10 Interview Prep Tips

Reading time: 9 minutes

So, you've scored an interview—congrats! Now, it’s time to get down to business and prepare like a pro. Whether it’s your first interview or your hundredth (in which case, kudos to you for hanging in there), these 10 tips will help you walk in with confidence and walk out with an offer. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into how to make sure you’re the candidate they can’t wait to hire!

1. Research the Company Like a Stalker (the Legal Kind)

We’re talking deep dives, people. Check their website, scour their social media, and maybe even read up on their latest quarterly reports. You want to know what they do, how they do it, and why they're the best at it. Go beyond the basics—who are their competitors? What are the biggest challenges in their industry right now? Look for any recent news articles about them or key figures in the company. If they’ve been in the press, read those articles, and if they have a blog or YouTube channel, check out their latest content. Got a friend on the inside? Pick their brain about the company culture, unwritten rules, and what really makes the team tick. The more you know, the more you can tailor your answers and questions to show that you’re already thinking like a team member. When you can speak their language and understand their challenges, you’ll impress your interviewer from the get-go.

2. Understand the Job Description

Read that job description like it’s the terms and conditions for free Wi-Fi. Know exactly what they’re looking for and prepare examples from your past experiences that show you're not just a fit but the perfect fit. Break down the job requirements into must-haves and nice-to-haves. For each requirement, think of a specific time when you’ve demonstrated that skill or experience. And don’t just memorize the bullet points—internalize them. That way, you’ll be ready to weave them into your answers naturally. If the job description mentions collaboration, think of a time you worked successfully in a team. If it calls for problem-solving skills, be prepared to discuss a challenge you overcame. Understanding the job description inside and out also allows you to identify potential gaps in your experience. Instead of ignoring these gaps, address them head-on by highlighting your willingness to learn or how your other skills make up for the missing piece.

3. Prepare Your STAR Stories

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This is your framework for answering those pesky “Tell me about a time when…” questions. Practice a few stories that highlight your awesomeness and tie them back to the job you're interviewing for. Think of STAR as your storytelling toolkit. The situation sets the scene, the task explains your role, the action shows what you did, and the result? Well, that’s your mic drop moment. These stories should showcase your skills and achievements while demonstrating how you approach challenges. The key is to keep them relevant to the job you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re interviewing for a leadership role, your STAR stories should focus on times you led a team, made critical decisions, or managed a project. Practice these stories until they flow naturally, and be ready to tweak them on the fly to fit the specific question. And remember, the result part of STAR should quantify your success whenever possible. Did you increase sales by 20%? Improve customer satisfaction scores? Deliver a project ahead of schedule? Numbers speak volumes.

4. Know Your CV Inside and Out

You wrote it (hopefully), so know it like your go-to Starbucks order. Be ready to elaborate on anything, from your volunteer work in 2012 to the current project that’s eating your weekends. If it’s on your CV, it’s fair game. But don’t just memorize your CV—be ready to tell the stories behind each bullet point. How did you land that big client? What did you learn from that gap year? Think of your CV as the greatest hits album of your career, and be prepared to share the behind-the-scenes stories. The interviewers might pick any part of your CV to explore further, so ensure you’re comfortable discussing all aspects, including any potential weaknesses. For example, if there’s a gap in your employment, be ready to explain it confidently. Maybe you took time off to travel, learn a new skill, or care for a family member. Whatever the reason, frame it as a positive experience that added to your personal growth. Additionally, be prepared to discuss how your past roles have shaped you into the ideal candidate for this new opportunity. Connect the dots for the interviewer, showing how each step in your career has prepared you for this role.

5. Dress to Impress

First impressions are everything. Wear something that says “I’m here to get the job,” not “I’m here because I took a wrong turn and ended up in this interview.” And yes, that means ironing your shirt. But it’s more than just the clothes—think about your overall presentation. Are your shoes polished? Is your hair neat? Consider the company’s dress code—are they corporate or casual? It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. And whatever you do, don’t forget to smile—it’s your best accessory. The way you present yourself speaks volumes before you even say a word. Dressing well shows respect for the opportunity and the interviewer’s time. But beyond that, it’s about feeling confident in your skin. When you look good, you feel good, and that confidence will come through in your interview. If you’re unsure about the company’s dress code, err on the side of caution and choose business professional or business casual attire. And if you’re doing a virtual interview, make sure your background is clean and uncluttered, and that your lighting is good. Yes, even your virtual appearance matters!

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

Find a mirror or a willing friend and do a mock interview. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and those nervous tics you didn’t know you had until now. It might feel silly, but it’ll pay off when you’re in the hot seat. Try recording yourself during a mock interview so you can play it back and identify areas for improvement. Are you making enough eye contact? Are you speaking clearly and confidently? Are you using too many filler words like “um” or “like”? Practicing out loud also helps you get comfortable with your answers, so they come across as polished but not rehearsed. If possible, simulate the interview environment as closely as you can. If it’s a video interview, practice speaking into the camera, not just the screen, and ensure you’re comfortable with the technology. If it’s in person, practice your handshake, your smile, and even the small talk you’ll engage in when you first arrive. The more you practice, the more prepared and confident you’ll be.

7. Prepare Questions for Them

Remember, you’re interviewing them too! Have a couple of smart, thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the company culture, team dynamics, or what success looks like in the role. Just don’t ask about the salary in the first round—let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The questions you ask should show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company. For example, you might ask, “Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with?” or “How does this role contribute to the company’s long-term goals?” Avoid questions that can easily be answered by a quick glance at their website. Instead, focus on questions that will help you better understand whether this is the right fit for you. And remember, the interview is a two-way street. You’re not just trying to impress them—they also need to impress you! Asking insightful questions can also give you a better sense of the company’s culture and whether it aligns with your values and career goals. If you’re still unsure what to ask, consider questions about professional development opportunities, the company’s approach to work-life balance, or what the interviewer enjoys most about working there. These questions can provide valuable insights and show that you’re thinking beyond just getting the job—you’re thinking about your future there.

8. Get Your Logistics in Order

Know where you’re going, how long it’ll take to get there, and where you’ll park (if applicable). Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early—not too early to seem desperate, but early enough to show you’re punctual. If the interview is virtual, make sure your technology is working properly—test your internet connection, camera, and microphone ahead of time. Consider doing a dry run a day before to ensure everything works smoothly. If the interview is in person, plan your route and account for potential traffic or public transportation delays. There’s nothing more stressful than rushing to an interview because you’re running late. Arriving early not only shows you’re punctual but also gives you a few minutes to compose yourself, review your notes, and enter the interview calm and collected. When you arrive, take a deep breath, put your phone on silent, and mentally prepare yourself. If you’re meeting in a large office building, know the room number or floor in advance, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. The goal is to eliminate any last-minute stressors so you can walk in feeling cool, calm, and collected.

9. Sleep Well, Eat Well

Don’t pull an all-nighter cramming for the interview or skip breakfast in the morning. Get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy meal beforehand. You need your brain firing on all cylinders. It might sound like common sense, but nerves can sometimes get the better of us. Being well-rested and well-fed ensures you’re at your best, mentally and physically. Avoid heavy or greasy foods that might make you feel sluggish, and instead, opt for something that will keep you energized, like a protein-packed breakfast or a light snack. If you’re prone to pre-interview jitters, try to incorporate some relaxation techniques into your morning routine, like deep breathing exercises or a quick meditation session. This can help calm your nerves and set a positive tone for the day. And give yourself plenty of time in the morning to get ready—rushing will only add to your stress. Treat the morning of your interview like game day, ensuring you’re mentally and physically prepared to perform at your best.

10. Pump Yourself Up

You’ve got this! Listen to your favorite pump-up playlist, do a little dance, or give yourself a pep talk in the mirror. Whatever gets you in the zone. Walk into that interview with your head high, and let them see why you’re the best candidate for the job. Confidence is key, and sometimes you need a little extra boost to get there. Visualization can also be a powerful tool—imagine yourself nailing the interview, impressing the interviewers, and walking out with a job offer. Positive self-talk is essential—remind yourself of your strengths, your accomplishments, and the unique value you bring to the table. If you’re nervous, channel that energy into excitement—after all, this interview is an opportunity for you to shine! Before you walk in, take a few deep breaths to center yourself, straighten your posture, and put on a confident smile. Remember, you’re not just hoping to get the job—you’re there to show them why you’re the best person for it. Now go out there and crush it!