1.
Before the Interview: Preparation
1.1 Understand the job and yourself
● Carefully examine the job description: what skills, qualities, background are
required.
● Reflect on why you want the job and why you’re qualified. Be ready to explain
this succinctly.
● Know your own experiences: pick concrete examples of when you succeeded,
solved problems, exhibited skills.
1.2 Research the company & role
● Investigate the company: mission, values, products/services, culture, recent news.
● Understand the role: what the team does, what would your responsibilities be,
what success looks like in that role
● If possible, find out who will interview you (their roles) and the interview format
(phone, video, in-person)
1.3 Prepare your answers and stories
● Practice answers to common interview questions (e.g., “Tell me about yourself”,
“Why do you want this job?”, “What are your strengths/weaknesses?”)
● Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral‐type
questions to structure your stories.
● Prepare 3-5 go‐to stories you can adapt to different questions.
1.4 Logistics and presentation
● Choose appropriate attire: dress professionally and slightly more formal than the
company’s norm.
● Plan your route, arrival time, and for video/remote interviews, check your
technology (camera, mic, internet).
● Bring extra copies of your resume, a notepad and pen, arrive 10-15 minutes early.
2. During the Interview: Performance
2.1 Make a strong first impression
● Greet your interviewer(s) with a smile, firm handshake (if in person), maintain
good posture, steady eye contact.
● Be mindful of body language: avoid crossing arms, slouching. Project confidence
and engagement.
2.2 Communicate clearly and engage
● Listen carefully: if you’re not sure what’s being asked, ask for clarification or
restate the question in your own words.
● Answer concisely and directly, using your prepared stories/examples. Tie your
responses to what the employer needs.
● Be honest, positive, and professional. Avoid excessive negativity about past jobs
or employers.
2.3 Ask thoughtful questions
● Prepare 3-5 questions to ask the interviewer(s): about the role’s responsibilities,
team culture, company direction, how success is measured.
● Your questions show interest and help you evaluate whether the job is a good fit.
3. After the Interview: Follow-Up
● Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview to the interviewer(s),
reiterating your interest in the role and summarising how you’ll add value.
● Reflect on the interview: what went well, what you could improve next time. Use
this for better preparation for future interviews.
● If you don’t hear back in the timeframe given, it’s acceptable to send a polite
follow-up message asking about next steps.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Arriving late or unprepared (unknown company, unclear role).
● Being too generic: not aligning your responses to the job description and company
needs.
● Talking badly about past employers/co-workers—this may reflect poorly.
● Over-rehearsed answers that sound robotic rather than genuine.
● Failing to ask questions—this may signal lack of interest.
● Neglecting post-interview follow-up.