1. Prepare Properly (Most People Don’t)
Good interviews are won before you even walk into the room.
Bring the right documents
- Several printed copies of your CV
- Your ID
- Relevant certificates or qualifications
- A pen and a small notebook
Research yourself
- Understand what you bring to the table
- Identify the value you offer
- Ask yourself how you can meet the employer’s needs
Research the position
- Know exactly what someone in your role typically does
- Have a clear idea of the responsibilities and expectations
Research the company
- Understand their mission, values, goals, and vision
- Read their “About Us” page
- Look at their recent news, projects, or achievements
- Learn what makes them different from competitors
- Know who the CEO is
- Understand their products, services, and general company history
- Get a sense of the industry they operate in
Look up your interviewer
If the email includes their name, check their LinkedIn profile.
This helps you learn:
- Their role
- Their background
- Potential conversation hooks
- Correct pronunciation and spelling of their name
2. Plan your outfit the day before
The goal: clean, neat, and professional never rushed.
Preparing them early also avoids last-minute stress, forgetting items like belts or shoes, or discovering stains, wrinkles, or missing buttons right before you leave. It eliminates mistakes and ensures you walk into the interview calm, focused, and fully put together.
3. Re-read the Job Description Carefully
Most applicants skim it once. Don’t.
Go through it again and note:
- The key responsibilities
- The essential skills
- Repeated keywords or phrases
These shape how you should answer your questions.
4. Practice Common Interview Questions (Your “Interview Ammo”)
You don’t need to memorize scripts, but practicing ahead of time prevents freezing, rambling, or forgetting important points when you’re under pressure. It helps you structure your thoughts, refine your examples, and answer confidently instead of guessing on the spot. The more familiar the questions feel, the calmer and sharper you’ll be during the real interview.
Here are the 10 Most Common Interview Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
(A quick summary of who you are, your experience, and what you’re aiming for.) - Why do you want to work here?
(Shows motivation, research, and cultural fit.) - What are your strengths?
(Keep it relevant to the role.) - What are your weaknesses?
(Share a real weakness + how you’re improving it.) - Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it.
(Use the STAR method.) - Where do you see yourself in 2–5 years?
(Demonstrates ambition and direction.) - Why should we hire you?
(Your chance to sell your value.) - Can you describe a time you worked in a team?
(Shows communication and teamwork skills.) - Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
(Shows growth, honesty, and responsibility.) - Do you have any questions for us?
(A must — shows seriousness and curiosity.)
5. Prepare your references
Have 2–3 people ready who can vouch for your work ethic.
6. Warm up your voice
Especially for phone or video interviews.
A warmed-up voice sounds clearer and more confident.
6. Arrive early
10–15 minutes is ideal.
Shows respect and gives you time to settle.
7. Be genuine
People can sense forced confidence.
Speak naturally and answer truthfully.
8. Match the interviewer’s energy
Mirror their tone, pace, and vibe.
9. Treat everyone with respect
Receptionists, assistants, security — everyone.
Managers often ask them for their impressions.
10. Keep answers concise
Interview time is limited.
Be clear and avoid rambling.
11. Never speak negatively about past employers
Even if the experience was bad.
It reflects poorly on you.
12. Stay neutral about the outcome
Confidence increases when you’re not desperate.
13. Adopt a peer-to-peer mindset
Don’t see them as higher or superior.
It’s a conversation between professionals.
14. Make them laugh
A light moment or bit of humor makes you memorable.
15. Think: “Why do they need me?”
Confidence comes from understanding the problem you solve for them.
16. Listen Carefully
Most candidates focus only on what they want to say.
The smart ones listen.
- Listen attentively
- Don’t interrupt
- Show active listening with nods or small acknowledgments
- Answer their questions, not your rehearsed answers
Good listening makes the interview feel natural and smooth.
17. Have Good Questions Ready
Asking questions shows seriousness and maturity.
Examples:
- “What does success look like in this role?”
- “What challenges will the person in this position face in the first 90 days?”
- “How would you describe the team culture?”
Avoid salary questions until later.
18. Send a thank-you message (after )
Within 24–48 hours.
Keep it simple:
- Thank them for their time
- Mention something you appreciated from the conversation
- Re-express your interest in the position
19. Stay relaxed afterwards
Overthinking won’t help.
Move forward with a calm, neutral mindset.
Final Thoughts
Interviews aren’t about memorising perfect answers — they’re about proving:
- You’re prepared
- You’re confident
- You’re easy to work with
- You bring value
- You can do the job
Follow these tips and you’ll immediately stand out, because most applicants don’t even do half of them.
