top of page
Search

11 Tips for Job Interview

Updated: Feb 3


Ace Your Next Job Interview: The Ultimate Jobseeker’s Preparation Guide



Job interviews are nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can walk into any interview room with confidence, knowing you’ve done the work to impress your future employer. Whether you're preparing for your first interview or looking to polish your interview skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to do to be fully prepared.


1. Research the Company Thoroughly

Before you even think about answering questions, you need to know who you're talking to. Research is critical and sets the foundation for your preparation.

  • Check the company’s website: Look into the company’s mission statement, values, and culture. What’s their vision? How do they engage with the community? Are they recognized for any awards or achievements? Understanding their core values and community involvement will help you tailor your answers to show you're a good cultural fit.

  • Read reviews: Websites like Glassdoor and Indeed can provide insights into company culture, salary ranges, and employee benefits. You can also read through employee reviews to gauge what to expect, both the positive and the not-so-great aspects.

  • LinkedIn: Take a look at the profiles of the hiring managers or recruiters. What’s their career trajectory? What do they post about? Understanding their interests can give you a head start in building rapport during the interview.

2. Practice Your Answers Using the CAR Model

Interviews often ask you to give examples of your past work and how you've handled situations in previous roles. One of the most effective ways to structure your answers is the CAR model: Context, Action, Result.

  • Context: Briefly explain the situation or challenge you faced.

  • Action: Describe what steps you took to address it.

  • Result: Share the outcome of your actions—preferably with metrics or concrete examples.

Practice 15-20 answers using this model. The more you practice, the more naturally you'll be able to respond under pressure see examples based on a CAR model interview

3. Prepare for Case Studies and Presentations

Some interviews involve case studies or on-the-spot tests, especially in consulting or management positions. Be ready to:

  • Think on your feet: Practice problem-solving exercises or case studies related to the industry you're applying for.

  • Presentation skills: If you’re asked to give a presentation, rehearse multiple times in front of a mirror or record yourself. The more comfortable you are presenting, the less anxious you'll feel in the real interview.

4. Pay Attention to Your Non-Verbal Cues

Your body language is a crucial part of the interview. It's not just what you say, but how you say it. Here's what to keep in mind:

  • Eye contact: Maintain steady but not overbearing eye contact. It shows confidence and interest.

  • Smile and facial expressions: Smiling helps create rapport and makes you appear approachable and positive.

  • Hand movements: Use your hands naturally when talking, but avoid excessive gestures that may distract.

  • Posture: Sit up straight with your shoulders back. Slouching or fidgeting can give the wrong impression.

5. Eliminate Filler Words and Nervous Habits

It's natural to feel nervous during an interview, but it’s important to control your speech and habits to appear polished.

  • Avoid filler words like “um,” “ah,” “you know,” and “like.” Practice speaking clearly and confidently.

  • Control nervous habits: If you tend to fidget or speak too fast, practice pausing and taking a deep breath before answering.

6. Dress for Success

First impressions count. What you wear says a lot about how seriously you take the opportunity.

  • For women: Opt for closed shoes with comfortable heels, a collared blouse, and simple, classic accessories. If wearing a dress, ensure it's at a modest length, and pair it with stockings.

  • For men: Wear a suit and tie, or business casual attire depending on the company culture. Even if the company is more casual, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed for the first meeting.

7. Your Personal Grooming Matters

Personal grooming might seem minor, but it plays a role in creating a professional image.

  • Nails: Clean and trimmed nails show attention to detail.

  • Hair: Style your hair neatly. If it’s long, pin it up or tie it back.

  • Breath: Freshen up before the interview. Avoid chewing gum, and make sure your breath is minty fresh.

8. What to Bring to the Interview

Prepare the following essentials to ensure you're fully ready:

  • Copies of your resume: Bring at least 3 copies of your resume, even if you’ve already submitted it electronically.

  • Pen and notebook: You’ll want to take notes or jot down any important points during the interview.

  • Business card: If you have one, it’s always good to leave a business card at the end of the interview.

9. Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Asking the right questions not only shows that you're engaged, but also helps you assess if the job and company are the right fit for you. check what to ask here  

Here are some sample questions to ask during the interview:

  • “Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?”

  • “What are the team dynamics like?”

  • “How do you measure success in this role?”

  • “What opportunities are there for growth and development?”

  • “What is the company’s approach to work-life balance?”

10. Follow Up After the Interview

Once the interview is over, it’s crucial to follow up:

  • Thank you note: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. Express your gratitude for the opportunity, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, and briefly mention something specific from the interview that made you excited about the company.

  • Connect on LinkedIn: If you haven’t already, connect with the hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn. This can help you stay on their radar for future opportunities.

11. Handle Rejection Gracefully

If you don’t get the job, don’t take it personally. Rejection is part of the process. Thank the interviewer for their time and express your interest in being considered for future opportunities.

In Conclusion

The job interview process can feel like a daunting challenge, but with the right preparation, you can turn it into an opportunity to shine. By researching the company, practicing your answers, focusing on your presentation, and following up with gratitude, you'll set yourself up for success. Remember, interviews are not just about proving you’re qualified for the role—they’re about demonstrating your enthusiasm, cultural fit, and professionalism. Stay prepared, stay confident, and most importantly, stay authentic.




Why researching before the job interview is important?


If you want to know the culture and environment, find out with informational interviews. The interview is a two-way street. As much as employers try to identify the fit, you should do the same.


  • Are you fit for one another?

  • Do you see millennials or older folks?

  • What about diversity and inclusion?

  • Are there people who look like you?

  • Do you see pictures of the visible minorities on the leadership team/board of directors?

  • Do you see a clear gender representation?

  • Check the website, and look at the organization hierarchy chart.

  • Check the media releases and data on the workforce.

  • Go around and ask people who worked for the company and have left.



From Client to Career: Understanding Client Relationships to Elevate Your Networking Strategy


Let's say you want to work in the bank, how about you seek to understand how to open a bank account?

Understand the internal process that impacts your targeted role. This step will come in handy during the interview process to solve the pain of employers with real-life experience.


Try opening a bank account, logging in to their website, visiting their branch, or calling the call center, there are many things you could research, but try to connect the dots to the role you are applying for. Make a mini little project for informational interviews or future job interviews.


Do you like the client experience overall?

Is there a metric to measure customer satisfaction?

How did they treat you as a client?

Are the staff trained well?

What do you think about the website experience, could the experience or process be way better?

Is there anything you disliked, and you might have recommendations?


Bring your experience to the interviews, and make a list of PowerPoint recommendations. Leave your work behind. See, nobody will be doing this kind of research. You need to stand out by going above and beyond if you want to get in!


Try sending out the email to someone with authority by using the script below. Customize based on the targeted title.



I am your client & I have a future interest to work in xxxx department. Last week, I called the contact center/ visited the branch & noticed there was a 45 mins wait time for customer service (Pain). I understand your branch has limited hours due to COVID-19 and calls are being transferred to the call center. No wonder there was a long wait. I called multiple times and the average wait time was over 45 minutes. I received the customer satisfaction survey later and provided my rating. It was really not fair to the agent as longer waits were not his fault ( know how they measure results).


I have expertise in reducing average handling time (AHT) within the contact center/ branch resulting in lesser wait time, higher customer satisfaction, and minimal call abandonment (solution). I have saved $xx for the last company by fixing the root cause of higher AHT. The framework would work even if you are short staff or have no budget. I have a deck attached with a few recommendations. If you have 15- 20 minutes next week, I’d love to walk you through how you can decrease the “wait time” which will result in positive employee engagement, higher customer satisfaction scores, and reduced cost!


As your current client, I would also love to understand what are the measures which are currently being implemented to avoid long wait times.


Let me know what works with your schedule next week on Thursday or Friday. I will plan my schedule.


Thanks


XXX

















Subscribe to YouTube career tips




Sweta Regmi, a former hiring manager at award-winning companies, is the Founder and CEO of Teachndo, a Certified Career & Résumé Strategist, and the Podcast Host of Diaspora’s Career Challenges. As an immigrant herself, Sweta specializes in helping professionals from diverse backgrounds break barriers and secure six-figure careers without compromising their identity. In 2024, she received the Outstanding Career Leader award, the highest honor from Career Professionals of Canada, recognizing her impactful contributions to the coaching industry. She has also been named a Top Job Search Expert and a Top Career Advisor to Follow on LinkedIn, ranking among Canada’s Top 60 Creators. Her expertise has been featured on over 100 media platforms, including CBC National, Global National, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, City News, CTV, The Globe and Mail, Forbes, LinkedIn News, Indeed, and major career conferences. Sweta is also the Amazon Bestselling Author of “21 Resilient Women: Stories of Courage, Growth, and Transformation”, a book praised by Canadian libraries, ministers, and MPs. Her consecutive nominations for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards by Women of Influence from 2022 to 2024 further cement her reputation as a top career expert in Canada.

 

To date, Sweta has helped over 500 career professionals globally secure six-figure leadership roles at top-tier organizations, including major banks, Accenture, Deloitte, Amazon, IBM, and the Government of Canada.

bottom of page