Preparing for interviews

Good preparation comes down to three things: knowing the role, having your examples ready, and removing anything that could go wrong on the day. It also takes the edge off nerves.

Research the company and the role

• Read the job post closely. Mark the must-haves and think of evidence for each one.
• Look at the company's website, products, customers and recent news. What problem does this team solve?
• If you know your interviewers' names, look up their roles so you know what each of them cares about.
• Ask the recruiter about the format: who you'll meet, how long it lasts, whether there's a task or presentation, whether the call is recorded, and what they'll be assessing.

Build a bank of stories

Prepare six to eight short stories from your experience, each with a situation, the task, what you did and the result. Cover a success, a problem you solved, a mistake, a disagreement, leading or influencing others, and learning something quickly. Then map each must-have in the job post to at least one story. See Answering screen and interview questions.

Prepare short answers to "Why this role?" and "Why are you looking to move?" as well, and be ready to talk about your pay expectations. See Talking about pay and offers.

Prepare questions to ask

Interviews go both ways. Pick three or four questions you genuinely want answered, for example:

• What would success look like in the first six months?
• What's the biggest challenge the team is facing right now?
• How does the team make decisions and share feedback?
• What do you enjoy about working here?
• What are the next steps, and when should I expect to hear back?

Always ask the last one. It tells you when to follow up.

Sort out logistics and time zones

• Confirm the date, time and time zone in writing. If you're in a different time zone from the company, check that the calendar invite shows the time in yours, and give the time in both zones when you confirm.
• For a video call on Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams, test the link and the app the day before, along with your camera, microphone and connection.
• Choose a quiet spot with light on your face, and keep a charger and a glass of water nearby.
• Get a phone number for the interviewer or recruiter in case the call drops.
• For an interview in person, plan your route, allow extra time, and check whether you'll need ID to get into the building.
• If you need an adjustment, ask early. See Asking for adjustments.

Some companies record interviews with a notetaker, so the interviewer can listen rather than type. You'll usually be told beforehand. See When your interview is recorded.

On the day and afterwards

Join a few minutes early. Have your notes, the job post and your questions to hand; it's fine to glance at them. Afterwards, while it's fresh, write down what you were asked and what you'd do differently. Send a short thank-you note within a day, and if the date they gave you passes without news, follow up politely. See Following up after you apply or interview.