How to prepare for an interview
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking—even if you’ve had a dozen of them. You overthink your outfit, rehearse your answers in the mirror, and maybe even Google “how to answer ‘tell me about yourself’” for the tenth time. The truth is, interviews can feel like a test you didn’t write the questions for. But with the right preparation, you can walk in (or log in) confident, calm, and ready to impress.
Whether it’s your first job or your fifth, here’s a guide to preparing for interviews that won’t stress you out—and might even get you excited.
1. Do Your Homework (But Make It Fun)
You wouldn’t walk into an exam without studying, right? Same goes for interviews. Research the company—what they do, their mission, and recent news. Check out their social media too. Understanding their vibe will help you tailor your answers and maybe even throw in a line like, “I saw your recent campaign on sustainability—it really stood out.”
2. Know the Role Like It’s Your Side Hustle
Study the job description. Break it down like you would a tweet—what are the key responsibilities and requirements? Now match them with your skills and past experiences. This helps you prepare strong examples and talk about how you fit into the picture.
3. Practice Your Answers (But Don’t Sound Like a Robot)
You’ll probably be asked questions like:
“Tell me about yourself.”
“Why do you want this job?”
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Don’t memorize word-for-word responses. Instead, map out the key points you want to mention. Practice aloud so you sound natural, not rehearsed. Bonus tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for storytelling.
4. Prep Your Own Questions
Yes, you should ask questions too! It shows you're genuinely interested. Ask about the company culture, team structure, or how success is measured. A good question? “What does a typical day in this role look like?”
5. Dress the Part.jpg)
Even if it’s a virtual interview, what you wear matters. Pick something that makes you feel confident and professional. You don’t need to overdo it—just aim for neat, tidy, and appropriate for the job type.
6. Check Your Tech (If It’s Online)
For virtual interviews, test your connection, camera, and microphone the day before. Choose a quiet space with good lighting and a clean background. And yes, silence your phone.
7. Rest, Hydrate, Breathe
A good night’s sleep does wonders. Drink water, breathe deeply, and remember—it’s a conversation, not an interrogation. You’re not just trying to get the job; you’re also figuring out if the job is right for you.
8. Follow Up Like a Pro
After the interview, send a short thank-you email within 24 hours. Appreciate their time and quickly recap why you’re excited about the role. It’s a small gesture that leaves a big impression.
Finally, no one expects perfection. What matters most is authenticity and preparation. Let your personality show, be honest about what you bring to the table, and keep in mind: if it's meant for you, it won’t miss you.
