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Apart from getting hired, an interview is also a chance to learn more about the role, the team, the benefits, the requirements and expectations, and whether it feels like the right fit for you.
To have a successful interview that helps you land the position and understand whether the job is a good fit, it’s helpful to prepare. Below are some ideas to get you started.
1. Revisit the job description and employer website
Reread the job description to remind yourself of what the employer is looking for. Take some time to look at their website, social media, and any recent news. As you do this, notice what stands out to you or what you connect with. This can help you better understand the role and how you might fit into it.
2. Focus on what you want to highlight
You’ve already submitted your resume (and maybe a cover letter), so the interview isn’t about repeating everything that’s already on paper. Instead, think about what you want to highlight and expand on:
- What experiences are most relevant to this role?
- What examples help show your strengths?
- What context wasn’t included in your application?
This is your chance to add more detail and help bring your experience to life.
3. If you don’t have direct experience, talk through your approach
It’s common to come across parts of a job description where you don’t have direct experience. If that happens, think about:
- How you would approach that responsibility
- Whether you’ve done something similar in a different setting
This can help show how you think, solve problems, and adapt, even if you haven’t done that exact task before.
4. Be ready for the “Tell me about yourself” question
While there may be differences in the type of questions asked depending on the industry, you’ll likely be asked some version of “Tell me about yourself.” It’s a common question, but it can be trickier to answer than it seems. It’s a broad question, and it may not always be clear whether to focus on your professional experience or talk more generally about who you are. You don’t want to overshare personal details, but you also don’t want to just recite your resume.
When answering this question, consider:
- A brief introduction, including where you’re based
- A general overview of your experience or the areas you’ve spent the most time working in
- A bit about your values or how you approach your work
- Why you’re interested in this role
You don’t need to cover everything or go into too much detail. This is just a starting point, and the interviewer will likely ask follow-up questions to learn more.
5. Practice how you communicate your experience
It can be easy to speak quickly or feel like you need to say everything at once during an interview. Taking time to practice can help you feel more comfortable and clear in how you respond. Try:
- Saying your answers out loud
- Practicing with someone you trust and asking for feedback
- Recording yourself to notice your pace and clarity
- Taking a pause before answering if you need a moment to think
When answering questions, being both specific and concise can go a long way in helping others better understand your role and impact. Instead of speaking in general terms, share a clear example of what you did, how you approached it, and what came out of it.
6. Be mindful of how you talk about past work experiences
If you’ve had a negative experience in a past role, it can be tricky to talk about it during an interview, especially if you’re asked directly about that job or why you left. It’s advisable to not get too negative about that experience in an interview, so think through how you might approach the subject if it comes up. For example, you might say: “The work environment wasn’t quite the right fit for me, but I learned a lot about [communication / managing competing priorities / working with different teams], and I really value that experience.”
The goal isn’t to ignore what happened, but to speak about it in a way that shows reflection and keeps the focus on your growth and what you’re looking for moving forward.
7. Think through the logistics of your interview
Interviews can happen in different formats, such as over Zoom, by phone, or in person. Planning ahead based on the format can help you feel more prepared.
If the interview is virtual, think about finding a space that is quiet, has good lighting, reliable internet, and is free of distractions. If you don’t have a space like this at home, you might check your local public library to see if they offer study rooms you can reserve.
If the interview is in person, think through transportation ahead of time to make sure you arrive on time. Parking or finding the exact location can sometimes take longer than expected, so it can help to ask for those details in advance.
8. Come prepared with questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked if you have questions. This is your chance to learn more about the role and workplace. You might consider asking:
- What does a typical day in this role look like?
- How is success measured?
- What are the most important things you are looking for in this role?
- Are there opportunities for training and growth?
This is also a chance to think about what matters to you in a workplace and ask questions to help determine whether the role aligns with that.
9. Pay attention to how the process feels
During the interview, take note of how the interview is run and how your questions are answered. This can give you insight into the workplace and whether it feels like a good fit for you. Some things you might take note of:
- Frequent rescheduling, running late, or disorganization
- A lengthy or unclear interview process
- How they talk about past employees or team members
- Whether your questions are answered clearly
- Whether the way they talked about the work or company aligned with your values and needs
These details can help you get a better sense of how the organization operates and what you might expect if you were to work there.
10. Be flexible if things don’t go as planned
Not every interview will go exactly how you expect. You might get a question you didn’t prepare for, run into technical issues, or feel like you didn’t say something the way you wanted to. That’s okay. Do what you can in the moment, and remember that one interaction doesn’t define your skills or potential. If you don’t get the role, you can reflect on what felt strong and what you might approach differently next time.You can also ask for feedback.
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