Great news for all you interview candidates - there’s plenty you can do on your own to walk into an interview feeling prepared and confident. I’ll guide you through a detailed, step by step approach that, once you review and practice, will make the process feel more manageable - and even help ease your nerves!

Now, you might be thinking, "But I get REALLY nervous talking to a stranger who's deciding my future!" That’s completely normal! Nerves actually serve a purpose - they’re your body’s way of getting you ready for something important. That surge of adrenaline can sharpen your focus, boost your energy, and keep you alert. The key is learning to channel that energy in a positive way. How? Preparation! When you prepare, you give your brain a clear structure to follow, which helps calm your nerves and increases your chances of success.

So, where do you start?

1. Research the Organization

   Whether it is a professional job, a college interview, a part time position, taking a little time to learn about the organization can make a big difference.
   

   • Understand the organization’s mission, values, and culture.
   • Look at recent news, press releases, and industry trends.
   • Review the job description and key responsibilities.

2. Know the Role

   Understanding the role’s requirements will help you confidently answer questions like, “Why do you think you’re a good fit for this position?”

   • Identify the key skills and experience needed.
   • Prepare real-life examples that highlight your strengths. (For example, if you’re a leader, think of a time you took initiative or guided a team.)
   • Understand how this role contributes to the organization’s goals and how you can add value. (Consider how your skills will help the company succeed.)

3. Resume & Cover Letter Review

   Think of your resume and cover letter as your formal introduction - they give employers a clear picture of who you are, what you can do, and why you’re a great fit.

   Resume: A structured summary of your skills, experience, and education.

   Cover Letter: A personalized message (sometimes optional but highly encouraged) that explains your interest in the job and how you’re a strong candidate.

   • Keep your resume up to date and error-free.
   • Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and achievements.
   • Tailor your cover letter to match the specific job and company.

4. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

   You may be surprised to learn that while the number of interview may feel endless, in reality, they are not. They may be worded differently, they may be more specific to the role, but most of them actually focus on a few key themes.

   • What are your skills?
   • How do your skills match the job requirements?
   • How do you fit within the team and the organization?

   Since you won’t be the only candidate, it’s important to prepare answers that help you stand out. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

   • "Tell me about yourself."
   • "Why do you want to work here?"
   • "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
   • "Describe a challenge you faced and how you handled it."
   • "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

5. Behavioral & STAR Method Preparation

   When you answer interview questions in a structured way, you help create a clear, complete picture for the interviewer, rather than just offering a vague answer. For example, simply saying, "I'm a reliable person who follows through on my commitments" sounds nice, but it doesn't give enough context to show how your reliability will help you succeed in the role you're applying for. It also doesn't demonstrate real-life experience to back up your claim.

   To give your answers more impact, use the STAR method:

   • Situation: Set the context.
     Example: "At my part-time job at XYZ Restaurant..."
   • Task: Describe your responsibility.
     Example: "I worked as a hostess..."
   • Action: Explain what you did.
     Example: "My manager often relies on me to cover shifts when a coworker calls out..."
   • Result: Share the outcome.
     Example: "Because they know I’ll show up on time and get the job done."

   Putting it all together:

   "At my part-time job at XYZ Restaurant working as a hostess, my manager often relies on me to cover shifts when a coworker calls out because they know I’ll show up on time and get the job done."

   This method not only paints a clearer picture but also shows the interviewer that you have hands-on experience to back up your claims.

6. Technical or Job-Specific Questions

   The previous example was a basic answer, but many roles require specific skills that need more detailed, technical responses. In order to prepare:
   

   • Review industry-related knowledge and skills to ensure you're up to date on the latest trends and best practices.
   • Prepare for technical assessments or case studies that might be part of the interview process.
   • Practice subject matter skills (e.g., coding, design, technical writing), problem-solving, or role-specific tasks so you can confidently demonstrate your expertise.

7. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

   Always have two or three thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. Make sure your questions are specific to the position and organization to help you stand out.
   

   • "What does success look like in this role?"
   • "Can you describe the team’s work culture?"
   • "What are the biggest challenges in this position?"
   • "What’s the next step in the hiring process?"

   These questions not only help you gather useful information but also reflect your proactive attitude and curiosity.

8. Mock Interviews & Practice

   While practicing in your head or in front of a mirror is better than nothing, practicing with someone else significantly increases your chances of success. Here's how to get started:
   

   • Write things down first. Prepare notes on the questions you expect to be asked and write out your STAR answers. Also, list any questions you want to ask the interviewer.
   • Review regularly. Go over your questions and answers often so you become more comfortable. Don’t try to memorize everything - just focus on remembering key points to trigger your memory during the interview.
   • Conduct mock interviews. Practice with a friend or mentor to simulate a real interview setting.
   • Record yourself. Answer questions while recording and review the video to see how you can improve.
   • Focus on clarity and confidence. Practice speaking clearly and confidently to ensure you come across as composed and professional.

   By putting in the effort to practice, you’ll feel more confident and prepared when it’s time for the real interview.

9. Dress Appropriately

   Whether the interview is in person or a virtual one, first impression is key! Dressing appropriately helps set the tone for a professional interview and shows that you take the opportunity seriously.

   • Choose professional attire that aligns with the company culture.
   • Ensure your outfit is clean, ironed, and fits well to help you look polished and confident.

10. Logistics & Planning

    Imagine the stress of arriving at an interview only to realize it was supposed to start an hour earlier, or trying to join an online interview, only to find out your microphone or webcam aren’t working. Planning ahead can help reduce that anxiety!

    • Confirm the interview date, time, and location (or video link) to avoid any confusion.
    • Test your internet connection, webcam, and microphone ahead of time to make sure everything works smoothly for a virtual interview.
    • Arrive Early - plan your commute and arrive at least 10-15 minutes early.

11. Body Language & Communication

    Your goal is to make a great impression throughout the interview, and both verbal communication and body language play a huge role in how interviewers remember you.

    • Maintain good posture and make eye contact to show confidence and engagement.
    • Listen actively and avoid interrupting to demonstrate respect and focus.
    • Speak clearly and concisely to ensure your message is understood and comes across professionally.

12. Follow up

    Since interviewers often meet with several candidates, following up after your interview is a great way to stand out.

    • Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
    • Reiterate your interest in the role and express gratitude for the interviewer’s time.
    • Mention key takeaways from the interview to reinforce your fit for the position.