10 Best tips to prepare for a Job Interview in 2023

You applied for your dream job, and your resume was chosen for further consideration. And now they’ve called you back for an interview, your success in the job interview is dependent on how well you prepare.

But how do you prepare for an interview in such a way that you can ace it?

So while preparing for an interview, first research the job and the company and prepare your answers to the basic interview questions. Also, in addition to pre-interview preparation, there are some aspects that you are required to prepare during and after the interview. In this article, we have some interview tips to help you prepare for the interview and make a great impression on your potential employer. 

Tip #1. Research and learn about the company

The first and most important step in preparing for an interview is to research about the company you are interviewing with. You should be aware of what they do and how they operate, in which sector they work, learn about their products and business model, and determine if the company is a good fit for you. The best way to research the company is to visit its official website and search for any news articles or blog posts about it. You can also learn more about them on Glassdoor or LinkedIn. In addition, try to use the company’s product or service to gain a better understanding of it. All of this information can help you answer why you want to join and why you are a good fit.

Tip #2. Review the job description

You should check the job description details to get a clear idea of what the job is about and what skills are required for the open position to which you have applied. Make sure you have most of the skills on your resume that are mentioned in the job description. Doing this will help you in preparing the specific questions that can be asked and discuss the skills in a way that is most relevant to what the company is seeking. Also, it will help you in discussing the points that will show the interviewer that you’re interested in this role. It is equally important to understand about the Job Specification, as well as it will give you a clear picture of what kind of candidate is the company looking for. 

Tip #3. Try mock interviews 

As we all know practice makes us perfect, so it is critical to practice for your interview. Many people are afraid of facing the interview and providing appropriate answers. To overcome this fear, conduct a few mock interviews with a friend or family member. A mock interview not only helps you practice answering basic interview questions but also helps you feel more confident and at ease while speaking. However, keep in mind that you should not sound rehearsed while answering the question, and it is acceptable to deviate from the script.

Tip #4. Prepare to answer the most commonly asked question

The following are some of the most common questions asked by the interviewer.

• Tell me about yourself?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
• Why should we hire you?
• Why are you looking for a job change?
• What makes you want to work for us?
• What is your biggest achievement so far?
• What is the reason for the gap in your resume?
• What are your salary expectations?

Tip #5. Prepare for the  question you can ask the interviewer

At the end of most interviews, you will be asked if you have any questions, and it’s important to ask questions as it will show that you are interested in the position and the company.

Here are a few queries you can put to the interviewer:

• What’s your favourite part about working here?
• Can you please tell me about some projects I’d be working on?
• What are the most significant difficulties that someone in this position would face?
• Who will I report to directly?
• What will be the next step in the interview process?

Tip #6. Dress appropriately

A good thumb rule is to dress one step up. So if everyone else is wearing jeans and T-shirts, go for formal pants with a formal shirt, and if everyone else is wearing pants and a shirt, go for business casual, but avoid wearing anything too revealing, controversial, or distracting. The interviewer will be more concerned with your qualifications than with your attire. Remember to iron your clothes and avoid using too much perfume. Polish your shoes before leaving home. Trim your fingernails, and you are good to go.

Tip #7. Do some salary research and be prepared to discuss salary

During the interview, you might be asked about your salary expectation, so you have to be prepared to answer this question to keep yourself from getting caught off guard and agreeing on a way-to-low number. So do a bit of salary research and always check the structure according to the experience in the market and try to avoid giving a specific number, you can say like ” I’m open to negotiating on salary” or “I’m open to discussing”.

Tip #8. Arrive early

Try to arrive 15-20 min early for a job interview, as it will make a positive first impression on your interviewer, but do not arrive too early! This can make the interviewer feel uncomfortable. Arriving early can give you plenty of time to get settled, and also, this will give you time to do the paperwork. So plan your travel accordingly keeping traffic, parking, etc., in mind and if there are any unknowable external circumstances on the day of the interview, like traffic or any other, try to notify the recruiter so that he can make the arrangements accordingly.

Tip #9. Smile and make eye contact 

Try to smile and make eye contact during the interview as it connects you to the interviewer, and also you will look more confident, engaged, and interested in the position. Do not look around while the interviewer is talking, as it will show that you are nervous. In a survey, it was found that 60% of recruiters said they would reject candidates who didn’t make eye contact while 40% said lack of smile was a good enough reason not to hire someone.

Tip #10. Don’t lie in a job interview

Honesty is the best policy, so you should be honest while answering any question asked during the interview. If you are caught lying about something, it can destroy even the best first impression because many times employers check up on you after the interview by conducting background verification. They might possibly contact your previous employer and references, and you definitely do not want to be caught lying about your skills and previous work history, so be honest and explain career gaps if any.