Job interviews: they’re exciting, nerve-wracking, and a crucial step in landing that dream role. In this episode of the Get Rich Slow Club podcast, Tash and Ana sit down with career coach Nabila Farhat, who shared her tips for turning your next interview into a winner. With over a decade of recruitment experience, Nabila knows the ins and outs of standing out in today’s job market.

Ready to ace your next interview? Let’s get started.

Start with clarity: Work out what you want

Here’s the hard truth: applying for every job under the sun won’t get you anywhere. Nabila sums it up perfectly: "A lot of people don't know what they want. So what they're doing is they're applying to every single job, every single opportunity. They're often just throwing something at a wall and hoping that it will stick."

Instead, Nabila suggests taking the time to figure out what you’re really looking for. Ask yourself:

• What does my ideal role look like day-to-day?
• What type of work environment helps me thrive?
• What challenges and projects excite me the most?

By getting clear on your employment goals , you can stop wasting time on random applications and focus on roles that truly align with what you want. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.

Craft a resume that grabs attention

Your resume is your golden ticket – but only if it’s compelling. According to Nabila, recruiters spend just 6–8 seconds scanning a resume. That’s not much time, so it’s crucial to make every second count.

Here’s how Nabila believes you can make your resume stand out:

1. Start with impact: Kick things off with a professional summary and career highlights. This is your chance to show why you’re the perfect fit for the role
2. Show results, not responsibilities: Highlight achievements instead of simply listing duties. Use the formula: Problem → Action → Result. For example: “Developed a return-to-work program that resulted in three diverse hires, all of whom transitioned to permanent roles.”
3. Keep it polished: “Make it look nice!” Nabila emphasises. Whether you use Word, Google Docs, or Canva, ensure it’s clean, consistent, and error-free. “If your resume lacks attention to detail, recruiters might think you’ll lack it on the job.”

To cover letter or not to cover letter?

The cover letter: love it or hate it, you might not always need it. Nabila’s rule of thumb? If it’s not specifically requested, skip it. But if it is, make sure it’s worth reading.

The secret? Answer the question: “Why you?”

• Open with a personal story that connects you to the role
• Focus on the company’s needs and how your skills solve their problems
• Avoid generic, templated letters. Show you’ve done your homework

Done right, a cover letter can humanise your application and make you memorable.

Networking: Your hidden superpower

“There's a reason why the saying is: ‘Your network is your [net] worth’,” Nabila explains. Building connections can be just as important as a polished resume – if not more so.

Here’s how Nabila believes you can make networking feel less daunting:

• Offer value first: Share insights, useful articles, or tools with your connections before asking for help
• Catch up over coffee: A chat over coffee (or any other beverage) or a casual walk can lead to meaningful conversations
• Find mentors and sponsors: A mentor provides guidance, while a sponsor actively advocates for you when you’re not in the room

Networking isn’t about being pushy; it’s about creating genuine, mutually beneficial relationships.

Acing the job interview

Congratulations – you’ve scored the interview! Now it’s time to shine. As Nabila reminds us: "If a company has organised time to meet with you, to interview you, I believe the intention is that they want to hire you."

Preparation is the key to confidence. So, here are the steps to ace your interview:

1. Know the company: Research its mission, culture, and recent achievements
2. Practice smart: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers
3. Dress the part: Even for virtual interviews, look professional and avoid distractions
4. Bring the energy: Enthusiasm can make you stand out. Employers want to see you’re excited about the role

When preparing for her own big interviews, Nabila recalls: “I wrote out a 20-something-page document with every single interview topic they were going to cover. I think I spent like 20 hours of prep for a three-hour interview.”

Turning rejection into redirection

Rejection is tough, but it’s not the end of the road. Nabila encourages job seekers to see it as part of the journey: "Rejection is redirection. If you didn’t get the role, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get it in six months or in a year. It just means that’s not where you’re meant to be right at this moment."

Give yourself a moment to feel disappointed, then reflect:

• What went well during the interview?
• What could you improve for next time?

Every setback is an opportunity to refine your approach and get closer to the job you want.

Negotiating your worth

You’ve got the offer – amazing! But don’t stop there. Negotiating your salary can be intimidating, but it’s crucial to ensure you’re fairly compensated.

Nabila shares her strategy: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Recently, she helped a client negotiate a higher salary by drafting a thoughtful email. It highlighted her market research, skills, and the value she’d bring to the company.

Pro tip: If they can’t budge on salary, ask for a timeline to revisit the conversation – ideally within six months – and get it in writing.

Keep the momentum going

Job searching can be a rollercoaster, but small, consistent actions may lead to big results. Whether it’s applying for one role a day, reaching out to a new connection, or practising interview answers, every step counts.

“Momentum is key,” says Nabila. “Don't worry about the bigger picture or… doing some big, huge thing. Just think about what are the micro things that you can do that can get you to make progress.”

And remember, every “no” gets you closer to the right “yes.”

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Happy investing!