How to prepare for a job interview: a 7-step method
Company research, the STAR method, tricky questions, questions to ask: everything you need to walk into your job interview with confidence.
Your resume did its job: you have been invited to an interview. Good news: interviews can be prepared for, and good preparation shows immediately. Here is a seven-step method.
1. Understand the company
Look at its website, latest news, products, customers and values. Pick one or two topics you could talk about: a recent project, a new market, a change in the industry. It shows that your application is well thought out.
2. Break down the job offer
Go back to the offer and list the skills and qualities it asks for. For each one, prepare a concrete example from your experience. This is what turns your answers into evidence.
3. Prepare your examples with the STAR method
The STAR method helps you tell a story clearly and convincingly:
- Situation: the context, in one or two sentences.
- Task: what you had to achieve.
- Action: what you did, personally.
- Result: the outcome, with numbers if possible.
4. Anticipate classic questions
- “Tell me about yourself.” Two minutes: your background, your strengths, why this job.
- “Why our company?” Use your research from step 1.
- “What is your greatest weakness?” A real area for improvement, and what you are doing about it.
- “Where do you see yourself in five years?” An ambition consistent with the role.
- “What are your salary expectations?” Research market salaries and give a range.
5. Prepare your own questions
An interview is a two-way conversation. Prepare two or three questions: the role’s priorities for the first six months, how the team is organized, how success is measured. Avoid opening with vacation days or perks.
6. Handle the logistics
- Check the address, the route or the video call link the day before.
- For a video interview: test your camera and microphone, choose a neutral background and a quiet place.
- Have your resume, the job offer and your notes at hand.
- Arrive (or log in) five to ten minutes early.
7. After the interview
Within 24 hours, send a short thank-you note: restate your interest in the job and one highlight of the conversation. Also write down the questions that caught you off guard, so you can prepare them better next time.
An up-to-date resume and letter
The recruiter will have your resume in front of them during the interview: make sure it reflects the examples you are going to tell. With CVticket, you can duplicate your resume for each application, adjust it in minutes and write the matching cover letter.