Interview Prep 101: The things you should be doing to ACE your next job interview
Job interviews can feel like make-or-break moments in your career. Most people get nervous before sitting down with a potential employer, but honestly, these conversations are a chance to show off what you bring to the table.
Success in interviews really comes down to solid preparation and being authentic. If you take the time to learn about the company, practice your answers, and present yourself professionally, you’ll likely stand out.
Balance confidence with being yourself. Show you care about the job and the company by asking thoughtful questions and following up afterward.
Getting Ready for Your Interview
Getting ready for a job interview isn’t something to rush. The best candidates know that preparation can make or break the meeting.
Company Research Tasks
Learning about the business shows you’re genuinely interested. You should dig into the company’s mission and values before you go in.
That way, you can tie your skills to what they need and maybe even surprise them with your insight.
Essential Documents to Bring
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Resume copies | Easy reference for interviewer |
| Reference list | Shows professional connections |
| Portfolio samples | Demonstrates actual work |
Practice Makes Perfect
It’s smart to practice answering common questions out loud. You’ll sound more natural and less likely to freeze up during the actual interview.
Using proven strategies can give you a real edge.
Final Checklist
- Review the job description again
- Plan your route and aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early
- Pick out clothes that fit the company vibe
- Come up with questions about the role
When You’re Face-to-Face
Walk in, offer a genuine smile, and shake hands confidently. Making eye contact right away helps set a good tone.
The interviewer starts sizing you up the moment you walk in, so first impressions matter.
Active listening really counts during the Q&A. Pay attention to what they’re asking and answer honestly, keeping things clear and to the point.
If you don’t know something, just say so—but show that you’re eager to learn. That’s a good sign of maturity.
| Essential Actions | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Maintain eye contact | Shows confidence and engagement |
| Use clear speech | Ensures message gets across |
| Share specific examples | Proves skills with real evidence |
Body language says a lot. Sit up straight, lean in a bit, and use your hands naturally.
Try not to cross your arms or fidget too much—those habits can come off as nervous or defensive.
Bring up real examples of your past achievements. Tie your experience directly to what the job needs, so they can picture you on their team.
Don’t forget to ask questions about the company and the role. It shows you care and helps you figure out if the job really fits you.
Let your excitement show, but keep it professional. Before you leave, thank the interviewer for their time—always.
Frequently Asked Interview Questions
Most interviews include a bunch of familiar questions. Being ready for these can help you come across as prepared and confident.
Personal Background Questions
- What can you share about your background?
- What drives you in your career?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Skills and Experience Questions
- What are your biggest strengths?
- Which areas do you want to improve?
- What background do you bring to this role?
Situational Questions
- How do you manage tight deadlines?
- Describe a difficult situation you solved
- What motivates you during tough times?
When you prep your answers, use real stories from your work history. The STAR method—that’s Situation, Task, Action, Result—helps you organize your thoughts and keeps things focused.
Look up the company before your interview. That way, you can connect your answers to what they’re looking for and explain why you want to join their team.
It’s also smart to come prepared with your own questions for the interviewer. It shows you’re genuinely interested and care about the company culture.
Wrapping Up Your Interview
The last few minutes of your interview are a real chance to remind them why you’re a great fit. Use this time to make a positive impression.
Express Appreciation
Always thank your interviewer for meeting with you. It’s simple, but it matters.
Confirm Your Enthusiasm
Let them know you’re excited about the opportunity. Mention what stands out to you about the job or company.
Clarify What Happens Next
Ask about the next steps and hiring timeline. It’s good to know when to follow up or what to expect.
- When will decisions be made?
- What are the remaining steps in the process?
- Who should you contact if you have questions?
Gather Important Details
Before you leave, grab any business cards or company info they offer. It helps you stay organized and makes following up easier.
Plan Your Follow-Up
Wrapping up well includes asking how they prefer to be contacted. Email or phone—just check what works for them.
Post-Interview Communication
The conversation doesn’t just stop when you walk out the door. Smart job seekers know that what happens after an interview can really tip the scales.
The Thank-You Message
Send a thank-you note within a day of your interview. It’s a simple move, but it shows good manners and keeps you on the hiring manager’s radar.
The message doesn’t need to be long. Make it feel personal.
Making It Personal
Mention something specific from the conversation in your note. Maybe bring up:
- A project you chatted about
- Company values you noticed
- Skills you’d like to highlight again
It shows you listened and you’re thinking about the job.
Timing Your Check-In
Usually, hiring managers will give you a timeline for their decision. If they say two weeks, just wait it out before reaching back out.
If there’s no timeline, waiting about a week feels about right.
The Right Approach
Keep your follow-up short and polite. A quick email asking about the hiring timeline is enough.
If you call, keep it friendly and don’t drag it out.
Being pushy doesn’t help, and honestly, hiring managers are swamped. Professional follow-throughshows you care without being a pest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the strongest candidates can slip up in interviews. Knowing what not to do can be just as important as practicing what to do.
- Overtalking: Keep your answers focused. Rambling can make you seem unprepared.
- Badmouthing past employers: Even if you had a rough experience, stay professional. Negativity is a red flag.
- Not asking questions: Interviews are a two-way street. If you don’t ask anything, it can look like you’re not interested.
- Forgetting the basics: Silence your phone, avoid chewing gum, and double-check the company name and the interviewer’s role.
The Mindset Shift
Instead of thinking of an interview as a test, think of it as a conversation. You’re not just trying to “pass”—you’re trying to figure out if this is the right fit for you too. Employers respect candidates who approach interviews with curiosity and confidence.
Final Thought…
Interviews don’t have to feel like an interrogation. With the right prep, a clear strategy, and a positive mindset, you can turn them into opportunities to shine. Remember: preparation shows respect, authenticity builds trust, and follow-up keeps you top of mind.
At the end of the day, an interview isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about showing who you are, what you bring, and why you’re ready to take the next step in your career.
