How to prepare for an interview

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can walk into the room (or log into the video call) feeling confident and ready. As recruiters, we’ve seen that solid preparation is key to making a great impression and standing out from other candidates. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your next interview and increase your chances of success.

1. Research the company

Before the interview, take time to thoroughly research the company. This will not only help you understand if it’s a good fit for you but will also show the employer that you’re genuinely interested in their organisation.

• Explore their website: Review the company’s mission, values, products, and services. Check their "About Us" and "News" sections for recent achievements or initiatives.
• Check their social media: Gain insights into their culture, current projects, and industry trends.
• Read reviews and news: Look at employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor or recent articles about the company to get an inside perspective.

2. Understand the role

Carefully review the job description to understand the key responsibilities and required skills. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and abilities align with the job.

• Make connections: For each qualification listed, think about how your past work experience meets those requirements.
• Prepare examples: Be ready to provide specific examples of how you’ve successfully handled similar tasks in the past.

3. Prepare your answers to common questions

There are some questions you can almost always expect to be asked. Practicing your answers will help you avoid stumbling during the interview.

• Tell me about yourself: Focus on your professional background, key achievements, and how they relate to the role.
• Why do you want this job?: Show your enthusiasm for the position and explain why it aligns with your career goals.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?: Be honest but strategic. Mention strengths that are relevant to the role and a weakness that you’re actively working to improve.

4. Practice the STAR method

For competency-based questions (like "Tell me about a time you solved a problem"), use the STAR method to structure your answers:

• Situation: Describe the situation.
• Task: Explain the task or challenge.
• Action: Talk about the action you took.
• Result: Highlight the positive outcome or result.

This approach helps you provide clear, concise, and structured answers.

5. Prepare questions for the interviewer

Interviews are a two-way street. Asking thoughtful questions shows you’re engaged and gives you valuable insight into the company.

Examples of good questions include:

• “What does success look like in this role?”
• “Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?”
• “How does the company support professional development?”

6. Practice your delivery

Practicing your answers out loud can make a huge difference. Whether it’s in front of a mirror, with a friend, or during a mock interview, rehearsing will help you articulate your thoughts more clearly and confidently.

• Body language: For video or in-person interviews, maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use gestures naturally.
• Tone and pace: Practice speaking clearly and at a steady pace.

7. Plan your outfit

Your appearance matters in an interview, so make sure you dress appropriately. Research the company’s culture and dress code, but when in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

• For most formal environments, opt for business professional attire.
• For more casual or creative companies, business casual is typically acceptable.

8. Prepare your documents

Always bring extra copies of your CV, a notepad, and a pen. For virtual interviews, ensure you have your documents ready to reference, such as a digital copy of your CV and any work samples if requested.

9. Check the logistics

For in-person interviews, plan your route and give yourself plenty of time to arrive. For remote interviews, test your technology beforehand.

• Video interviews: Ensure your camera and microphone are working, and check that your internet connection is stable.
• In-person interviews: Know the address, parking options, and how long it will take to get there. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

10. Stay calm and confident

On the day of the interview, take deep breaths and remind yourself that you’re well-prepared. Employers aren’t just evaluating your qualifications—they’re also looking for a positive attitude and someone who can contribute to the team.