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In today’s competitive job market, acing an interview requires more than just showing up. Whether you’re gearing up for a virtual interview or preparing for an in-person interview, making a positive first impression can go a long way. From mastering common interview questions to understanding the company’s culture, there are various key strategies to ensure you put your best foot forward. This guide will provide you with some of the best interview tips so that you can walk into your dream job interview feeling confident and ready. By the end, you’ll know how to make the right impression, ask thoughtful questions, and present yourself as the ideal candidate for the role.Â
1. Research, Research, Research
First things first: research. You need to gather as much information as possible about the company, the position you’re applying for, and the interviewer to optimally prepare for the job interview. Here are a few places to find useful information:
- Company Website
- Google News
- Interviewer’s LinkedIn
- Reviews from former employees
- People you know
The goal isn’t to give a presentation about the history of the company, but you should have a rough idea of what they do, especially any current projects and how they relate to your position. Spend about an hour on a short research binge before moving on to the next step.
2. Collect questions that you could be asked
In a job interview, you will inevitably be confronted with questions. The best way to prepare is by stepping into the interviewer’s shoes and coming up with possible questions. Here are some tips:
- No question is too simple – During my last job interview, I was asked exactly the one question I had deemed too simple and irrelevant (“Why did you decide to study law?”). Luckily, I resisted the temptation to skip over this question when I practiced, so I had a good answer ready. Think twice before dismissing any question as ‘too simple.’
- The questions you hate most are the most important – Focus on the questions you hate answering the most. These are the ones that could make you falter in an interview. Trying to come up with a satisfactory answer on the spot might make you look worse than you’d hoped. So dig deep into those uncomfortable questions.
- Use ChatGPT for ideas! – This is one of those tasks where AI can be helpful. Instead of asking for random interview questions, use this prompt:
  “I need to prepare for a job interview with (company name) for (position). Please act as the interviewer and give me a list of questions on the following topics: career path, personal motivation, expectations for the position, etc. Here’s an excerpt from the company’s website/job description: …”
3. Come up with 3-5 questions to ask at the end of the interview
At the end of every interview, you will be given the chance to ask some questions of your own. Many people hate this part, especially if the job you’re applying for isn’t exactly your dream offer. If you do have questions, they might just be about salary, bonuses, or vacation days—tricky topics to ask about in the right way.
The only truly wrong answer at the end of the interview is: “No, I don’t have any questions. You’ve covered it all.” Asking questions shows genuine interest in the position beyond just receiving a paycheck. It makes the interviewer feel like they’re gaining an engaged and motivated employee.
Here’s how to come up with 3-5 questions: Yes, you need that many because some might get answered during the interview. You don’t want to pull a new question out of thin air while stressed.
- Look through the company’s website, job description, or articles to find areas that are unclear or that you’re genuinely curious about. For example, if the job description mentions workshops for employees, ask for examples or recommendations. If they boast about flexible or hybrid work schedules, ask what an average week looks like.
- You can also find inspiration from YouTube, blogs, and ChatGPT, but make sure the questions apply to the role you’re applying for, especially if you’re using foreign sources. What’s appropriate can vary between industries and countries, so think them through carefully.
4. Go through the entire list of questions at least 3 times before the interview
Now comes the actual practice. After creating your lists of questions to answer and ask, go through them multiple times to ensure you present yourself smoothly during the interview.
Take your list and say every answer and question aloud, either to yourself in front of a mirror or to a friend/family member. Be sure to visualize the interview as you do so.
5. Prepare your outfit, navigation, and technology days in advance
Job interviews are stressful enough, so don’t add any unnecessary stress. Prepare your outfit, map out your route to the interview location, or set up your video call app well in advance to help keep calm when it counts.
By the way, don’t overthink your outfit. Unless you’re applying for a position in fashion, you can follow these two simple rules:
- Dress slightly better than you would need to for the job.
- When in doubt, stick with the “standard” outfit. There’s nothing wrong with a blue blazer and white blouse. Your clothes don’t need to make a lasting impression—unless you dress awfully, they probably won’t even remember what you wore.
6. Mindset
Last but not least, your mindset.
All the preparation in the world won’t help if you walk into the interview with a mindset of doom. Remember, you’re not the only one who wants something out of this interview.
The company needs someone, and the shorter their search for a good employee, the better. They’re looking for reasons to hire you, not reject you. This is a partnership. You’re testing them as much as they’re testing you.
Preparing for a job interview may feel overwhelming, but with adequate preparation and ample time, you’ll be able to handle even the most tricky questions with confidence. Whether it’s maintaining good posture in a remote job interview, or practicing your eye contact in mock interviews, each step will bring you closer to landing the job. The best way to succeed is to be the best version of yourself—engaged, informed, and positive. Keep these best practices in mind as you move forward in the hiring process, and good luck as you take the next step toward securing your new job!
