Watch a brief video on how to prepare for an interview to get you started.
See tips on how to be well prepared for your upcoming interview. Take me there.
What do I do after my interview? Read about the best practice next-steps here.
Find links to other helpful resources such as examples of what to wear to an interview, how to write a follow-up message, and more.
How Do I Prepare for My Interview?
Interview Prep
Do some research on the company and the role & have questions.
- What does your company do?
- Does the company’s values align with yours?
- How do your skills align with what is required of the job description?
- Why are you interested in this role?
Using what you’ve researched, come up with some smart questions to ask your potential employer.
Practice your answers out loud!
Verbally practice answering common interview questions out loud, either with a friend, family member, or in the mirror. Getting the physical practice will make you more comfortable and confident with your answers.
You may want to take notes during your interview. Come prepared with a notebook and a pen or pencil so you can keep track of important points of discussion.
You can also come into your interview with bullet points of responses to the common interview questions you practiced.
Bring a notebook & a pen… take notes
Dress appropriately and present yourself
Have a positive demeanor during your interview and dress appropriately. Depending on the organization to which you are applying, different attire may be expected for you to wear.
Get rest!
Be sure to plan the night before your interview day so you are well rested. Go to bed early and do a relaxing activity the night before if you can to prepare yourself for the next day.
So I’ve Completed My Interview… Now What?
Post-Interview Tips
Send a follow-up message
Always send a follow-up message to your interviewer after the interview. Thank them for their time and ask for a timeline of when you can expect to hear back about the status of your application. This follow-up can be a physical card or an email.
Assess how you did
Interviews are a great opportunity to learn more about yourself. Reflect on how the interview went for you. What went well? What can you do better for next time?
What if I don’t hear back?
If you do not hear back within the promised timeline from your employer, it is okay to send a second follow-up email to check in with them.
Stay active online
Show your employers that you are taking on proactive engagement in building your career by staying active on professional social medias like LinkedIn.
Templates
Useful Links
1. Common interview questions
2. How do I answer the question, “So, tell me about yourself“?
3. Smart questions to ask your employer
4. Some ideas of what to wear to an interview
5. Thank you letter basics
6. Example follow-up email
7. How to write a second follow-up email and when it is okay to do so