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An interview can make or break your chance at landing your dream job. No matter how good you look on paper, you need to stand out during the interview process. Learn how to ace interviews with our top 10 interview preparation tips. Below we’ll outline how to do well in an interview, including helpful advice for Zoom, phone, and group interviews.
There are many common interview questions that come up time and time again. Reviewing common questions will help you prepare your answers in advance. Even if the questions aren’t worded in the exact same way, the practice will pay off.
Some of the most common interview questions:
Practice answering common interview questions in front of friends or family. If you’re nervous answering questions in front of them, you most certainly will be during your interview. Ask for honest feedback and make sure they aren’t afraid of hurting your feelings. It’s better to hear about how you can improve sooner than later.
If your interview is in person, practice in person (if possible), and if your interview is over the phone or through Zoom, practice that way to familiarize yourself with the medium.
You can also practice using a mirror or by recording yourself answering questions. This will likely be a painful experience, but seeing what other people see can help you improve. Watch your posture, eye contact, voice steadiness, and pronunciation. Do you have any nervous ticks, such as touching your face or hair, playing with a pen, or looking away?
Arrive at your interview prepared with a clear understanding of the company you are trying to work for. Anything you can learn about the business in advance could give you an advantage in your interview.
How do you learn more about the business interviewing you?
You might not have time for all of the above, but do what you can to gather a clear picture of what the company is like and any relevant news pertaining to the business. The research you complete in advance will help you provide interview answers tailored to what that business is looking for.
Whether your interview is in person or online, it helps to go through as many motions as you can in advance.
If it’s an important interview, and you’re nearby, practice driving there a day or two in advance. See what traffic is like, scope out parking options, and figure out what building you need to enter to reduce any confusion beforehand. It may seem like overkill, but just one small surprise on the day of your interview can completely throw off your groove.
If your interview is over the phone or on Zoom, test everything in advance and once again on the day of. Try calling a friend or family member to run through the motions and to make sure your internet connection is reliable, and all of your tech is working properly.
Dress well, but don’t try to be someone you’re not. Pick clothes that look professional but something you feel comfortable in. If you think you look good, you’ll have more confidence entering the interview.
Consider how your outfit will travel if you need to drive or take public transit. Will your clothes wrinkle or stretch if you’re sitting down for a while right before the interview? Will the clothes show sweat easily if you get nervous or the building is too warm?
As with most interview advice, the key is preparing in advance. Pick out your clothes with plenty of notice. Try them on to be sure they fit and are comfortable. It can help to move around in them ahead of time, such as sitting down, standing up, walking to your car, etc., to prevent any surprises.
📚 Read our guide onWhat to Wear to Work: Work Clothing 101 for ideas and work clothing dos and don'ts.
Interviews are stressful. There’s so much to remember, and the uncertainty of not knowing what you will be asked is enough to heighten anyone’s nerves.
Set aside some time before your interview to get into the right mindset. Calm your mind in whatever way works best for you. You could listen to music, draw, complete breathing exercises, stretch, or meditate. The key is taking the time to clear your brain so you can focus on the task ahead—nailing your interview.
A busy day or hectic lifestyle is no excuse to skip this step. In fact, the busier you are, the more important it is to calm yourself and refocus before going into your interview.
Warm up your mouth with some stretches. You shouldn’t start exercising without a good stretch—and that goes for your mouth too. You’ll be doing a lot of speaking in an interview, so you should do some stretching beforehand.
Saying all the right things doesn’t do you any good if the person interviewing you can’t hear you clearly. Warming up your mouth with a few diction exercises or tongue twisters will help you articulate and enunciate throughout your interview.
It may sound simple, but it’s incredibly important: being on time means arriving early when it comes to interviews. Arrive with plenty of spare time, whether in person or online. You can always wait in your car and complete a few breathing exercises or familiarize yourself with the building. It’s better to have extra time than not enough.
Plus, you never know what surprises you could bump into along the way. No matter how much advance planning and preparation you do, you can’t control an accident, your car breaking down, or the weather.
Understand your own habits. If you often find yourself running behind schedule, set the time you need to be ready well in advance. Set multiple alarms and have someone check in to remind you. Do whatever you need to do to make sure you arrive early.
Bringing in your own resources can help you stand out in the interview process. Print a copy of your resume as well as any work samples that are relevant to the position. If you have a portfolio, bring that along and offer to talk about the projects you’re most proud of.
Think about how you will present these materials. Put any paper materials inside a folder or clipboard to ensure nothing is creased or damaged before you get there. A plastic folder you can leave with the interviewer will stand out and show you put thought and effort into the process.
We recommend ourcolorful plastic two-pocket folders, which are sure to be remembered long after your interview is over. Bonus points if you can choose a folder that matches the company’s branding! 🌈
The interviewer may ask you if you have any questions for them. Not having any questions can illustrate a lack of interest or preparedness on your part. Whether the interviewer asks you or not, you should come prepared with a few follow-up questions.
Avoid questions that lead to simple yes or no answers and any questions that could stump the interviewer. You want to use this opportunity to direct the conversation and to learn more about the potential job.
Potential follow-up questions:
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Jordan works remotely, from home or abroad, on projects that increase brand awareness, online engagement, and website traffic. She specializes in clear and concise writing that helps businesses conquer their online messaging. Through human-centered content, she aims to delight both human readers and Google bots. Spark an immediate and detailed conversation by mentioning Mad Men or Game of Thrones.
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