Interview Preparation Tips (Before the Interview)

1 Research the Company Thoroughly

Why it works: Shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your responses to company values.

How to Apply:

  • Read the company's About Us page and mission statement
  • Check recent news and press releases
  • Review their social media for company culture insights
  • Look up your interviewers on LinkedIn

Example:

"I noticed your company recently launched a sustainability initiative. This aligns perfectly with my experience in..."

Common Mistake: Only reading the homepage. Dig deeper into their blog, news, and annual reports.

2 Prepare Your STAR Stories

Why it works: Behavioral questions are common, and structured answers demonstrate clear thinking.

How to Apply:

  • Situation: Set the context
  • Task: Explain your responsibility
  • Action: Detail what you did
  • Result: Share the outcome with metrics

STAR Example:

S: Our team was losing 20% of customers monthly
T: I was tasked with improving retention
A: I implemented a new onboarding process
R: Reduced churn to 8% in 3 months

3 Practice Your Elevator Pitch

Why it works: "Tell me about yourself" is often the first question, setting the tone for the interview.

How to Apply:

  • Keep it under 2 minutes
  • Focus on relevant experience
  • End with why you're interested in this role
  • Practice until it sounds natural

4 Prepare Smart Questions

Why it works: Good questions show you're serious about the role and thinking long-term.

Best Questions to Ask:

  • "What does success look like in this role?"
  • "What are the biggest challenges facing the team?"
  • "How would you describe the company culture?"
  • "What are the growth opportunities?"

Avoid: Questions about salary, vacation, or anything easily found on their website.

5 Plan Your Interview Outfit

Why it works: First impressions matter, and appropriate dress shows professionalism.

Dress Code Guidelines:

  • Corporate: Business formal (suit and tie)
  • Business Casual: Dress pants/skirt with button-down
  • Startup: Smart casual (nice jeans okay)
  • When in doubt: Dress one level above the company norm

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During the Interview Tips

6 Master Your Body Language

Why it works: 55% of communication is body language - it speaks louder than words.

Body Language Checklist:

  • Maintain appropriate eye contact (70% of the time)
  • Sit up straight but relaxed
  • Lean slightly forward to show interest
  • Use hand gestures naturally
  • Mirror the interviewer's energy level

7 Use the SOAR Technique for Accomplishments

Why it works: Quantifying achievements makes them more impactful and memorable.

SOAR Framework:

  • Situation: Context of your achievement
  • Obstacles: Challenges you faced
  • Actions: Steps you took
  • Results: Quantified outcomes

Example:

"I increased sales by 35% despite a 20% budget cut by implementing a new referral program that generated 150 new leads monthly."

Tech Interview Tip

For technical roles, be prepared to explain your problem-solving process out loud. Interviewers want to see how you think, not just the final answer.

8 Handle Difficult Questions with Grace

Why it works: How you handle pressure reveals your character and problem-solving abilities.

Strategies for Tough Questions:

  • Take a pause to think (3-5 seconds is fine)
  • Ask for clarification if needed
  • Be honest about what you don't know
  • Redirect to related experience you do have

Example Response:

"I haven't worked with that specific technology, but I have experience with similar tools like X and Y. I'm a quick learner and would be excited to expand my skills in that area."

9 Show Enthusiasm Appropriately

Why it works: Employers want to hire people who genuinely want to work there.

Ways to Show Enthusiasm:

  • Smile naturally throughout the conversation
  • Express specific interest in projects or initiatives
  • Ask follow-up questions
  • Reference something exciting about the company

Virtual Interview Tips

10 Optimize Your Video Setup

Why it works: Technical issues distract from your qualifications and appear unprofessional.

Video Interview Checklist:

  • Test your internet connection (use ethernet if possible)
  • Position camera at eye level
  • Ensure good lighting (face a window)
  • Choose a clean, professional background
  • Test audio with headphones
  • Close unnecessary applications

Common Mistake: Not testing the platform beforehand. Always do a test run 30 minutes before.

Pre-Interview Checklist

Post-Interview Follow-up Tips

11 Send a Personalized Thank-You Note

Why it works: Shows professionalism and keeps you top of mind during decision-making.

Thank-You Note Template:

  • Send within 24 hours
  • Reference specific conversation points
  • Reiterate your interest
  • Keep it concise (150-200 words)

Example Opening:

"Thank you for taking the time to discuss the Marketing Manager position with me today. I was particularly excited to learn about your upcoming product launch..."

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