How to prep for job interviews: Tips and tricks

Job interviews are a big deal—especially when you’re hoping to make a great first impression. Whether you’re fresh out of school or switching to a new field, interviews can be nerve-wracking. But with a little prep and a few simple strategies, you can go in feeling confident and ready to nail it.

In this guide, we’ll walk through some interview prep tips—from looking the part to tackling common interview questions—so you can make a strong impression and feel good about the process.

Dress the part

First impressions matter, and your outfit plays a big role. Dressing professionally doesn’t mean spending a fortune, but it does mean looking neat and put together.

For guys, a suit and tie are a safe bet. But if that’s not an option, a dress shirt, slacks, and polished shoes will do just fine. For women, a blouse with dress pants or a knee-length skirt is a solid choice, or go with a simple dress. Skip the flashy jewelry or heavy makeup, and keep your hair looking clean and tidy.

And here’s the key: wear something you’re comfortable in. If you’re not used to a suit, go with something professional that doesn’t feel stiff or out of place. Confidence comes easier when you’re comfortable.

Do your homework

One of the best ways to feel prepared is to research the company you’re interviewing with. Look into their mission, values, and recent news—this shows that you’re genuinely interested and also gives you a sense of the company culture.

Check out the company’s website, social media, and any recent press. Dig into the position you’re applying for, too, so you know what to expect and can highlight why you’re a good fit. If you know the interviewer’s name, look them up on LinkedIn—it can help to know a bit about their background and role in the company.

Pro tip: Create a LinkedIn profile if you haven’t yet and keep it up to date. Most HR reps will check your profile before hiring, so it’s a good idea to put your best (virtual) foot forward.

Practice common interview questions

While you can’t predict every question, practicing some common ones can make you feel a lot more prepared. Try these:

• "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

• "Why do you want to work for this company?"

• "Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge and how you handled it."

Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to get comfortable. Remember to listen to each question during the interview, take a second to think about your response, and keep it focused.

Show up on time

Punctuality is huge. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to give yourself time to check in and get settled. If you’re running late due to unavoidable delays, call the interviewer to let them know—it shows responsibility and respect for their time.

Keep calm and confident

Interviews can be intimidating, but remember, it’s just a conversation. The interviewer wants to get to know you, not trip you up. Take a few deep breaths, stay focused, and be yourself.

Stay relaxed by maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly, and listening to each question. If you’re ever feeling nervous or need a moment to think, it’s okay to pause, collect your thoughts, or ask for the question to be repeated.

Make it a two-way street

Remember, interviews are as much about you interviewing the company as they are about the company interviewing you. Prepare a few questions to ask, like “What’s the company culture like?” or “What are the biggest challenges of this role?” This helps you see if the job is a good fit and shows that you’re engaged and thoughtful.

By following these tips—dressing professionally, doing your research, practicing answers, showing up on time, and staying calm—you’ll feel ready and prepared to make a great impression.

From a recruiter’s perspective: Extra tips for acing your interview

Know your story

Recruiters love to see candidates who know themselves well. Be prepared to tell your story in a way that shows who you are, not just what’s on your resume. Think of a few examples from your past roles or experiences that highlight your skills, how you solve problems, or times you’ve shown resilience. Having specific stories to share will make you memorable.

Show enthusiasm

You’d be surprised how often candidates forget this one. Show genuine excitement for the role and the company! Enthusiasm goes a long way in interviews—it shows that you’re invested and that you’ll bring positive energy to the team. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top, but a few specific compliments about the company or a mention of how the role aligns with your goals can really make you stand out.

Ask thoughtful questions

Remember, interviews are two-way streets. Candidates who ask good questions about the role, team dynamics, and company culture show they’re serious about finding a good fit. Avoid generic questions and instead ask things like, “What do you see as the biggest challenge for someone stepping into this role?” or “How does the team approach collaboration?” It shows you’re thinking beyond just getting the job—you’re thinking about thriving in it.

Be honest about your weaknesses

Interviewers know no one’s perfect, so if you’re asked about your weaknesses, be honest and focus on what you’re doing to improve. A strong answer could be, “I used to struggle with time management, but I’ve been using a few strategies that are really helping me prioritize tasks.” This kind of answer shows self-awareness and that you’re actively working to get better.

Bring a “leave-behind”

If it feels appropriate, bring something small to leave with the interviewer that reinforces your qualifications. This could be a portfolio, a sample project, or even just a one-pager that summarizes your key skills and achievements. Not all roles call for it, but for creative or strategic positions, it can make a strong impression.

Follow up with a thank-you note

This might seem basic, but you’d be amazed at how many people skip it. A thank-you note (email is fine) shows respect and keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Be specific in your note—mention something you discussed in the interview or an aspect of the role you’re excited about. It’s a small gesture, but it can leave a big impact.

Show your problem-solving skills

In almost any role, problem-solving is key. Share an example where you tackled a tricky situation or found a creative solution to a challenge. Recruiters love to see how you think on your feet and approach tough situations, so if there’s a time you can highlight your problem-solving skills, bring it up!

Be yourself

This might sound cliché, but it’s true. Interviewers want to know you, not just a rehearsed version of yourself. Don’t be afraid to let a bit of your personality show—whether it’s humor, passion, or a quirky interest. Authenticity helps the interviewer see how you’d fit with the team and makes you more relatable.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll give recruiters a clear, compelling picture of what makes you the right fit. Good luck—you’ve got this!

Next step