Getting an interview is awesome! It means they like your resume. Now, the next step is to impress them in person (or online!) so they offer you the job. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it seems. Just follow these 10 simple steps, and you'll be much more confident and ready to shine!
Step 1: Know Your Stuff (About Them!)
Before anything else, learn about the company you're interviewing with. What do they do? What's their main goal? Who are their customers? Look at their website, social media, and recent news. Knowing this shows you're serious and interested.
Step 2: Know Your Stuff (About You!)
Think about your own experiences. What projects have you done? What challenges did you face and how did you solve them? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses (and how are you working on them)? Write down a few examples for each so you're ready to share.
Step 3: Practice Common Questions
There are some questions almost every interviewer asks:
-
"Tell me about yourself."
-
"Why do you want to work here?"
-
"What are your strengths/weaknesses?"
-
"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
Practice saying your answers out loud. It helps them sound natural, not memorized.
Step 4: Use the STAR Method for Stories
When they ask you about your past experiences (like "Tell me about a time you failed"), use the STAR method to tell a clear story:
-
Situation: What was the background?
-
Task: What was your goal?
-
Action: What did YOU do?
-
Result: What was the outcome? What did you learn?
This helps you give complete answers.
Step 5: Prepare Your Own Questions
At the end, they'll always ask, "Do you have any questions for us?" ALWAYS say YES! Prepare 2-3 good questions. This shows you're thinking and engaged.
-
Example: "What's the team culture like here?" or "What's a typical day look like for someone in this role?"
Step 6: Dress the Part
Choose clothes that are clean, neat, and professional. It doesn't have to be a fancy suit for every job, but looking presentable shows you respect the interview and the company. When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Step 7: Plan Your Journey (and Tech Check)
If it's an in-person interview, know exactly how you'll get there and how long it takes. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. If it's online, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection beforehand. Find a quiet spot with good lighting.
Step 8: Make a Great First Impression
-
Be on time. (This is super important!)
-
Smile. It makes you seem friendly and approachable.
-
Make eye contact. It shows confidence.
-
Listen carefully. Pay attention to their questions.
Step 9: Follow Up Fast!
Within 24 hours of your interview, send a thank-you email. Keep it short, polite, and mention something specific you discussed to remind them of your conversation. This shows good manners and keeps you fresh in their mind.
Step 10: Learn and Grow (Even if You Don't Get the Job)
Not every interview will lead to a job offer, and that's okay! Each one is a chance to learn. Think about what went well and what you could do better next time. Ask for feedback if you feel comfortable. Every interview makes you stronger for the next one!
Also check: