INTERVIEW PREPARATION

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

By Someone Who Just Wants to Help

Why I Wrote This

From time to time, I receive messages from my connections and followers seeking help with interview preparation. Honestly, I’ve often wondered why they come to me for this kind of guidance. I’m not an HR professional, a career coach, or an expert in this field. But one thing I’ve realized—they approach me because they believe I’ll try to help, and that matters.

While I don’t claim to have all the answers, I do have life experiences and a perspective shaped by observing people, listening carefully, and understanding a bit of human psychology. This note on Interview Preparation is a small effort to give back to those who trust me enough to ask.

It’s not a comprehensive guide, but it’s practical. It reflects what I’ve learned, what I believe can make a difference, and what might just help someone gain clarity and confidence before stepping into an interview room.

If this helps even one person feel a bit more prepared or reassured, I’ll consider this effort worthwhile.

Understanding the Interview: What Both Sides Are Looking For

1. What Interviewers Are Looking For

Interviewers come into the room with specific goals. They’re not just checking boxes—they’re looking for someone who will succeed in the role and fit within the team. Here are some key qualities they assess:

• Expertise & Competence: They want evidence of specific, job-relevant skills—not just what's on your resume.

• Motivation & Drive: Are you curious, willing to learn, and ready to grow?

• Interpersonal Skills: Can you work well with others? Are you easy to supervise—or ready to lead?

• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: How well do you handle the unexpected?

• Genuine Interest: Do you truly want this job—or is it just another stop?

• Personality & Likability: Do you come across as positive, open, and enthusiastic? People like working with people they like.

2. What Interviewees Should Aim For

As an interviewee, your goals are just as important. You're not only trying to make a good impression, but also figuring out if the job and company are right for you. Here’s what to focus on:

• Understand the Role: Gather information about the job, company culture, and expectations.

• Showcase Fit: Highlight how your background and skills match what the company is looking for.

• Stay Informed: Recognize the types of interviews you may face—whether it's an informal networking chat or a structured job interview.

• Build Confidence: Know that interviews are as much about them getting to know you, as you understanding them.

Critical Interview Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make

1. Lack of Preparation

·         Arriving Late – First impressions matter; being late signals unreliability.

·         No Company Research – Not knowing basic info shows disinterest.

·         Unclear Career Goals – Vague future plans or no direction reflect poor motivation.

·         No Questions Asked – Shows lack of curiosity or enthusiasm for the role.

·         Forgetting to Discuss Accomplishments – Employers want proof of what you've done, not just duties.

2. Poor Communication

·         Inarticulate Speech – Slang, filler words, or poor grammar damage your credibility.

·         Incomplete or Short Answers – Suggests low interest or lack of depth.

·         Talking Too Much – Rambling loses focus and irritates interviewers.

·         Not Listening Well – Answering off-topic or interrupting shows you’re self-centered.

·         Using Excuses or Being Evasive – Undermines trust and raises red flags.

·         Giving Canned or Coached Answers – Comes across as inauthentic and superficial.

3. Negative Behavior & Attitude

·         Criticizing Former Employers – Reflects poorly on you, not them.

·         Bad Attitude or Cynicism – No one wants to hire a chronic complainer.

·         Overeagerness or Desperation – “I need this job” can sound needy and insincere.

·         Self-Centered Language – Talking only about what you want, not what you can contribute.

·         Dropping Names to Impress – Often seen as insecure or arrogant.

4. Unprofessional Appearance & Behavior

·         Dressing Inappropriately – Poor grooming or mismatched attire distracts from your skills.

·         Overpowering Scents or Odors – Strong cologne, body odor, or smoke smells are instant turn-offs.

·         Flirting or Sharing Too Much Personal Info – Oversharing makes interviewers uncomfortable.

·         Telling Inappropriate Jokes – Humor doesn’t always land; it can make you seem unserious.

·         Fidgeting, Nail Biting, or Picking Items on Desk – These behaviors feel disrespectful or immature.

5. Compensation & Closing Missteps

·         Talking Salary Too Soon – Brings focus on money, not value; wait until an offer is on the table.

·         Failing to Negotiate – Shows lack of confidence or market awareness.

·         Weak Interview Close – Not expressing interest, summarizing your strengths, or asking about next steps is a missed opportunity.

·         No Thank You Follow-Up – A thank-you note reinforces professionalism and interest.

Most Costly Mistake of All: Not Preparing

Many of these errors stem from a lack of thoughtful preparation. When you don’t research, reflect on your achievements, or practice communicating your value, it shows. Employers take it as a reflection of how you treat other important things in life

 🎯 The 45 Key Interview Preparation Principles

A complete guide to preparing, performing, and following up effectively

🔍 Phase 1: Preparing Yourself and Your Message

1.    Know Your Strengths Conduct a self-assessment of your skills, experiences, and values. This helps you talk confidently about what you offer.

2.    Translate Strengths into Employer Language Frame your abilities in terms of how they solve problems or bring value to the company—not just what you enjoy doing.

3.    Keep It Employer-Centered Avoid focusing on what you want (salary, perks). Emphasize what you can do for them.

4.    Support Your Claims with Examples Use specific, results-oriented stories to make your achievements believable and memorable.

5.    Focus on Work You Enjoy Highlight skills you like using—those are the ones you'll apply enthusiastically and long term.

6.    Research Your Field Thoroughly Know job expectations, growth trends, required skills, and average salaries so you can speak knowledgeably.

7.    Study the Organization Understand the company's mission, values, structure, and recent developments.

8.    Learn About the Interviewer (if possible) Knowing the interviewer’s style or background helps you tailor responses and build rapport.

9.    Use the Employer’s Language Use words that align with performance, goals, and business impact—not personal aspirations.

10.Anticipate Common and Resume-Specific Questions Expect questions on experience gaps, short tenures, or role shifts. Prepare thoughtful answers.

11.Plan for Illegal or Inappropriate Questions Know how to deflect politely or address uncomfortable topics without losing professionalism.

12.Practice Speaking, Not Memorizing Rehearse how you'll communicate your strengths naturally—focus on clarity, not scripts.

13.Simulate Real Interviews Record yourself or ask a friend to role-play. Review how you sound and look.

14.Prepare for All Settings Interviews may happen in offices, cafes, or virtually. Always maintain professional behavior and etiquette.

15.Expect Multiple Interviews Be ready for screening calls, panels, and follow-up rounds, each testing different competencies.

16.Train for Stress and Behavioral Questions Anticipate questions that challenge your thinking or probe for weaknesses.

17.Strengthen Verbal Communication Speak clearly, use complete sentences, and eliminate slang or filler words.

18.Master Nonverbal Communication Posture, gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions can reinforce or undercut your message.

19.Dress to Impress Dress professionally and appropriately for the company culture and role—first impressions matter.

20.Be Ready for Phone Screens Keep your resume and notes near your phone to handle surprise calls confidently.

👥 Phase 2: Nailing the Interview Encounter

21.Be Early, Not Just On Time Arriving 10–15 minutes early shows reliability and gives you time to settle your nerves.

22.Treat Everyone Like a Decision-Maker Receptionists and assistants often give feedback—be polite and professional from the start.

23.Engage in Smart Waiting Room Behavior Read company materials, not gossip mags. Ask polite, relevant questions if chatting.

24.Make a Great First Greeting Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake, eye contact, and a confident introduction.

25.Win the First 5 Minutes This is when most hiring decisions are made. Be warm, present, and enthusiastic.

26.Wait to Be Seated Respect the interviewer’s space and process. Let them guide the seating arrangement.

27.Manage Your Hands & Avoid Fidgeting Keep hands still and avoid touching things on the desk. Calm hands show confidence.

28.Sit Attentively Sit upright and lean in slightly. This shows interest and active listening.

29.Keep Feet on the Floor Don’t cross legs or slouch. Maintain professional, balanced posture.

30.Contribute to Small Talk Use early casual conversation to build rapport. Avoid controversial or overly personal topics.

📈 Phase 3: Performing with Impact

31.Use Positive Language Avoid negative phrasing. Replace “I wouldn’t want to…” with “I’d prefer to…”

32.Reframe Weaknesses as Positives Turn potential red flags (e.g., lack of experience) into strengths (e.g., eagerness to learn).

33.Let Your Body Speak Positively Nonverbal cues like smiling, nodding, and facial animation express energy and warmth.

34.Ask Thoughtful Questions Have a few questions ready to show genuine interest. Avoid early compensation questions.

35.Delay Salary Talk Focus on fit and value first. If pressed, keep it general until you’ve had a chance to understand the role.

36.Don’t Accept Offers Immediately Ask for time to review the offer. A day or two is standard—even longer if relocation is involved.

37.Clarify Next Steps Ask when you can follow up and if there will be additional interviews.

📬 Phase 4: Following Up Effectively

38.Take Notes After the Interview Write down what happened, who you met, and what was discussed. Helps for follow-ups or next rounds.

39.Send a Thank-You Letter Reinforce your interest and highlight one or two key strengths. Send it within 24 hours.

40.Call to Follow Up After the Decision Date If the date passes, call. It shows you’re proactive and truly interested.

41.  Reflect on What You Learned Use each interview to improve. Think about what went well and what to refine.

42.Keep Your Search Going Until It’s Official Don’t stop interviewing until you have an offer in writing and have accepted it.

43.Stay Professional—Even if Rejected Follow up graciously and thank the employer. You never know when another opportunity might arise.

44.Build Long-Term Relationships Maintain connections with interviewers and companies that impressed you—they may reach out in the future.

45.Keep a Confident Mindset Believe in your abilities. Confidence, not perfection, is what wins interviews.