Prepare for your interviews
Prepare for your interviews with common questions and best practices to increase your chances of landing the job.
Prepare for your interviews
Proper interview preparation can significantly boost your confidence and performance. Here's how to prepare effectively for your next job interview.
Research the Company
Before your interview:
- Study the company's website, mission, and values
- Research recent news and developments
- Understand their products/services and target market
- Review the job description thoroughly
Common Interview Questions
Be prepared to answer these frequently asked questions:
| Question Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| About You | "Tell me about yourself", "What are your strengths/weaknesses?" |
| Experience | "Describe a challenge you overcame", "Tell me about a project you led" |
| Motivation | "Why do you want this job?", "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" |
| Behavioral | "Tell me about a time when you...", "Give an example of how you..." |
| Technical | Job-specific questions testing your skills and knowledge |
The STAR Method
Use this framework for behavioral questions:
- Situation: Describe the context
- Task: Explain your responsibility
- Action: Detail the steps you took
- Result: Share the outcome and what you learned
Questions to Ask
Preparing thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest and helps you determine if the position is right for you. Consider asking about what success means in the role to understand expectations.
Inquire about team culture to gauge if you'll thrive in their environment. Show strategic thinking by asking about current challenges the team is facing.
And don't forget the practical side—knowing the timeline for their decision helps manage your expectations and other potential opportunities.
Body Language Tips
Your non-verbal communication often speaks louder than words. Establish trust and confidence through consistent eye contact without staring. When greeting your interviewer, offer a firm handshake that conveys professionalism.
Throughout the conversation, maintain good posture with an open stance to project confidence and engagement. Allow your personality to shine through with genuine smiles at appropriate moments.
Remember that nervous habits like pen-clicking or excessive gesturing can distract from your message, so practice awareness of these tendencies before your interview.
Virtual Interview Considerations
Remote interviews require additional preparation to ensure a seamless experience. Before the big day, thoroughly test your technology, including camera, microphone, and internet connection to avoid last-minute panic.
Create a professional environment by selecting a quiet, well-lit space where your face is clearly visible and background distractions are minimized. Dress professionally from head to toe—not just from the waist up—to maintain a professional mindset throughout the interview.
When speaking, look directly at your camera rather than at the interviewer's face on screen to create the impression of eye contact. Finally, prepare for the unexpected by having a backup plan ready, such as phone numbers to call if your connection fails.
Remember to follow up with a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview, referencing specific points from your conversation to demonstrate your engagement and interest in the position.