals and values.
At Big Wave Digital, we work with employers and job seekers to ensure that both sides find the right match. After all, a successful placement is about more than filling a position—it’s about building long-term relationships that foster growth and success.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is your greatest ally when it comes to interviews.
By mastering these five key points – punctuality, in-depth research, genuine motivation, insightful questioning, and leaving a strong impression—plus showing gratitude, you’ll greatly improve your chances of landing the role.
At Big Wave Digital, we’ve been helping job seekers in Australia’s digital marketing and tech sectors thrive since 2010. We don’t just work with the best companies; we work with people who genuinely care about your career. So, whether you’re preparing for your next big interview or exploring new opportunities, remember that with the right preparation and mindset, you’ve got this!
The future is bright, let’s go there together!
Thanks for reading,
Cheers Keiran
Let us help you build a Brilliant team in Digital.
Big Wave Digital are experts in Digital Recruitment Sydney
At Big Wave Digital , Sydney’s leading digital, blockchain and technical recruitment agency, we have deep connections, experience and proven expertise, and the ability to achieve a win for all parties in the challenging recruiting process. We can connect to highly coveted digital and tech talent with the world’s best employers.
Keiran Hathorn is the CEO & Founder of Big Wave Digital. A Sydney based niche Digital, Blockchain & Technology recruitment company. Keiran leads a high performance, experienced recruitment team, assisting companies of all sizes secure the best talent.
