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You’ve made it past the resume screening—congratulations! Now it’s time to nail the interview. So how do you prepare effectively?

To find the answer, I reflected on my own interview experiences, combed through research, and, most importantly, gathered insights from employees at some of today’s most sought-after companies. I wanted to go beyond the usual "sit up straight!" and "dress to impress!" advice.

Here are the 12 best tips to help you succeed before, during, and after your interview.

1. Research Earnings Calls, Quarterly Reports & Blog Posts

In today’s information-rich world, content is king. Companies like Goldman Sachs release quarterly reports, Microsoft records its earnings calls, and nearly every startup has a blog.

Despite the abundance of information, many candidates don’t look beyond the company’s homepage. It’s like writing an essay on *The Odyssey* without quoting a single passage from the book.

Example: If you’re interviewing with Google, here are two ways to answer: “What’s Google’s biggest opportunity in the next 5 years?”

Weak: “I think wearable technology will be big because Google Glass and Apple Watch represent a new trend that shows...”

Strong:“Call me geeky, but I was listening to Google’s quarterly earnings call and was blown away by the fact that display advertising hit over $5 billion in the past few years. Therefore, I think that…”

Both answers are valid, but the latter shows you’ve done your homework and base your responses on data.

2. Use Google Alerts

Keeping up with company news can be challenging, especially if you’re interviewing with multiple companies. That’s where Google Alerts comes in handy; it’s a tool that emails you whenever a new story appears for a specific term. This way, you stay updated without having to search for news.

Example: If you’re applying to Pro Auto Jobs Texas, follow these steps:*

1. Go to www.google.com/alerts
2. Type in “Pro Auto Jobs Texas”
3. Enter your email address if you’re not logged in to Gmail

You’ll soon receive updates on Pro Auto Jobs Texas, giving you more material to use in your interview.

3. Use Social Sweepster to Clean Your Facebook & Twitter**

Today, 91% of employers check your social media for red flags. While most people advise you to monitor everything you post, there’s an easier way. Use Social Sweepster, an app that detects pictures of red solo cups, beer bottles, and other “suspicious” objects. It even flags profanity in your past posts. Now, that’s impressive!

“Too many recruiters reject a candidate because of something they found on their social platforms,” says Social Sweepster CEO Tom McGrath. “We help you create the first impression on your own terms.”

4. Schedule Your Interview for Tuesday at 10:30 AM

According to Glassdoor, the best time to interview is 10:30 AM on a Tuesday. Your interviewer has many responsibilities beyond hiring, so it’s essential to consider when they’ll be in the best mental state to meet you.

Tuesday at 10:30 AM is ideal because you:

Avoid the bookends: On Mondays and Fridays, employees are either gearing up for the week or winding down. Similarly, avoid the first or last slots of any workday.

Avoid lunchtime: Before noon, your interviewer may be too hungry to focus; after lunch, they might be in a food coma.

However, there’s a caveat. Research suggests that if decisions must be made quickly or without much deliberation, it’s best to choose the earliest interview slot, as preferences may unconsciously favor those interviewed first.

Bottom line: If the firm is hiring for a job starting in a few months, aim for late morning between Tuesday and Thursday. If the firm is hiring immediately, grab the earliest slot available.