5 Job Interview Tips to Make a Great Impression (2025/2026 Edition)

 

Preparing for a job interview in 2025/26 looks a little different than it did a few years ago, as we explained in our 2022 edition https://www.trsresourcing.com/article/five-job-interview-tips/. AI now screens applications, skills based hiring, hybrid workplaces, and faster recruitment cycles. Employers now expect candidates to be on the ball, much better prepared and more self-aware.

At TRS Resourcing, our consultants interview multiple blue collar trades candidates every week for manufacturing, logistics, defence, trades, automotive, property, roles and white collar professionals in property, real estate, finance and insurance in Melbourne and Sydney. We know what Australian employers value right now, and what actually helps you stand out.

Below are the most relevant, up to date interview tips for 2025/2026, including what candidates should stop doing and what helps them get hired faster.

1. Dress for the environment, not just the interview

Interview dress standards have become more flexible, especially in trades, logistics, operations, engineering, and hybrid office roles. But presentation still matters.
In 2025, aim for:

• Clean, tidy, and industry appropriate clothing
• Neutral, professional colours
• Smart casual for office roles unless instructed otherwise
• Neat workwear for trades and site based positions

AI first hiring means employers already know your qualifications; they want to see if you present well and take the opportunity seriously.

If you’re unsure, check the company’s website, LinkedIn photos, or ask your TRS consultant.

A solid rule: dress one notch above the everyday environment you’ll work in.

2. Be early and be technically ready

You never want your first impression to be stress, rushing, or connection issues.
For onsite interviews:

Arrive 10-15 minutes early. This shows reliability and gives you time to reset and prepare.
For online and phone interviews, be online 5 minutes before with:

• Camera at eye level
• Quiet background
• Headphones if needed
• Strong connection
• Your CV open
• Job description ready
• Their Company website is open and ready

A surprising number of candidates still join late, muted, or unprepared. In 2025, punctuality and basic tech readiness are key indicators of professionalism.

3. Research the company using today’s tools

• Check out their website
• Employers now expect candidates to reference:
• The company’s purpose, values, and recent updates
• Leadership (LinkedIn is your best friend)
• Current industry challenges
• Products, services, or clients
• Their reviews on Google, Indeed, Sourcr

AI generated summaries of their business, don’t be afraid to use ChatGPT to summarise this for you.

This demonstrates initiative and helps you ask more informed questions.
Candidates who conduct thorough research come across as confident, prepared, and genuinely interested.

4. Prepare for today’s interview questions (including AI era questions)

Traditional questions still matter, but Australia is seeing more behavioural, adaptability, and tech literacy-based questions, even in trades.
Common interview questions in 2025/2026:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want this role?
• What impact did you have in your last job?
• How do you approach learning new technology?
• Describe a time you solved a difficult problem at work.
• How do you work in fast or changing environments?
• What motivates you?

AI and automation across workplaces mean employers care about adaptability, communication, and real-world examples, not rehearsed lines.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer clearly and confidently.
Also, prepare three strong questions to ask them. This demonstrates genuine interest and helps you determine whether the job aligns with your career goals.

Again, don’t be afraid of using AI yourself. If used correctly, by asking the right prompt, you can prepare and educate yourself simultaneously.

5. Show confidence without overselling yourself

You don’t need to be loud or rehearsed to interview well; you just need to be sure of your skills and honest about your experience.

Confidence looks like:

• Speaking clearly and with purpose
• Owning your achievements
• Being transparent about what you want
• Making natural eye contact
• Showing enthusiasm for the role
• Asking questions
• Being realistic about salary expectations
• Confidence is also about clarity. Employers appreciate candidates who can articulate:
• What type of work environment suits them
• How they collaborate
• The hours or shifts they’re open to
• Their long-term goals
• What they need to succeed

You don’t have to be perfect; you just need to be prepared.

Interviews in 2025/2026 reward preparation, awareness of modern hiring trends, and genuine communication. By presenting well, managing your time, researching properly, preparing smart answers, and showing quiet confidence, you give yourself the best chance of landing the role.

If you’re looking for work across Melbourne or Sydney in trades, logistics, manufacturing, defence, automotive, transport, or white-collar roles, TRS Resourcing can help connect you with employers who value your skills.
Find your next job with TRS Resourcing.

5 Job Interview Tips