Buzz
An interview often represents the sole chance to make a lasting impression and present yourself as a standout candidate for the position. Investing time and effort in thorough preparation can be the deciding factor in whether you advance to the next round or secure the job. Learn how to plan for success, approach the interview strategically, and avoid common pitfalls to give yourself the best possible opportunity and a strong start.
Steps
Begin Your Preparation
Research the company before the interview. You’ll position yourself as a serious candidate if you arrive at the interview with a solid understanding of the company’s mission and direction. Strive to learn about the goals of the business or organization you’re applying to, as well as their approach and mindset toward competitors.
- Pay attention to the language used on the company’s website. If you’re applying for a role at a farm-to-table restaurant, familiarize yourself with what that concept entails. If you’re seeking an editorial position at a holistic medical journal, delve into the principles of comprehensive patient care.
- Knowing the name and role of your interviewer within the company can help you engage more effectively during the conversation, often leaving a positive impression.
Anticipate and practice answering common interview questions. The most nerve-wracking part of a job interview is figuring out how to respond to questions. What does the interviewer want to hear? Try to research and predict potential questions and rehearse your answers. Respond honestly, but ensure your answers reflect your enthusiasm and suitability for the role. Common interview questions include:
- What do you know about our company?
- Why do you think you’re a good fit for this company?
- What contributions will you make to the company?
- Can you describe a time you overcame a challenge at work?
Strengths and weaknesses. What’s the most difficult work-related challenge you’ve faced? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? These are some of the most frequently asked questions, and the interview is the last moment to struggle for a satisfactory answer. You’ll encounter these in almost every interview.
- Appropriate answers to these questions sometimes require confidence: "I’m highly organized with my work and schedule, though you wouldn’t know it by looking at my desk." is a good response. Similarly, "I’m responsible but sometimes forget to ask for help." can be an honest and effective answer.
- If you’re applying for a leadership role, showcasing leadership qualities and confidence is crucial. A strength could be, "I excel at communicating my vision and getting others excited about shared goals." For a weakness, "I need to pace myself and take on one project at a time. Sometimes I try to do too much."
- If you’re applying for an entry-level position, the interviewer won’t expect leadership qualities. A strength could be, "I follow instructions well and learn quickly. If I don’t know how to do something, I’m eager to learn and improve so I don’t need to ask twice." For a weakness, "I don’t always have the best ideas, but I’m happy to help others execute theirs."
Prepare some thoughtful questions. The interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions, which can trip up first-time interviewees. Asking questions shows genuine engagement, so prepare a list in case you can’t think of any on the spot. Consider questions like:
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- What qualities make someone successful at this company?
- Who will I work with most closely?
- What does a typical day look like?
- Is there room for growth within the company?
- What are the performance expectations for this role?
Avoid clichés. An interview is an opportunity for a potential employer to learn about you, not a generic, uninspired individual giving rehearsed answers to land a job. The goal isn’t to flatter, show off, or say what the interviewer wants to hear. It’s to answer sincerely without insulting the interviewer’s intelligence. Avoid statements like, "My only weakness is that I’m too perfect" or "This company needs someone like me to change it."
Complete all necessary documents ahead of time. Depending on the interview process, it’s helpful to bring copies of your resume, reference letters, portfolio, and application. Review all materials to avoid spelling and grammar errors. If possible, have someone else proofread them.
- It’s also important to memorize the contents of your resume, CV, and other application materials. Inconsistencies can raise red flags, so ensure names, dates, and job descriptions are clear and accurate.
Your attire plays a significant role. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and looks professional, such as clothing appropriate for the job you’re applying for.
- In most cases, a black suit is suitable for interviews, unless you’re applying for a casual job, in which case dress pants and a collared shirt are appropriate.
Ace the Interview
Arrive on time. Nothing is worse than being late for a job interview. Be punctual and prepared. If the interview is in an unfamiliar area, visit the location beforehand to ensure you don’t get lost and arrive late. Aim to be 10 to 15 minutes early.
- While punctuality is crucial, arriving too early can inconvenience the interviewer. If they specify a time, they expect you at that exact time, not 30 minutes earlier. Follow their instructions to make a good impression.
- While waiting, prepare by jotting down notes or reviewing the job description and company information. Hold your materials in your left hand so you can stand and shake hands immediately when the interviewer greets you.
Practice a power pose before the interview to boost your confidence. If possible, step into a restroom or private area about five minutes before the interview. Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders back, feet shoulder-width apart, and hands on your hips. Hold this pose for one to two minutes. It has psychological and physical effects, making you feel more powerful and confident.
- Try adding positive affirmations like, "I’m fully qualified for this role, and I’ll prove it!"
Be yourself. During the interview, you might feel nervous and want to perform perfectly. Undoubtedly, this can be intimidating. But remember, you don’t need to put on a show to get the job. Just be yourself. Focus on staying calm and actively listening to the conversation. Stay authentic.
- The interviewer knows you’re nervous. Don’t hesitate to admit it. This can help you relax, connect with the interviewer on a deeper level, and stand out. Don’t shy away from small talk.
Listen attentively and stay focused. One of the worst things you can do during an interview is ask the interviewer to repeat a question because you weren’t paying attention. Don’t sabotage yourself with a moment of distraction. Most interviews don’t last longer than 15 minutes, and they certainly never exceed an hour. Stay engaged in the conversation and respond thoughtfully.
Sit up straight. Lean slightly forward and maintain active listening throughout the interview. Speak openly and use body language effectively. Make eye contact with the interviewer both when answering and when they are speaking.
- A useful interview tip is to focus on the spot between the interviewer’s eyes. They won’t notice you’re not looking directly into their eyes, and this can help you relax. Try it with a friend—you’ll be surprised.
Think before you speak. Another common interview mistake is talking too much or too quickly. You don’t need to fill awkward silences with chatter. If you’re someone who gets nervous while speaking, resist the urge to overcompensate. Sit back and listen. Avoid oversharing.
- When asked a question, you don’t have to respond immediately. In fact, rushing can backfire if the interviewer thinks you’re not putting thought into a complex question. Stay calm and think. Pause and say, "That’s an interesting question; let me think and give you a proper answer."
Be ready for anything. The best answer in an interview is often "YES." Are you willing to work evenings or weekends? Yes. Are you comfortable handling multiple clients? Yes. Do you have experience in high-pressure environments? Yes. Once hired, companies will invest time in training you for the role, helping you learn what you don’t already know. Don’t undersell yourself. Agree and work out the details after securing the job.
- Don’t lie. Being willing to do whatever it takes doesn’t mean exaggerating your experience or fabricating stories—this will backfire on your first day. If you’ve never cooked, don’t tell a kitchen manager you’re an expert chef.
Show your personality during the conversation. Often, the purpose of an interview is to learn more about you. They already have your resume, experience, and qualifications on paper. What they don’t know is who you are as a person.
- An interview isn’t an interrogation or debate. It’s a conversation, so engage. When the interviewer speaks, listen carefully and respond honestly. Many candidates are rejected because they bombard the interviewer with probing questions before even being asked anything.
Take notes. Carry a pen and notepad in your bag to jot down quick notes if needed. You can also bring copies of your application materials and a list of questions for reference.
- Taking notes shows you’re organized and attentive. It also helps you remember important details and names, which can be useful after the interview or when following up. Be concise and only jot down key points—long notes can be distracting.
Follow up after the interview. Contacting the interviewer shortly after the meeting is a great way to keep your name fresh in their mind. Unless explicitly told not to, reach out to inquire about the interview process. Phone calls are often discouraged, but sending an email or a thank-you note is a good idea. Since companies handle a lot of paperwork, ensure your materials are ready for review and follow-up.
- Summarize key points from the interview, using your notes to jog your memory. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity and mention that you’re looking forward to hearing from them.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t show up with a coffee cup. For some reason, many people think bringing coffee to an interview is a good idea. However, to the interviewer, this is at best impolite and at worst disrespectful. You’re not on a lunch break, so wait until after the interview to grab that latte. Even if the interview is early or you might have to wait, avoid arriving with a coffee cup. Plus, you won’t have to worry about spilling it.
Turn off your phone and leave it outside. What’s the most inconsiderate thing your phone can do? Ring during an interview. Never pull out or glance at your phone during the meeting. To the interviewer, you should appear as though you’ve never heard of smartphone apps. Turn it off and leave it in your car—under no circumstances should you give the impression that a text message is more important than landing the job.
Avoid discussing money. An interview is not the time to talk about benefits, potential raises, or even mention salary. If you’re applying for a job, this is the moment to focus on your skills and qualifications.
- Sometimes you’ll be asked about your salary expectations. The best response is to express willingness to work for a salary below the average for the position. Emphasize that you’re genuinely interested in the role and are open to the offered compensation.
Treat the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. Never act defensively during an interview, even if you feel you’re not connecting with the interviewer. This is a dialogue, so aim to make it productive. No one is out to get you. See it as an opportunity to improve and provide thoughtful explanations rather than putting up a defensive front.
Don’t criticize your previous boss. Avoid making petty comments about former colleagues, supervisors, or past jobs. Even if you’re applying to a competitor, refrain from portraying yourself as someone on a different level or difficult to work with. Never complain about your previous job.
- If asked why you left your last job, frame it positively. Say something like, "I’m looking for more than just a workplace, and I’m excited about a fresh start. This seems like the perfect place to achieve that."
Avoid smoking or drinking before the interview. Even if you’re a smoker, refrain from smoking beforehand. A recent study found that 90% of employers would hire a non-smoker over a smoker if both candidates were equally qualified. Whether fair or not, smoke can make you appear nervous.
- Similarly, avoid alcohol, even to calm your nerves. You want to be sharp and make an impression, not come across as careless. Interviewers understand that you’ll be nervous—it’s a job interview, after all.
Don’t be afraid to show your true self. Billionaire Richard Branson claims he hires primarily based on personality rather than experience or technical skills. Every job is unique, and the essential skills can be learned. Focus on showcasing your authentic self and let your true personality shine—don’t try to be someone you’re not.
Advice
- Ensure you maintain eye contact with the interviewer and respond confidently.
- Follow up with a call if you don’t receive any feedback within the timeframe mentioned by the interviewer.
- If you’re not selected for the job, ask why another candidate was a better fit. This insight can help you succeed in future interviews.
