Getting Interview Ready in 6 Steps

Preparing for a job interview can be a daunting experience, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can walk into any interview with confidence.

Nov. 5, 2025

Whether it's a phone, video, or in-person interview, the fundamentals of preparation remain the same: research, practice, and presentation.

Why Interview Preparation Matters

The job interview is more than just a conversation, it's your opportunity to showcase your skills, demonstrate your cultural fit, and prove that you're the right person for the role. Preparation shows respect for the interviewer’s time and signals your genuine interest in the position.

1. Research the Company and Role

Prior to your interview, make sure you conduct thorough background research. Focus on the following areas:

• The company: Go beyond the company brief, review their website, mission, recent news, and product or service offerings to understand their structure and market position.
• The industry: Stay informed on industry trends, challenges, and competitors. This shows awareness and helps build rapport during the interview.
• The role: Revisit the job description and your application. Identify key competencies and prepare examples that demonstrate your fit for the position.

Also, revisit the job description and your application. Identify the key competencies required and prepare examples that demonstrate your experience in those areas.

2. Understand the Interview Format

Interviews can take many forms, phone, video, or in-person, and each requires a slightly different approach. The format not only influences how you communicate but also how you prepare, present yourself, and engage with the interviewer.

For instance, while a phone interview might allow you to refer to notes discreetly, a video interview demands more attention to your environment and camera presence. In-person interviews, meanwhile, place greater emphasis on non-verbal cues like posture, eye contact, and handshake etiquette.

3. Master the STAR Technique

One of the most effective ways to answer behavioural interview questions is the STAR method:

• S – Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge.
• T – Task: Explain the actual task or responsibility you had.
• A – Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task or challenge.
• R – Result: Share the outcomes or results of your actions.

This structured approach helps you deliver clear, concise, and compelling responses.

4. Practise Common Interview Questions

While every interview is unique, some questions are almost guaranteed to come up:

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work.
• What are your short and long-term career goals?

Practise your answers out loud or with a friend. Use the STAR method where applicable and avoid memorising responses word-for-word, aim for a natural, conversational tone.

5. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

An interview isn’t just about answering questions, it’s also your chance to ask them. Thoughtful, well-researched questions show that you’re engaged, curious, and serious about the opportunity. They also help you assess whether the role and company are the right fit for you.

Consider asking about team dynamics, success metrics, or upcoming challenges. Questions like “What does success look like in this role?” or “How would you describe the company culture?” can spark meaningful dialogue and give you valuable insight. And it’s not just about making conversation. Candidates who asked strategic, role-specific questions are 36% more likely to progress to final interview stages.

6. Present Your Best Self

First impressions matter. Whether in person or on video, maintain good posture, make eye contact, and smile. Listen actively and avoid interrupting. Speak clearly and confidently.

Be honest about your skills and experiences. Don’t just say what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Authenticity builds trust and ensures a better fit for both you and the employer.

Interview preparation is about more than just rehearsing answers—it's about understanding the company, aligning your experience with the role, and presenting yourself with confidence and authenticity. By following these steps and using techniques like STAR, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any interview scenario.