Interviews can be daunting, but thorough preparation can significantly boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or stepping into a new industry, here’s a structured approach to ensure you’re ready to make the best impression.

1. Understand the Role and Company

Before stepping into an interview, take the time to research the company and the role you’re applying for.

• Review the job description and align your skills and experience with the key requirements.
• Visit the company’s website to understand its mission, values, and recent news.
• Check LinkedIn and industry news for insights into the company culture and leadership.
• Know your interviewers if possible, by looking at their professional backgrounds on LinkedIn.

2. Prepare Your Responses to Common Questions

Most interviews will include a mix of general and job-specific questions. Prepare for these in advance:

• Tell me about yourself. – Keep it concise and relevant, highlighting your experience and key strengths.
• Why do you want to work here? – Show you’ve done your research and align your values with the company’s mission.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? – Focus on strengths that relate to the job and weaknesses that you’re actively improving.
• STAR Method for Behavioural Questions – Use the Situation, Task, Action, Result framework to answer experience-based questions effectively.

3. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

A good interview is a two-way conversation. Show your engagement by preparing thoughtful questions, such as:

• Let’s say you hire me. In a year, what kind of metrics would let me know I’ve done a good job before we go into my annual review?
• When you were interviewing here, what would you have liked to know before you joined?
• If I were to start in this position, what is the single biggest contribution I could make in the first few weeks?

4. Practice and Rehearse

Rehearse your responses out loud to build confidence. You can:



• Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor.
• Record yourself to refine your tone and body language.
• Use online interview preparation tools to practice under timed conditions.

5. Dress Appropriately and Plan Logistics

Your presentation matters. Choose an outfit that aligns with the company’s culture (formal for corporate roles, business casual for startups). If the interview is in person, plan your route and arrive 5-10 minutes early. For virtual interviews, check your internet connection, camera, and microphone in advance.

6. Be Ready to Showcase Your Work

If relevant, bring work samples, a portfolio, or a presentation that demonstrates your expertise. Have a copy of your resume and any notes handy to reference during the conversation.

7. Follow Up After the Interview

Within 24 hours, send a personalised thank-you email expressing appreciation for the opportunity. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention something discussed during the interview.

Final Thoughts

Interview success comes down to preparation, confidence, and authenticity. By researching the company, practicing your responses, and asking thoughtful questions, you’ll set yourself apart as a strong candidate.

Best of luck with your next interview!