24 Best Tips to Prepare for An Interview in 2023

by Brenda Barron Stokes on Feb 23, 2023

Congratulations, you’ve landed an interview! Now what? To increase your chances of landing the job, it’s essential to prepare for the interview in advance. That’s why we’re taking the time today to share 24 of the top tips to help you prepare for your next interview in 2023. Let’s get straight to it!

Research the Company and the Role

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for an interview is to research the company and the role you’re applying for. Here are a few ways to accomplish this task and prep effectively:

1. Learn about the company’s mission, values, and culture

Completing this task can take several forms. You might begin by visiting the company’s website, reading its blog, and following them on social media to get a sense of its values and culture. You can also use websites like Glassdoor to read employee reviews and learn about the company’s interview process.

Another option is to connect with current or former employees who can provide insight into the company and role you’re applying for. Doing so will help you craft answers to interview questions that are tailored to the employer.

2. Study the job description and requirements

Review the job description and requirements carefully to understand the role and the skills the company is looking for. Take note of any specific requirements, such as certifications or degrees. Also, look for keywords and buzzwords you can incorporate into your answers to show you understand the role.

3. Research industry trends and the company’s competitors

Familiarize yourself with the industry and the company’s competitors. This will help you understand the market and position the company in a broader context. It can also demonstrate your knowledge of the industry to the interviewer. Websites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn can be helpful for this task.

4. Seek out professional advice

Talking to people in the field or professionals who have held similar roles can provide valuable insight. This can give you a better understanding of the job and the interviewer’s expectations.  It can also give you a leg up on the competition.

These are just a few tips for researching the company and the role. Doing your due diligence will help you prepare for the interview and give you a competitive edge when it comes to landing the position.

But these aren’t the only ways to prepare.

Review and Update Your Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter are the first impression the employer will have of you. It’s essential to ensure they accurately reflect your skills and experience. Here are some tips related to resume and cover letter preparation:

5. Highlight your relevant experience and skills

Review your resume and highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. Be sure to quantify your accomplishments wherever possible. Pay attention to the job description and use similar language when describing your qualifications. Likewise, make sure your resume is up-to-date and features your most current information.

6. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job description

Customize your resume and cover letter to match the job description. Use keywords and phrases from the job description in your application materials. This will make it easier for the employer to understand how your qualifications match the job requirements.

7. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments

Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments, such as “managed,” “led,” and “implemented.” This will help your resume stand out and demonstrate your leadership skills.

8. Have a professional proofread your documents

Having a friend or professional proofreader review your resume and cover letter for typos and grammar errors will help ensure everything is in order. This can help make sure your documents are error-free and present you in the best light possible.

So your documents are prepped and primed. But what else can you do to prepare for your big interview?

Practice Common Interview Questions

Preparing for common interview questions is essential to making a positive impression on your potential employer. Here are some tips to help you practice:

9. Prepare answers to common interview questions

Research common interview questions and prepare answers to them. Practice your responses to help build confidence, articulate your thoughts, and avoid making mistakes. A few common questions to practice include:

• Can you tell me about yourself?
• What interests you about this role?
• What is your biggest weakness?
• What is your greatest strength?
• What qualifications do you have that make you a good fit for this role?
• What experience do you have working in this industry?
• How do you handle stress and pressure in the workplace?
• Describe your biggest professional accomplishment.
• Why do you want to work at our company?
• Tell me about a time when you overcame a difficult challenge.

Of course, the job you’re applying for (and the industry it’s in) will impact the questions you’re asked. But these are a few questions that often come up in interviews.

For more specific question prep, be sure to check out some of our other guides on the subject where we break down interview questions you may come across while interviewing for various positions, including: 

• Marketing professionals 
• Data architects
• Full-stack engineers
• AI, VR, and machine learning
• Applications programmers
• Illustrators
• UX researchers
• Graphic designers

10. Practice your responses to potential behavioral questions

Behavioral questions ask you to describe how you handled a specific situation in the past. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Describe the situation, the task you had to accomplish, the action you took, and the result. This will help illustrate how you solved a problem in the past, which can give the employer insight into how you might handle similar scenarios.

11. Use technology to your advantage

Use online tools like InterviewBit and Big Interview to practice your responses and get feedback on your performance. These programs can help you become more confident in your responses and identify areas where you need to improve.

It’s important to note that how you present yourself can have an impact on the outcome of your interview as well. So that’s what we’ll discuss next.

Dress Professionally

First impressions count, and what you wear to your interview does matter. Here are some tips to help you dress professionally without going over the top.

12. Choose professional attire that matches the company’s culture

Research the company’s dress code and choose an outfit that fits its culture. For example, if the company is more casual, you may not need to dress up so much. And while many companies are doing away with some of the more antiquated dress rules, you should still aim to dress professionally in clothing that fits you well.

13. Groom yourself appropriately

Ensure your hair is neatly styled, your nails are clean, and your makeup, should you choose to wear any, is professional. Again, no need to go overboard here; just make sure you’re presentable and look polished.

14. Accessorize sparingly

Keep your accessories to a minimum and avoid anything distracting, such as flashy necklaces or other jewelry that might rattle a lot while you move. Stick to simple jewelry, like a watch and small earrings.

15. Avoid strong scents

Strong scents can be distracting and uncomfortable for some people, so make sure you avoid any heavy fragrances. If you do choose to wear perfume or cologne, go for a light and neutral scent.

Arrive Early and Be Prepared

Arriving early and being prepared for your interview will help you feel calm and collected.  Here are some tips for before and during the interview.

16. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview

Arriving early will give you time to compose yourself and settle any nerves before the interview. It will also show the employer that you are organized and reliable.

17. Prepare your interview materials in advance

Make sure you have all the necessary documents with you, such as a copy of your resume, a notepad, and a pen. This will help you appear prepared and ready to answer questions. It also helps out the employer should they need an extra copy of your resume. And if you need to take notes during the interview, you’ll be prepped for that as well.

18. Familiarize yourself with the location

If the interview is in person, make sure you know the location and how to get there. If you’re interviewing virtually, ensure that you’re familiar with the video conferencing platform and that all of your technology is in good working order.

Show Enthusiasm and Positivity

Your enthusiasm and positivity can go a long way in an interview. Here are some tips to help you show your best self.

19. Show your interest in the company and the role

Demonstrate your interest in the company and the role by asking questions and sharing your thoughts on the company’s mission and values. This will help to show the employer that you understand what they’re looking for in a candidate and that you’d be an asset to their team.

20. Maintain positive body language

Sit up straight, make eye contact, and smile. This will help you project confidence and positivity.

21. Speak positively about yourself and your work

Highlight the successes you’ve had in your previous roles, but do so without coming across as boastful. It’s important to show the employer that you are confident in your abilities and proud of what you’ve accomplished, but be sure to stay humble.

22. Avoid negative language

On a related note, try to avoid speaking negatively about yourself or any past experiences. Instead, focus on the positive and emphasize what you have learned from any mistakes you made. This will show the employer that you’re open to learning and self-improvement.

23. Be yourself

Be authentic and let your personality shine through. The employer wants to get to know you and see if you’ll be a good fit for the company. It serves no one — especially you! — if you’re putting on a front to get through the interview. If your personality wouldn’t be a good fit, you’re better off finding that out before you start the job.

24. Ask questions

Asking thoughtful questions shows that you are engaged and interested in the role. It can also give you insight into what it will be like to work for this company, helping you make a more informed decision about whether or not to accept the job. You can prepare yourself by having a few questions at the ready so you’ll always appear interested and engaged in the interview process. A few questions you can ask a potential employer include:

• How would you describe the company culture?
• What is a typical day like in this role?
• What career development opportunities are available?
• How does the company measure success in this position?
• What have been some of the biggest challenges in this role?
• What do you think sets this company apart from others?
• What do you think makes someone successful in this role?

Or, you can come up with your own questions, but hopefully, this gives you an idea of the kinds of questions you can ask to show your interest and engagement.

Taking the Time to Prepare for an Interview is Well Worth It

Preparing for an interview can be daunting, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of landing the job. 

From researching the company to familiarizing yourself with the role and location, taking time to prepare will help you appear confident and knowledgeable in your interview. Ultimately, it will also give you the information you need to determine if the job and company suit you. 

Good luck!