HOW TO GET PREPARED FOR THE INTERVIEW

First off congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’ve found a job that interests you. The next step? Submitting your resume and cover letter to show your interest in the position. Once that’s done, you’ll likely receive an email from the hiring manager requesting you to complete an application for review.

If your application stands out, you’ll get a call or email inviting you to an interview. Your resume, cover letter, and application must have done their job. Now, the final step is acing the interview to secure the position.

If everything goes well, you’ll receive that exciting call or email offering you the job. But if weeks go by without an offer, you might get an email saying something like:

“Although we were impressed with your background, we’ve decided to move forward with other candidates at this time. Please feel free to apply for future openings. Have a nice day!”

Sound familiar? If you weren’t chosen, don’t take it personally as it happens to all of us. But here’s the thing: the candidates who did get the job likely did one crucial thing you forgot to do to get prepared for the interview.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen again. Here’s how to get prepared for the interview:

1. Do Your Research

One of the best things you can do before an interview is research the company. This will help you tailor your answers to align with the company’s values, mission, and expectations. It also shows the hiring manager that you’re genuinely interested in this job, not just any job.

Where to Start?

• Visit the company’s website: Learn about its corporate mission, values, and recent news.

• Check Google and Glassdoor for insights about the company’s culture.

• Look at the job description carefully and connect your work experience with what the job description entails.

The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be for the interview.

2. Rehearse for Your Interview

Early in my career, I heard that practicing with a friend or family member was a great way to prepare for an interview. But let’s be real you never did it because I felt too awkward pretending to be in an interview.

Instead, I found a trick that worked just as well:

• Find a list of common interview questions.

• Write down all your answers, reflecting on your past work experience and how it applies to the role.

• Practice answering out loud: It helps you feel more confident when the real interview comes.

One great resource is The Muse, a website with interview questions hiring managers might ask. Even if you don’t have an interview scheduled, practicing now will help you be ready when the opportunity comes.

3. Find a Quiet Place for the Interview

When interviewing for a work-from-home job, it is essential to interview in a quiet, distraction-free space.

Here’s what to do:
✔ Let everyone in your house know you have an interview and can’t be disturbed.
✔ If possible, send family members on an errand so you have peace.
✔ Lock your door if you have kids to prevent surprise interruptions.

While most remote employers understand that things happen, first impressions matter. Controlling your environment as much as possible will help you look professional.

4. Check Your Equipment

Phone interviews: Your phone, internet, and webcam must work flawlessly.

Before your interview:
✔ Test your phone connection: If you’re using a cell phone, switching to Wi-Fi calling can help prevent dropped calls.
✔ Make sure your webcam and microphone work—do a test video call with a friend or family member.
✔ If you need a webcam, they’re cheap! You can grab one for around $20 on Amazon or Walmart, and a decent headset for around $10.

Small tech issues can be huge distractions during an interview. Checking everything in advance ensures you stay focused on impressing your interviewer.

5. Plan Your Route (If In-Person)

In-person interviews: Don’t assume Google Maps will get you there without a hitch.

✔ Do a test drive to the location a day before the interview to avoid surprises.
✔ Check for potential traffic issues ahead of time.
✔ Arrive 10-15 minutes early—but not too early! Anything earlier than 15 minutes can make it awkward for the employer.

Being late because of poor planning is a dealbreaker for many hiring managers. Don’t let that be the reason you lose out on the job.

6. Dress for Success

This one’s big whether in person or on a webcam, dress professionally.

Studies show that what you wear affects your confidence and performance. Even if you’ll be working from home in sweatpants, dress the part for the interview.

✔ Lay out your outfit the night before.
✔ If you’re unsure what to wear, business casual is a safe choice.
✔ Need affordable options? Check Ross, TJ Maxx, or Goodwill for budget-friendly business attire.
✔ Not sure what “business casual” looks like? Google it for inspiration.

After you get the job? Sure, wear pajamas if you want. But for the interview—dress like you mean business.

In Conclusion

Preparation makes all the difference. Often the small things like researching the company, practicing answers, and dressing appropriately will separate the candidate who gets the job from the one who gets the dreaded “Have a nice day!” email.

Follow these steps, and you will be prepared for your next interview.

If this article has been helpful to you, feel free to share and comment below!