How to Prepare for an Interview
You’ve done it—you’ve landed an interview for that dream job! Now comes the opportunity to prove you’re the perfect fit. Interviews can feel nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can turn those nerves into confidence and make a memorable impression. Taking the time to plan and polish your approach can set you apart from other candidates and help you feel more at ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide designed to help you showcase your skills, communicate your strengths clearly, and walk into that interview feeling prepared, confident, and ready to make your dream job a reality.
1. Research the Company and Role
Understanding the company’s background and the role you’re applying for is one of the most important steps. Start by visiting the company’s website to learn about its mission, values, products, or services. Browse recent news articles to see if they’re expanding, launching new products, or have recent achievements to discuss. Also, explore the company’s culture—check their social media, employee reviews, and any content they’ve shared.
Why this helps: Not only does this research help answer questions like, “What do you know about our company?” but it also allows you to evaluate if this is a company you’d enjoy working for and align with their values.
Bonus Tip: Take notes on interesting facts about the company or industry trends that might impress your interviewer.
2. Consider Why You’re a Good Match
Reflect on your skills, experiences, and unique qualities that make you an excellent fit for the role. Write down specific examples from past experiences where you demonstrated key skills relevant to the position, whether it’s teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership. Craft a 30-second “elevator pitch” that summarizes why you’re the best candidate.
Why this helps: Having clear, specific examples ready shows that you’re prepared and self-aware. It also allows you to confidently answer questions like, “Why should we hire you?”
Bonus Tip: Align your skills with those listed in the job description to demonstrate you understand the role’s requirements.
3. Review Common Interview Questions
Prepare responses for common interview questions, such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work.” Reviewing typical questions for your field can also be helpful; teaching roles might focus on questions around student engagement, while engineering interviews may ask about technical skills or problem-solving approaches.
Why this helps: Practicing these responses not only builds your confidence but also ensures you won’t be caught off guard by familiar questions.
Bonus Tip: Structure answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for questions about past experiences. This helps keep responses organized and impactful.
4. Dress to Impress
Your appearance can make a strong first impression. Dress professionally, ideally matching or slightly exceeding the company’s dress code. When in doubt, dressing more formally is usually the safer choice. If you’re uncertain about the attire, check the company’s social media or LinkedIn posts for cues on what employees typically wear. Remember, never wear anything you would wear to bed, the gym or the beach. When in doubt, opt for business attire—it’s always a safe choice. For director-level positions and higher, wearing a suit jacket is a smart move to convey professionalism and polish.
Why this helps: Dressing appropriately shows that you take the interview seriously and respect the company’s professional standards.
Bonus Tip: Avoid strong perfumes or accessories that may be distracting. The goal is to look professional and polished without drawing attention away from your skills.
5. Arrive on Time
Being punctual is a non-negotiable for interviews. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for an in-person interview, giving yourself time to settle and review your notes. For virtual interviews, join the waiting room five minutes early.
Just this week, I had an interview scheduled for 11 a.m., but at 11:10, I received an email saying the candidate was running late and asked to push the meeting out by an hour. I emailed her back to let her know had another commitment and couldn’t accommodate this last-minute request. Ten minutes later, she emailed again, saying she was only 25 minutes away and one her way. By then, red flags had piled up, and I reiterated that the time change was not an option. Her resume, unfortunately, went to the bottom of the pile.
If you give yourself enough time upfront, to take traffic and other delays into consideration. If you find yourself late, call as early as possible to ask about options. Assuming the hiring manager can accommodate a late arrival risks a poor impression.
Why this helps: Arriving on time shows respect for the interviewer’s time and allows you a few moments to calm nerves before the interview begins.
Bonus Tip: Test drive your route or check the online meeting link in advance. Technical or travel issues can arise, so it’s helpful to troubleshoot beforehand.
6. Bring Copies of Your Resume and References
Even if you’ve submitted your resume electronically, having physical copies on hand is a professional touch. Print out extra copies of your resume and references, as it shows you’re organized and well-prepared if additional team members join the interview.
Why this helps: This readiness signals attention to detail and foresight, as you’re prepared to provide information without needing to rely on technology.
Bonus Tip: Invest in a simple portfolio or folder to keep your documents neat. This can also serve as a place to take notes during the interview.
7. Take Notes During the Interview
Taking notes not only shows that you’re engaged but helps you retain important information that could affect your decision to accept an offer. Capture key points about responsibilities, expectations, or any unique details they share.
Why this helps: Notetaking reflects your genuine interest and reinforces your commitment to being thorough.
Bonus Tip: A professional portfolio can hold your notepad, resume, and questions, making it easy to keep everything organized during the conversation.
8. Do a Mock Interview
Mock interviews are a valuable practice. Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to play the role of the interviewer, and give them a list of questions to ask you. Practice your responses and request feedback on areas such as clarity, eye contact, and pacing.
Why this helps: Mock interviews build confidence, helping you iron out any rough spots in your answers and demeanor.
Bonus Tip: If possible, record your mock interview to review your body language and speech patterns afterward.
9. Prepare Your Own Questions
Prepare at least four meaningful questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the meeting. These should show that you’re engaged and interested in learning more about the role and company. Examples include, “What does a typical day look like for this role?” or “How does the company support professional growth?”
Why this helps: Thoughtful questions indicate you’re serious about the role and eager to understand how you’d fit into the company’s vision.
Bonus Tip: Avoid asking about salary or vacation time in the initial interview unless the interviewer brings it up. Focus on the role and company culture.
10. Don’t Skip an Interview
In the last two years, it’s become increasingly common for candidates to skip interviews without notice—a habit that can harm your professional reputation. Even if you decide the position isn’t for you, take a moment to send a polite email or make a quick call to cancel. You never know when your path may cross with the interviewer again, and leaving a positive impression ensures you don’t burn any bridges.
Why this helps: A respectful cancellation is better than a no-show and maintains a positive professional reputation.
Bonus Tip: Send an email or call the interviewer to thank them for the opportunity to connect, even if you’re no longer pursuing the position.
11. Know the Salary Range
With more companies now including salary ranges in job postings—required by law in some states—it’s easier than ever to understand the compensation for a position before you interview. Make sure your salary expectations align with the role and industry standards. If salary expectations come up in the interview, have a well-informed number in mind, based on research for your specific role and location. Resources like Glassdoor or the Bureau of Labor Statistics can help you find average salaries for similar positions while factoring in the regional cost of living. Being prepared shows you’re knowledgeable and realistic about compensation.
Why this helps: Being informed about industry pay standards allows you to set realistic salary expectations and negotiate confidently if needed.
Bonus Tip: Frame salary discussions around the value you bring, not just the salary you expect, emphasizing your eagerness to contribute to the company.
12. Send a Thank-You Note Afterward
After the interview, send a follow-up email to express gratitude. A good thank-you note includes appreciation for the interviewer’s time, a brief recap of your qualifications, and a reaffirmation of your interest in the role.
Why this helps: Sending a thank-you note shows professionalism and enthusiasm, setting you apart as a considerate candidate.
Bonus Tip: Keep it concise and professional, and double-check for typos or errors before sending.
These tips provide a solid foundation for a successful interview, covering everything from research to professional presence. By following these steps, you’ll walk into your interview prepared, confident, and ready to showcase your qualifications in the best possible light. Remember, an interview is not just about proving you’re the right fit for the company; it’s also a chance for you to assess if the role and organization align with your own values and goals. Preparation is key, and with these tools in hand, you can make a strong, lasting impression that sets you apart from other candidates. Good luck!
