Quick Tips For Job Seekers: Interview Preparation

Let me be honest with you. Interviewing can feel like walking a tightrope without a safety net. You want to impress, but nerves often get in the way. I’ve been there, fumbling through questions, wondering if I said the right thing or if my resume even mattered. But here’s the truth: interview success isn’t about luck. It’s about preparation. And not just any preparation, but smart, focused, and practical preparation.

If you want to walk into your next interview with confidence, ready to own the room, you need to get serious about your interview readiness advice. I’m going to share what I’ve learned from countless interviews, both as a candidate and as someone who’s helped others land their dream jobs. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Don't forget, interview success isn’t about luck.

Why Interview Readiness Advice Matters More Than You Think

You might think, “I know how to interview. I’ve done it before.” But here’s the kicker: every interview is different. The company culture, the role, the interviewer’s style - all these change the game. That’s why generic advice won’t cut it.

When I started treating interview preparation like a strategic game, everything changed. I stopped winging it and started winning it. Here’s what interview readiness advice really means:

• Research the company deeply: Don’t just skim the website. Read recent news, understand their products, and know their competitors.

• Understand the role inside out: What skills are they really after? What problems will you solve?

• Practice your stories: Behavioral questions are the norm. Have clear, concise examples ready.

• Prepare questions for them: Interviews are two-way streets. Show curiosity and engagement.

  
  

This kind of preparation doesn’t just boost your confidence. It shows the interviewer you’re serious, thoughtful, and ready to contribute.

Comic recruitingSHEro sitting at a table interviewing a candidate

How to Nail Your Interview: Practical Interview Readiness Advice

Let’s get down to brass tacks. What does solid interview readiness advice look like in action? Here’s a step-by-step approach that I swear by:

1. Master Your Elevator Pitch

You need a quick, compelling summary of who you are professionally. Think of it as your personal brand in 30 seconds. Practice it until it feels natural but not robotic. This has honestly been difficult for me personally throughout my career but I keep working at it.

2. Dress the Part

First impressions count. Even if the company is casual, err on the side of professionalism. When I dress well, I feel more confident, and it shows.

3. Mock Interviews Are Your Best Friend

Find a friend or mentor and run through common questions. Record yourself if you can. It’s uncomfortable but invaluable.

4. Know Your Resume Like the Back of Your Hand

Every bullet point on your resume should be a story waiting to be told. Don’t just list achievements; explain the impact.

5. Plan Your Journey

Arriving late is a rookie mistake. Check the route, parking, or transit options the day before. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

6. Bring the Essentials

Copies of your resume, a notebook, a pen, and a list of references. Being prepared with these shows professionalism.

7. Mind Your Body Language

Sit up straight, make eye contact, and smile. These small things make a big difference in how you’re perceived. While I hate giving this advice (specifically from my neurodivergent point of view), sadly we all have to battle this bias from different perspectives.

7. You can skip this second #7 if you like because I am going to RANT!

Landing a job requires being skilled, knowledgable and experienced in the roles we are interviewing for. It also requires who ever is interviewing us to think and "see" we are. Sometimes we do not have the privledge as job seekers to cherry pick where we apply and what jobs we can take - this advice is for those of us who don't. While I am personally exhausted from masking my entire life, I will keep it real, sometimes I still have to mask to survive. Whether you're neurodivergent or not, masking and mirroring is sometimes what it takes to land your next "bridge" job. I call those temporary roles where you're qualified but cant bring most of yourself to work daily just that, bridge jobs. Jobs to keep you fed and housed while you actively keep searching for a place that will embrace most of who you are at work. Honestly, no one brings their "whole" self to work but it's a delight when you bring the parts you actually want to by dropping your "mask". Even SHEros get tired of the costume and make believe over time.

By following these steps, you’re not just preparing for questions. You’re preparing to present the best version of yourself.

Comic recruitingSHEro sitting at a table interviewing a candidate

What are 5 Interview Killers?

Let’s talk about the silent killers that can tank your interview faster than you can say “thank you.” I’ve seen these mistakes trip up even the most qualified candidates. Avoid these at all costs:

1. Showing Up Unprepared

Nothing screams “I don’t care” louder than not knowing basic facts about the company or role.

2. Negative Talk About Past Employers

It’s tempting to vent, but it’s a red flag. Keep it professional and focus on what you learned.

3. Rambling Answers

Long-winded responses lose attention. Keep your answers focused and relevant. I hate this for us neurodivergent job seekers, but it's important to focus on this as much as your elevator pitch.

4. Poor Listening Skills

Interviewing is a conversation, not a monologue. Listen carefully and respond thoughtfully. First listen to understand, not to respond. Then respond. I

cannot streess this enough!

5. Lack of Enthusiasm

If you don’t seem excited about the role, why should they be excited about hiring you? Again, this is another piece of advice I loathe giving, but people are biased and you need a job so even if you have to fake it a little, show a baseline level of enthusiasm.

I’ve learned that avoiding these pitfalls is just as important as preparing your answers. They can make or break your chances.

Comic recruitingSHEro sitting at table with correct posture

The Power of Follow-Up: Your Secret Weapon

Here’s a little secret that many overlook: the follow-up email. It’s your chance to reinforce your interest and leave a lasting impression.

I always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours. Keep it short, sincere, and specific. Mention something from the interview that resonated with you. This shows attentiveness and professionalism.

Here’s a quick template I use:

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed learning more about [Company] and the [Role]. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team, especially in [specific area discussed during your interview]. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I look forward to next steps.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

This small step can set you apart from other candidates who don’t bother. Dont be afraid to write this out on your own then throw your draft into your favorite AI tool to create three additional versions to review and choose from. You may just pick your origianl version, you may not. It is up to you. Above all else, keep it real.

How to Keep Your Cool When the Pressure’s On

Interviews can be nerve-wracking. I get it. But here’s the thing: nerves are normal. The trick is managing them so they don’t control you.

Here’s what works for me:

• Breathe deeply before you enter the room.

• Visualize success. Imagine yourself answering confidently.

• Pause before answering. It’s okay to take a moment to think.

• Remember it’s a conversation, not an interrogation.

• Focus on the message, not the fear.

  
  

If you stumble, don’t panic. Acknowledge it lightly and move on. Interviewers typically appreciate authenticity over perfection.

Remember, preparation is your best friend. The more you invest in it, the more confident and capable you’ll feel. And confidence? That’s the real game-changer.

Go get ‘em.