For many candidates, preparing for a job interview is the most anxiety-inducing part of the job search process. You are expected to present the best version of yourself, answer difficult questions, and make a strong impression all within a short period of time.
Most candidates make the mistake of thinking they can simply rely on their experience or qualifications. However, research has shown that without proper preparation, even the most qualified applicant can struggle to stand out.
So why is preparation so important?
Interviewers are not just listening to what you say. They are observing how you think, how you communicate, and how well you understand the job you are applying for. A well-prepared candidate shows attention to detail, professionalism, and a serious interest in the opportunity.
We will walk you through everything you need to do before a job interview. By the end of the article, you will know how to prepare in a way that helps you perform at your best.
Before you begin preparing for a job interview, it is important to understand the kind of interview you are facing. Not all interviews are the same, and each type requires a slightly different approach.
There are different formats to consider. In-person interviews are still common, especially for final rounds. However, many companies now rely on virtual interviews, especially for initial screenings. A virtual interview may seem easier, but it comes with its own set of challenges, including technical issues, maintaining camera presence, and dealing with background distractions.
Understanding the type of interview you are walking into allows you to prepare effectively. It helps you plan what to wear, how to communicate, and even how to position your body language. Most importantly, it helps you manage your expectations.
If you are unsure what to expect, do not hesitate to ask. It is perfectly acceptable to ask the recruiter or hiring manager about the format of the interview and who will be present. That information can make a significant difference in how you prepare.
Thorough research is one of the most important steps in interview preparation. It shows professionalism, initiative, and genuine interest in the role. Below are the key areas to focus on when researching:
Explore their “About Us” page to understand their mission, values, and history. This section often reflects how the company sees itself and what it stands for. Examine the leadership team, including notable milestones and achievements, as well as the overall tone of the content. All of this helps you speak the company’s language during your interview.
Gain a clear understanding of the company's actual operations. What do they sell? Who are their clients or customers? How are they positioned in the market? This information helps you understand the business side of things and allows you to tailor your answers to show how you can contribute.
Use Google News, the company’s press release section, or its blog to find any recent developments. Has the company launched a new product? Opened a new office? Mentioning something recent about the company in your interview shows that you’ve done more than just glance at their homepage.
Many companies use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter to share updates and give insight into their culture. Pay attention to the tone of their posts and what kind of content they share. Are they formal or casual? Do they highlight employee achievements? These clues help you understand the work environment.
The job description is not just a list of tasks. It tells you what the employer is really looking for. Go through each responsibility and qualification line by line. Ask yourself: Do I have experience with this? Can I give an example? If a skill or responsibility is mentioned more than once, it is likely a top priority.
If you know who will be interviewing you, look them up on LinkedIn. Learn their job title, how long they’ve been with the company, and their background. This helps you find common ground and prepares you for the tone of the conversation. For example, an HR manager might focus more on culture fit, while a team lead might ask more technical questions.
As you gather information, begin thinking about how your experience aligns with the company’s needs. Be prepared to explain how your background aligns with the role and how your values resonate with the company culture. This makes your answers more relevant and impactful.
Once you’ve done your research, the next step is to make sure your materials reflect your readiness and professionalism. What you bring to the interview, both physically and digitally, can influence how you're perceived. Below are the key things to do at this stage.
Ensure your résumé is current and tailored specifically to the role. This means:
Highlighting the experience and skills that directly relate to the job description.
Reordering bullet points if needed, so the most relevant information appears first.
Removing unrelated or outdated content that may distract from your core qualifications.
A tailored résumé shows that you’ve put thought into the application and understand what the role requires.
If you're in a creative, technical, or project-based field, bring a portfolio that highlights your best work. This could include:
Designs or case studies for creative roles
Project overviews or data reports for technical roles
Writing samples or marketing materials for content or comms roles
Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and aligned with the type of work the company typically does.
Even if it’s a virtual interview, having extra copies printed and neatly stored in a folder or portfolio shows preparedness. If you're meeting with multiple people, it's helpful in case not everyone has your CV on hand.
You don’t need to hand it over unless asked, but having a printed list of professional references ready (including names, job titles, contact details, and a short note on your relationship with each person) shows foresight and organisation.
If your interview is online, ensure your résumé, cover letter, and portfolio are easily accessible in a clean folder on your desktop. You should also test your webcam, microphone, and internet connection the day before. Don’t forget to have the meeting link and any passwords saved in one place.
An interview isn’t a test of memory. It’s a conversation. The goal isn’t to recite perfect answers, but to share your ideas with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Here’s what to do at this stage:
Start by reviewing typical questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “Why do you want this job?” Understanding these helps reduce surprises. You don’t have to memorise word-for-word answers. You just need to know what the interviewer wants to hear and then plan your key points.
View Top 100 Common Interview Questions and Answers
Many interviews focus on how you handled situations in the past. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. When answering, clearly explain:
The situation you faced
The task or challenge
The action you took
The result of your efforts
Practising this method helps you give structured, impactful answers instead of rambling or leaving out important details.
Saying your answers out loud makes a big difference. It helps you find the right words, adjust your tone, and become more confident. You can practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or ask a friend to listen and provide feedback.
If the job requires specific skills or knowledge, practice those skills or knowledge carefully. This may involve solving case studies, coding challenges, or providing detailed explanations of your past projects. The better prepared you are, the less nervous you will feel.
How you say something matters as much as what you say. Practice sitting up straight, making eye contact, and using natural hand gestures. For virtual interviews, ensure your camera is positioned at eye level and your face is well-lit.
Some interviewers like to ask unexpected questions to see how you think on your feet. Examples include “What is your weakness?” or “Describe a time you failed.” Consider these in advance and prepare honest yet positive answers that demonstrate self-awareness and growth.
Simulate the interview environment with a friend, mentor, or career coach to practice your responses. Mock interviews help reduce anxiety, improve timing, and sharpen your answers. Afterwards, review what went well and identify areas for improvement.
Preparing for the practical side of the interview day is just as important as practising your answers. These are useful tips to consider at this stage:
When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than too casual. Ensure your clothes are clean, ironed, and fit properly. Planning your outfit the day before saves last-minute panic.
If your interview is in person, be sure to know exactly where you’re going. Use a map or GPS to check the commute, and factor in extra time for traffic or unexpected delays. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early; showing up too early can be awkward, but being late is a red flag.
For online interviews, test your internet connection, webcam, microphone, and any software you plan to use. Choose a quiet, well-lit spot with a neutral background. Close any unnecessary programs or browser tabs to minimise distractions and prevent slowdowns.
Prepare for the unexpected. For in-person interviews, have the contact information for the interviewer or recruiter handy in case you get lost or experience a delay. For virtual interviews, have a phone nearby to quickly communicate if technical issues arise.
Use your phone or calendar app to set reminders about the interview time, travel departure, and any preparation tasks. This simple step helps keep you on track and reduces last-minute stress.
View 30 Apps Every Job Seeker Should Know
Pack everything you need, such as copies of your résumé, a notebook and pen, your ID, and any required documents. For virtual interviews, keep your charger and headphones ready.
How you feel going into an interview affects your performance just as much as what you say. Preparing your mind and body helps you stay calm, focused, and confident. Below are useful tips for this preparation stage.
Rest well the night before. Being alert and refreshed makes a huge difference in how you perform and handle stress during the interview.
Take a few minutes to imagine the interview going well. Picture yourself answering questions clearly, making a good impression, and leaving the room feeling confident. Visualisation is a proven technique to reduce anxiety and build positive expectations.
If you start to feel nervous, simple breathing exercises can help calm your mind and lower stress. Try inhaling slowly for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds, then exhaling for four seconds. Mindfulness techniques can also keep you grounded.
Avoid negative self-talk like “I’m going to mess up” or “I’m not good enough.” Replace these thoughts with affirmations such as “I am prepared” and “I can handle this.”
Eat a balanced meal before the interview, but avoid heavy or greasy foods that might make you sluggish. Drink water to stay hydrated, but avoid overdoing it to prevent frequent bathroom breaks.
Give yourself at least 15 minutes before the interview to relax and review notes. Avoid rushing in at the last second. Doing this helps you collect your thoughts and feel ready.
The candidates who stand out are not always the most experienced, but often the most prepared. When you take the time to understand the company, align your strengths with the role, and approach the interview with clarity and intention, you increase your chances of success.
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