How to Prepare for a Job Interview
You have been invited to an interview after you’ve submitted your resume and cover letter. Exciting? Absolutely. But above all: it is a chance to truly show who you are and what you can do. And that starts with solid preparation. With these tips, you will come across as confident, well prepared, and genuinely engaged. Exactly what you want.
Understand the role thoroughly
The job description is your most important source of information. Take the time to read it carefully and ask yourself three questions:
What are the core tasks of this role?
Which competencies do I need to perform these tasks well?
Which examples from my own experience match these requirements?
Think of skills such as accuracy, customer focus, taking initiative, or managing people. Prepare a few concrete examples of situations where you demonstrated these qualities, preferably with measurable results.
Research the company (and surprise positively)
Especially for external roles, this is a must. You do not just want to know what they do, but also how they work and what they stand for.
Check the company’s vision, mission, and core values.
Read recent articles or news about their projects or developments.
Explore their services, clients, or products.
Look at their social media and website: what stands out in tone, culture, or branding?
Tip: Found the recruiter or team lead on LinkedIn? Send a short, polite message or call with a thoughtful question. It shows initiative and can give you valuable insights to mention during the interview.
Internal application? Use your network wisely
Applying for an internal role or growth opportunity? Make use of your network!
Talk to colleagues who currently hold or previously held the position.
Ask about their daily tasks, responsibilities, and challenges.
Find out how the role works in practice (sometimes it differs from the job description).
This shows that you take initiative and that you walk into the interview well prepared. Decide what you want to share and bring it with you
Interviews often include standard questions such as: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?” or “What are you most proud of?”
Prepare answers, but more importantly: think about what you definitely want to share. What must they absolutely know about you?
Bring a small notebook with key points.
Write down questions you want to ask. (Asking questions shows curiosity and engagement.)
Take short notes afterward; helpful if you are called back for the next round.
Be yourself (yes, really)
You have probably heard it a thousand times: “Just be yourself.” Sounds simple. But in an interview, where you want to impress, that can be tough. Yet that is exactly what makes an interview powerful: giving honest answers, showing your own style, and not acting out a script you think they want to hear. Recruiters see through that instantly. They’d rather know who you are and what you have to offer.
You are not looking for just any job, you want the right job for you. And employers are looking for someone who fits the team, the culture, and the role. That match only happens if you show your real self.
In short: preparation equals confidence
An interview often feels nerve wracking, especially when you don’t do this very often or are a starter and don’t really know what to do. But the better prepared you are, the more confident you feel. And that confidence shows. By diving into the role, the company, and your own story, you are not standing opposite the recruiter, you are standing next to them, as a conversation partner. And that is exactly the mindset that makes the difference. With targeted questions and exercises, we make sure you go into your interview confident and relaxed. Together we explore the competencies that define you and compare them with what the job requires. That way, you know exactly how to present yourself at your best. Book your free CV scan or intake right now. We are happy to help!
