- What This Article Covers
- Basic Interview Tips
- Be Prepared - Research the company before the interview
- Talk to the People You Know
- Talk to Your Recruiter
- Know Your Interviewer
- Know
Your Resume - Review Potential Interviewer Questions
- Prepare Your Questions
- Know the Job Description
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Common Reasons Interviews Fail
- Next Steps
- Final Words
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Last Updated on March 30, 2025
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What This Article Covers
- Essential Interview Preparation: Learn why preparation matters and how to approach different interview formats confidently and clearly.
- Research Strategies: Discover how to research companies, interviewers, and job descriptions to tailor your responses and stand out.
- Tips for Success: Master key techniques, such as body language, arriving on time, and asking insightful questions to make a lasting impression.
- Engaging with Recruiters: Find out how to communicate with recruiters to gain insider tips and align your pitch with the job’s needs.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Review frequent interview blunders that could cost you the job—and learn how to avoid them.
- Resume and Question Prep: Get guidance on knowing
your resume and preparing for common and complexinterview questions .
Basic Interview Tips
- Research the Company: Spend time understanding the company’s mission, values, and products or services. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses to their context and demonstrate genuine interest.
- Practice Common
Interview Questions : Prepare answers for frequently asked interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want this job?” This preparation helps convey confidence and clarity. - Dress Appropriately: Choose a professional outfit that suits the company culture. Being well-dressed shows respect for the interviewer and demonstrates your seriousness about the position.
- Arrive on Time: Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. This shows punctuality and respect for the interviewer’s time and allows you a moment to relax and prepare mentally.
- Bring Necessary Documents: Have copies of your resume, a list of references, and any other required documents neatly organized and ready to hand over if asked. This shows organization and preparedness.
- Exhibit Positive Body Language: Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, sit up straight, and smile. Positive body language conveys confidence and enthusiasm for the role.
- Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and comments. Listening actively shows your interest in the position and ensures your responses are well-targeted.
- Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the role,
team , company culture, or company goals. Asking questions demonstrates your interest in the job and company. - Follow-up: Within 24 hours of the interview, send a personalized thank-you
email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. - Reflect on the Interview: Afterward, reflect on what went well and areas for improvement. This reflection is crucial for personal growth and preparing for future interviews.
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Be Prepared – Research the company before the interview
There are many resources you can use to get a better understanding of the company’s products and markets. It is easier to do this with public companies, but you can find information on almost any company nowadays.
There is an excellent chance that the company has a listing on LinkedIn. Take a look and find out all you can. You will most certainly find current and former employees on LinkedIn who may be linked to someone you know (see below).
Talk to the People You Know
You may know someone (or know someone who knows someone) who currently works at the company (or who worked there at some point). Leverage LinkedIn for this as well.
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Talk to Your Recruiter
Recruiters are eager for you to land the job. Engage with them by discussing your background and inquiring about any specific information or insights that could be crucial for the interview. This open communication demonstrates your enthusiasm and readiness and helps tailor your preparation to meet the job’s unique requirements. Building a rapport with recruiters can significantly enhance your chances of success by providing valuable advice and guidance tailored to your prospective role.
Know Your Interviewer
Knowing something about the person interviewing you would be a plus. Take a look at their work history, schools, majors, etc. (LinkedIn is a great resource for this). This will help you find some common areas of interest and get a better understanding of the individual.
Know Your Resume
It sounds basic but make sure you know everything on
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Review Potential Interviewer Questions
Explore the most frequently asked and the more unique questions asked by interviewers, and understand how to respond effectively. Numerous
Prepare Your Questions
Be prepared to ask a range of questions during the interview. Have a comprehensive list in case the interviewer answers some of your questions before you’ve had the chance to ask some of them. You will want a wide range of
Know the Job Description
Study the job description and be prepared to convince the interviewer why you are the perfect person for the job. Ensure you understand all aspects (there is nothing worse than not fully knowing the job details for which you are being interviewed.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and be ready to articulate them clearly during your interview. Prepare to discuss your skills and experiences that directly align with the job description, showcasing how your unique capabilities make you the ideal candidate. This approach demonstrates self-awareness and allows you to present yourself as a well-prepared and thoughtful applicant, tailor-made for the role you’re applying for.
Common Reasons Interviews Fail
You think you’ve done everything right but are just not getting any job offers. The following list includes some of the most common reasons people fail in an interview:
- Failure to read background material on interview techniques
- Not knowing the answers to common
interview questions - Not dressing properly
- Chewing gum during the interview
- Arriving late (or arriving too early)
- Not knowing the details of their resume
- Discussing compensation requirements without being asked the question
- Saying that you are “rushed for time”
- Displaying a negative attitude or generally being negative about your current employee
- Vague interview answers
- Wearing too much perfume or aftershave
- Forgetting the name of the interviewer
- Lying about your
skills or experience - Lying about your education
- Yawning (get plenty of sleep)
- Not making eye contact or making too much
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Next Steps
- Review
Your Resume Thoroughly: Double-check for accuracy, alignment with the job description, and remove any typos or irrelevant information. - Research Target Companies: Use LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and company websites to understand the values, culture, and key people you might engage with.
- Practice Mock Interviews: Record yourself or work with a friend to rehearse answers to common and challenging
interview questions . - Prepare Tailored Questions: Draft specific, thoughtful questions for your interviewer to show genuine interest and engagement with the role and organization.
- Schedule a Follow-Up Plan: Set reminders to send thank-you emails post-interview and reflect on each experience for continuous improvement.
Final Words
Securing the interview is only the first step—the real opportunity lies in how well you prepare and present yourself. By understanding the company, anticipating questions, and reflecting on your goals and strengths, you position yourself to make a lasting impression. Confidence comes from preparation; success follows those who approach each interview as a chance to learn and grow. Commit to the process, refine your approach, and take control of your career journey with intention and clarity.
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Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
