The Winning Interview: What to Say and How to Say It

Strong interviews don’t happen by chance—they result from focused preparation and practice. Learn how to identify what employers really want, present your most relevant achievements, answer challenging questions confidently, and follow up effectively. ​An interview is more than a conversation - it is your opportunity to demonstrate why your experience, achievements, and strengths make you the right person for the role. Yet many candidates prepare by anticipating questions without first determining what the employer most needs to hear. ​In this practical webinar, career strategist Mauri Schwartz will show you how to analyze the job description, identify the employer’s most important qualifications, and develop compelling examples that connect your experience directly to those needs. ​You’ll learn how to answer frequently asked and challenging interview questions, structure memorable responses using the STAR framework, communicate the impact of your accomplishments, and prepare thoughtful questions of your own. The session also covers virtual interview techniques and a four-part approach to writing a strategic thank-you message that reinforces your candidacy. ​Who It’s For ​-- Professionals preparing for an upcoming interview -- Job seekers who struggle to communicate their value clearly -- Candidates who feel nervous or uncertain about difficult interview questions -- Career changers who need to position transferable experience effectively -- Professionals preparing for behavioral or situational interviews -- Anyone who wants to improve their virtual interview presence -- Candidates who want a repeatable framework for interview preparation ​What We’ll Cover ​-- How to identify the employer’s four or five most important qualifications -- How to connect your achievements directly to the organization’s needs -- How to prepare and practice complete, compelling responses -- Virtual interview techniques for lighting, sound, positioning, background, and camera presence -- How to answer “Tell me about yourself” -- How to discuss your greatest weakness constructively -- How to explain why you are leaving your current position -- ​How to answer “Why this job?” and “Why this organization?” -- How to walk an interviewer through your résumé strategically -- How to discuss accomplishments, challenges, successes, and mistakes -- How to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR framework -- How to demonstrate measurable business impact -- What to ask when the interviewer says, “Do you have any questions for me?” -- How to clarify next steps before the interview ends -- How to write an effective four-part thank-you message that helps the interviewer remember your value Featured Speaker: Mauri Schwartz, Dynamic & Results-Based Career & Job Search Coach | “Her secret sauce really works!” ​With a background in software, recruitment, management, and UC Haas MBA, Mauri enables senior-level professionals to land their next role, guiding them through transitions, strategically, confidently and with accountability. ​“I can say with absolute conviction that I would not have this job without her. Her methodology, tools and especially accountability are game-changing.” ~ Client ​Mauri works with professionals navigating pivots, job searches, and career transitions. They represent most industries and job functions, and her fascination with them, what they do, and what they value gives her insights to lead them to success. Clients say "she treats every client as if they were her only client." ​Host: Keita Wangari (she/her), Founder & CEO @ Exitous ​Keita founded Exitous after experiencing the double-impact of a husband & wife Big Tech layoff while managing a life-threatening health crisis with her child. She’s building a world where every worker is empowered to make their best exit.