Thorough interview preparation is one of the strongest predictors of job search success. Candidates who thoroughly prepare are 3x more likely to receive job offers than those who do not.
13 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Research the company — Study the company's mission, values, products/services, recent news, competitors, and culture. Check their website, LinkedIn, Glassdoor reviews, and recent press.
- Understand the role — Read the job description carefully. Identify the key skills and qualifications required and prepare examples demonstrating each.
- Prepare your elevator pitch — Craft a 30-60 second personal introduction that summarizes who you are, your key strengths, and what you bring to the role.
- Practice STAR responses — Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to prepare answers for behavioral questions about challenges, teamwork, leadership, and growth.
- Prepare questions to ask — Have 3-5 thoughtful questions ready about the team, company goals, success metrics, and growth opportunities. This shows genuine interest.
- Do a logistics check — For in-person: plan your route and outfit. For video: test your internet, camera, microphone, lighting, and background well before the call.
- Practice out loud — Rehearse answers with a friend, mentor, or AI mock interview tool. Speaking answers aloud is very different from thinking them.
- Plan your follow-up — Prepare to send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview.
2. Key Tips
- Prepare 5-8 STAR stories that cover a range of competencies (leadership, conflict resolution, innovation, failure/learning)
- Research the interviewer on LinkedIn to find common ground
- Bring copies of your resume, a notepad, and pen to in-person interviews
- For video interviews, choose a quiet location with good lighting and a clean background
- Practice concise answers — aim for 1-2 minutes per behavioral response
Common Mistakes
- Not researching the company or role beforehand
- Giving vague or rambling answers without specific examples
- Speaking negatively about previous employers or colleagues
- Not preparing questions to ask the interviewer
- Arriving late or having technical issues in a video interview
Pro Tips
- The interview is not over when you walk out
- Use the interviewer's name during the conversation to build rapport
- Quantify your achievements in answers just like you would on a resume
- If you do not know an answer, say so honestly and explain how you would find ...
- Modern preparation includes AI-powered mock interviews for unlimited practice...