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Interview Skills

What to do before an interview so you walk in prepared, confident, and ready to make a strong first impression.

📚 Research the company first

Before any interview, spend 20–30 minutes learning about the company. It makes you sound like you actually know what you're talking about, and interviewers can always tell the difference.

  • Read the "About Us" page: what do they do, and for whom?
  • Look up recent news, products, or projects they're known for.
  • Understand the role you're applying for and how it fits into the company.
  • Prepare 1–2 smart questions to ask them, it shows genuine interest.
Try this: be ready to answer "why do you want to work here?" with something specific to that company, not a generic answer that could apply anywhere.

👤 Dress professionally

Your outfit is the first impression before you even say a word. As a rule, dress one level more formal than the company's everyday dress code. If you're not sure what that is, revisit the dress code guide.

💬 Speak up and make eye contact

Confidence isn't about having every answer perfect. It's about how you carry yourself while answering.

  • Speak clearly and at a steady pace. It's okay to pause and think before answering.
  • Make eye contact with whoever is speaking; it signals you're engaged and listening.
  • Sit up straight and keep an open, relaxed posture.
  • Give a firm handshake and a genuine smile at the start and end of the interview.

Before-the-interview checklist

  1. Research the company & role

    Know what they do, who their customers are, and why the role matters to them.

  2. Prepare your answers

    Practice common questions out loud: "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want this job?", "What's a challenge you've overcome?"

  3. Plan your outfit the night before

    Pick something appropriate for the company's dress code and make sure it's clean and ready to go.

  4. Prepare questions to ask them

    Interviews go both ways, and asking thoughtful questions shows you're genuinely interested.

  5. Plan your route and arrive early

    Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early, whether it's in person or logging into a video call.

  6. Bring what you need

    A few printed copies of your resume, a notepad and pen, and a working pen never hurt.

Remember: interviewers aren't just checking your answers. They're picturing what it would be like to work with you. Preparation is what lets your personality come through instead of nerves.