How to Prepare for a Job Interview: The Ultimate Guide (+ Free Checklist)
- Alessa Hickman
- Jun 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 4
In today’s job market, just getting an interview is a huge win. But here’s the thing: what really makes the difference between landing the job or getting overlooked is how you prepare.
Winging the interview won't cut it anymore. Good interview preparation shows you take initiative, pay attention to detail, and makes you feel way more confident walking into the room or logging on to the Zoom call.
If you want to stand out, impress the hiring manager, and actually enjoy the interview process, this guide is for you! Plus, I made a free interview prep checklist you can download at the end of this post, so you don’t miss a single tip!
How To Prepare for a Job Interview
Do Your Research (aka Stalk the Company)
This one’s a no-brainer, but so many people skip it or do it halfway. Have you ever walked into an interview and realized that you don’t even know what the company really does? Let’s not do that!
Before the interview, spend some time digging into:
The company website: What’s their mission? What projects are they working on?
The team: Check out the people you might be working with on LinkedIn. Bonus points if you find a shared interest!
Recent news or social posts: Are they launching something new? Any big announcements?
Here’s why: Doing your homework shows that you care. It’ll also make the interview smoother because when they ask you about the role or company, you already know your stuff.
And a pro tip? Don’t wait until after the interview to Google the company and figure out if you actually want to work there. Figure that out before — you don’t want to waste time (or accept a job that’s not a great fit).
Pre-Plan Your Interview Answers
Interview questions usually circle back to the job description, especially the skills and qualifications listed there. So use that to your advantage!
Take the job description and plug it into ChatGPT (or brainstorm yourself) to generate likely interview questions.
Draft your answers before the interview. Write them down or practice answering aloud. Whatever helps you feel ready.
Practice your elevator pitch (that “tell me about yourself” question). I swear by my free Elevator Pitch Playbook for this — it’ll help you nail that first impression!
If your interview is online, don’t be afraid to write down some key answers and have them handy. I draft mine in Notes so I can glance at them during the call. It takes the pressure off and helps me sound calm and confident, instead of scrambling to come up with the perfect response on the spot.
Prepare Smart Questions to Ask (Help Them Visualize You in the Role)
Here’s a trick that’s worked for me a million times: ask questions that help the interviewer imagine you in the role.
Try things like:
“What would a typical day look like for me here?”
"What would be the most important thing for me to focus on in the first few months?"
“Can you tell me a bit about the team I'd be working with?”
Why does this matter? Because when they’re answering, they’re subconsciously picturing you in the job — and that creates a connection.
Then, ask questions that build positive associations for your interviewer. Make it personal for them.
Try asking:
“What’s your favourite part about working here?”
“What’s something exciting your team is working on right now?”
"What’s one thing you wish someone stepping into this role knew right away?"
When people talk about things they care about, they naturally light up. Luckily for you, this taps into the halo effect: when someone feels good around you, they’re more likely to view you in a positive light overall. That kind of energy is powerful — and it sticks.
And this is just the start — in my Job Interview Prep Guide, I’ve included 40 smart questions to ask your interviewer so you’ll never be stuck thinking “I don’t know what to ask!"
Prep Your Tech or Logistics in Advance
If your interview is online:
Test your camera, mic, and internet connection ahead of time.
Join the meeting room 5 minutes early so you can settle in and fix any last-minute issues.
Find a quiet, well-lit spot with a clean background — no distractions! Use a virtual background if you don't have a good setup.
If it’s in-person:
Scout the location the day before or arrive 10–15 minutes early.
Use that time to breathe, calm your nerves, and mentally prepare.
Being late, even for valid reasons, can still send the wrong message. It makes it harder to start the interview off on the right foot. Give yourself plenty of buffer time so you arrive calm, not flustered.
Shift Your Mindset — You’re Interviewing Them, Too!
This is one of the most important tips I can give you. You’re not the only one being evaluated — you are also interviewing the company!
Ask yourself:
Do I want to spend 20+ hours a week here?
Does this role align with my goals and values?
Will this environment help me grow?
Don’t be afraid to ask the questions that really matter to you. What does the schedule look like? Is there room for growth? What kind of professional development do they offer?
I’ve had interviews where I didn’t ask enough, and ended up in roles I wasn’t happy with. Those situations could’ve been avoided if I had been more confident about fully understanding the expectations and reality of the job. Be honest and advocate for yourself so you know the role is the right fit.
Remember: you bring the value. If a company is hiring, they need you as much as you need the job. Hold that power. It’ll help you feel more confident and make better decisions.
Keep Interviewing, Keep Growing
Interviewing is a skill, and like any skill, the more you practice, the better you get!
Every interview is a chance to:
Elevate your communication
Build interview confidence
Expand your professional network
Learn about new opportunities
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t land the first few gigs. Every interview is a step forward. You’re gaining experience, learning how to present yourself, and figuring out what works best. Even if you don’t get the job, the practice is priceless — and the right fit is always around the corner.
If you’re ready to really take your interview prep to the next level, my Job Interview Prep Guide is your step-by-step toolkit to walk in prepared, speak confidently, ask the right questions, and follow up like a pro.
Ready to Crush Your Next Interview?
To make sure you’ve covered every step of the way, grab my free Interview Prep Checklist below! It’s designed to keep you organized, confident, and ready to impress from start to finish.
And if you want extra support with your resume or interview prep, check out my Job Interview Prep Guide or visit my Shop for resume templates and guides to help you level up your career game.
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