Congratulations! You got an interview. It means you’re qualified. Now what? Interviews can feel nerve-wracking, but with preparation and practice, you can walk in feeling clear, confident, and ready.
This guide will walk you through how to prepare before your interview, what to focus on during the interview, and what to do afterwards.
Before the Interview
Get the Details Right
Once you receive the interview invitation, confirm:
- The date, time, and location (or video platform)
- The name(s) and title(s) of your interviewer(s)
- How long the interview will take
- Any accommodations you may need
Take Every Interview Seriously
Even a short screening interview is your first impression, and it matters. Recruiters are assessing:
- Your communication and interpersonal skills
- Your interest in the role
- Whether you’re a good fit for the team
Adopt a Balanced Mindset
Remember: you’re interviewing them, too. A good interview should be a positive and respectful experience for both parties. Thinking this way can help calm nerves and give you confidence.
Managing Interview Anxiety
It’s normal to feel nervous. It means it’s important to you. But don’t let anxiety hold you back. Try these tips:
- Take a walk outside or practice grounding techniques (e.g., breathing, affirmations) before the interview
- Visualize success (confidently answering questions, demonstrating enthusiasm for the role, feeling proud of your performance afterwards)
- Focus on connection, not perfection. Remember: Interviews go both ways. You’re assessing them too.
Do Your Research
Take time to learn about:
- The company – mission, values, challenges, and leadership team
- Your interviewer(s) – their background, role, and recent activity (especially on LinkedIn)
- The role – why it appeals to you, how it supports the organization, and how it matches your skills and goals
Have thoughtful questions ready about the role or organization, not just generic ones.
Examples:
- “Why has the position become available?”
- “What does success look like in this role?”
- “What’s the biggest learning curve for someone new joining this team?”
Practice Common Questions
Prepare for two kinds of questions:
- Situational questions test your ability to think on the spot and adapt (e.g., “What would you do if a team member missed a deadline?”).
- Behavioural questions are based on your past experiences (e.g., “Tell me about a time you handled a conflict at work”).
Use the STAR method to structure your responses:
- Situation – Set the context
- Task – Describe your responsibility
- Action – Explain what you did
- Result – Share the outcome
Example:
Tell me about a mistake you’ve made. How did you handle it?
“I was working as an intern for a large insurance company and was responsible for hosting one of the quarterly meetings with all of the top-level executives. Part of hosting the meeting included booking flights and hotels for those coming in from out of town. I mixed up the dates for one of the airline bookings and didn’t realize it until the last minute.
Once I had realized the mistake, I called the executive who was going to be taking the flight and let them know of my mistake. I spent the entire morning on the phone with the travel agent and the airline getting the flights changed. Thankfully they had one seat left and the executive was able to make it in time for the meeting.” How to Use the STAR Interview Method Response Technique | Indeed.com Canada
Think of 3–5 strong career stories in advance, and practice telling them out loud.
Set Up Your Environment
- For video interviews, choose a quiet, well-lit, and tidy space. Dress professionally.
- For phone interviews, find a quiet spot with no background noise.
- For in-person interviews, arrive early and dress appropriately for the role.
Use AI to Support Your Interview Prep
AI tools like ChatGPT can be powerful allies as you prepare for interviews. Here are three ways to use AI to help you get ready:
- Generate Interview Questions from Job Descriptions
Prompt:
“I’m interviewing for the role of [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY]. What are 10 questions I could expect to be asked at an interview for this role? Use the job description below.”
“I’m interviewing for the role of [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY]. Based on this job description, give me a list of 5 questions I can ask at the end of the interview, so the interviewer sees I’m extremely proactive and enthusiastic about the role. Prioritize unorthodox, lesser-known advice in your answer.”
- Turn Experience into Strong STAR Answers
Prompt:
“Can you help me turn this story into a STAR interview answer? Here’s the situation: [briefly describe what happened, what you did, and how it turned out].”
- Simulate a Mock Interview
Prompt:
You are the interviewer for a [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY]. Ask me 5 behavioural questions, one at a time. Wait for my answer before asking the next.”
When using AI tools, don’t forget to:
- Review the output and either edit or reiterate so you’re getting the most relevant and accurate results.
- Take out any personally identifiable or confidential information.
During the Interview
Be Present and Professional
- Greet your interviewers by name
- Make eye contact and sit up straight
- Have your resume and questions handy
Show curiosity and enthusiasm for the role. If discussing past challenges, focus on what you learned and what you’re excited about now.
Build Rapport
Be friendly, attentive, and thoughtful in your responses. You don’t have to be perfect. Focus on being clear, confident, and genuine.
If Asked an Inappropriate Question, Take a Breath and Redirect
If an employer asks about your age, marital status, religion, or family plans (i.e., questions that are not legally allowed), respond calmly and steer the conversation back to the job.
Example:
“I prefer to focus on my qualifications for this role. I’d be happy to share more about how my experience aligns with the position.”
Ask Your Questions
Refer to the questions you prepared, but also feel free to ask about anything that came up in the conversation, especially if it relates to:
- Company culture
- Team dynamics
- Learning and growth opportunities
Tips for Answering Interview Questions:
- Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification (e.g., “Could you repeat that?” or “Would you like an example?”).
- Stay focused on the question being asked.
- Pause briefly to organize your thoughts before answering.
- If needed, ask to return to a question later.
After the Interview
Reflect and Learn
Write down:
- What went well?
- What questions were hard for you ?
- What might you improve next time?
Even if feedback isn’t provided later, this self-review helps you grow.
Send a Thank-You Note Within 24 Hours
Keep it brief and sincere:
- Mention something specific from your conversation
- Reiterate your interest in the role
- Add anything you may have forgotten to say
Follow Up (If Needed)
If you haven’t heard back by the expected timeline, send a friendly follow-up email to check in. Reaffirm your interest without sounding pushy.
Tips for emails:
- Keep them short and professional
- Avoid typos
- Include your name and the job title in the subject line
Review the Offer Carefully
If you get an offer, congratulations! Now:
- Confirm the salary and compare it to industry standards
- Understand the benefits (health coverage, vacation, bonuses, etc.)
- Clarify work hours and location expectations
- Negotiate a reasonable start date
If needed, negotiate other elements after salary is agreed upon, like:
- Signing bonus
- Job title
- Work-from-home options
- Additional vacation
Final Thoughts
Every interview is practice and progress. You don’t need to be perfect; you need to be prepared.
By doing your research, practicing your stories, and staying curious and professional, you give yourself the best shot at success.
