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Writer's pictureRachel Cupples

The Basics: Interview Prep for Job Seekers

Updated: May 31


Woman Super SHEro

Are you looking to prep for your next interview? I understand the importance of thorough interview preparation and want to share with you. Preparing for an interview can be a nerve-wracking experience (down-right anxiety-inducing), but with the right focus, strategy, and adequate preparation, you can show up as your best self in each interview.


Start with the basics:


  • Research the Company: Conduct thorough research about the company you are interviewing with. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, product(s), company and interview reviews, and the most recent and not so recent news. This knowledge will demonstrate your genuine interest and enthusiasm during the interview while giving you further insight into the company. It will also help you focus your questions (see Prepare Questions below).

  • Understand the Job Description: Analyze the job description in detail and identify the key skills and qualifications required. Prepare specific examples and anecdotes that showcase your relevant experience and abilities.

  • Self-care: Drink your daily recommended amount of water (do-it!), eat as healthy as possible, get your rest, show yourself grace, and allow yourself time to prepare for upcoming interviews as well as space to push through the awkward and prep anyway!

  • Practice, Practice, Practice but don't OVER-Practice: Practice talking about your experience down to the details of what you've accomplished. Do not practice so hard that you show up to the interview only prepared to share what you've memorized. Expect the unexpected. Have a few examples for each of the main areas of focus for the role you're interviewing for. The job post is a road to help you prep for the interview. If you cannot speak to your experience in a way that shows you're qualified (because you are only applying for and interviewing for jobs you know you're qualified for), you need to keep practicing. While you're prepping for the interview, make sure you have a highlight reel in your head of your past achievements and how they relate to the role you are interviewing for. Provide specific examples of how you added value to your previous organizations and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. The interview questions you'll likely be asked will be in effort to assess whether you have the qualifications and experience the role requires. Following the STAR method will help (see link to review the *Star Method with explanation below) ensure you're giving full answers and not veering off course while answering your interviewer's questions. I am not gonna lie, I blanked in an interview last week even after practicing and prepping. Be kind to yourself.

  • Prepare Questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the role, company, and so on. This demonstrates your interest in the role and the company. So make sure they are questions you're genuinely curious about. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about the company culture, expectations, and growth opportunities. I mentioned above that researching the employer is a good idea. Remember you're interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you.



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Preparing for an interview can be anxiety induing and a challenge. Remember, effective research, practice, and self-care are the keys to acing your interview. I hope these basic interview prep tips provided you with valuable insights and motivation to excel in your upcoming interviews.






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