How to Prepare for a Job Interview
Interview preparation is overwhelming because every company asks different questions, and the advice online is generic. You're supposed to research the company, prepare STAR stories, practice behavioral questions, anticipate technical tests, and plan your outfit — all while managing the anxiety of being evaluated. Most people underprep because they don't know where to start.
Step-by-Step Guide
Research the company beyond the About page
Read their recent press releases, Glassdoor reviews (look for patterns, not outliers), and LinkedIn profiles of the people interviewing you. Understand what they sell, who their customers are, and what challenges they're facing. This context makes every answer more relevant.
Map the job description to your experience
For each key requirement in the job posting, prepare a specific example from your past. Use the STAR format: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Write these out — don't just think them through. You need 5–8 stories that can flex across different question types.
Practice the 5 most common behavioral questions
These come up in nearly every interview: Tell me about yourself. Describe a challenge you overcame. Tell me about a time you disagreed with someone. What's your biggest weakness? Why do you want this role? Practice these out loud until the answers flow naturally.
Prepare 3–5 thoughtful questions to ask them
Your questions reveal how you think. Ask about the team's biggest challenge this quarter, how success is measured in the role, or what the previous person in the position did well. Avoid questions you could answer with a Google search.
Do a dry run the day before
Set up your environment (video call background, lighting, outfit), test your tech, and rehearse your opening. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early. Having logistics handled frees your brain to focus on the actual conversation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Winging it because you 'interview well'
Confidence without preparation leads to rambling answers and missed opportunities to highlight your best work. Even experienced professionals benefit from structured prep.
Memorizing scripted answers
Scripted answers sound robotic and fall apart when the interviewer asks a follow-up. Instead, know your key points and stories — then speak naturally.
Not asking any questions at the end
When you say 'No, I think you covered everything,' the interviewer hears 'I'm not that interested.' Always have at least 2–3 questions ready.