Do you want to learn how to effectively prepare for a job interview?
Career development is a big part of our twenties, and one that I felt intimidated by for a long time. So I made it my mission to come up with a job interview preparation routine that helps me feel calm and prepared to meet with potential new employers.
As a 24 year old content creator, my passion is helping others gracefully navigate their twenties alongside me. This inspired me to share this guide of everything you can do before, during, and after a job interview.
Use these tips to show up to your next job interview prepared to effectively and confidently showcase your skills!
If you are interested in receiving more content to help you live your best life and navigate your twenties with grace, make sure that you sign up for my email list to get updates about blog posts with realistic and positive self-improvement tips!
From tips to help you shift into a successful mindset, to tips to help you make a good impression during your interview, make sure to read these effective job interview prep tips (that go beyond “give a firm handshake” and “dress professionally”).
Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash
Before the Interview
Use these tips to help you feel prepared before going into an interview.
Do Your Research
Do your homework before the interview. A lot of the job interview process is outside your control, but you can control taking time to learn about the company.
Learning as much as possible about the company I’m interviewing with makes me feel so much more calm and prepared.
Make sure to look the company up online and carefully go through:
- The company’s website
- The company’s social media profiles
- News articles about the company
You can learn so much about a company by going through their website and social media profiles. This is where you can get a feel for their company culture and values. Make sure to bring up anything you learn that shows that you align with the company.
Reading through news articles and any other online mentions can give you even more background to help you look prepared during your interview. Remember, that companies like it when you do your research before talking to them!
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
Take Notes
As I go through and review the company and the job description, I take notes on everything I find. Writing things out just makes me feel super prepared. I actually find writing by hand very soothing. And, taking notes on paper allows you to avoid distractions that come with digital devices.
Handwriting also helps your brain process information.
Put your phone away
We are all so used to having our phones in arms distance, for better or worse. It makes sense that checking your phone notifications and responding to texts and emails causes distractions. But did you know that your phone can impact your attention, even when you aren’t using it?
Research shows that having your phone nearby can negatively impact your cognitive ability, even if your phone is off!
Learning that having your phone nearby impacts your cognitive ability inspired me to put my phone in another room while doing interview prep. Taking this small step will help you focus and use your brain efficiently.
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-black-ipad-with-black-case-5989925/
Utilize LinkedIn
In addition to helping you learn about the company, utilize LinkedIn to learn about their current employees. Taking some time to find out who you will be interviewing with. Learn about the HR director and other higher ups.
The more information you can gather, the better!
Review the Job Description
Reviewing the job description is important, so you go into your interview prepared to speak to how well you can fulfill this role.
Think of specific examples that highlight your experience with each role requirement.
Photo by Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare: https://www.pexels.com/photo/iphone-on-notebook-3361483/
Look up Common Interview Questions
Looking up common interview questions and preparing your answers can help you go into your interview with much more ease. I know that actually writing down what I want to say to questions, such as
“Tell me about yourself.”
and
“Why do you want this position?”
helps me feel ready to actually answer those questions when I get asked.
Practice speaking your answers with a friend or family member
Brainstorming and writing out your responses is a good first step, but it is also important to practice speaking your answers. If you can, ask a friend or family member to do a mock interview, so you can practice selling yourself. You can also go through practice questions on your own.
Doing a mock interview helps me feel more confident with what I want to say and helps prevent me from rambling.
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-holding-clipboard-3205566/
Get Ready to Ask Questions
Remember that interviews are for you and your potential employers to get to know each other. You get to ask questions as well!
Think about any questions you want to ask during your interview.
Pick out your outfit ahead of time
You want the day of your interview to be as seamless as possible. Picking your outfit ahead of time will save you time before your interview.
Do something to give you confidence (like paint your nails)
Do at least one small self-care act to give you a confidence boost that will shine through during your interview. Something as simple as freshly painted nails can positively impact your mindset.
Get a good night’s sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do before a job interview. Even if it feels tempting, do not stay up late to spend more time preparing. It is far more important to get enough sleep, so you show up rested and refreshed.
Photo by Kevin Bhagat on Unsplash
Journal
A lot of us struggle with some limiting beliefs that hold us back from success. Luckily, we can actively take steps to overcome limiting beliefs.
You can get rid of your limiting beliefs using the same journal exercise I talked about in this post called How to Level Up in Life: Tips for Overcoming Subconscious Limiting Beliefs.
Write down all of your negative thoughts about yourself on a piece of paper. Then, destroy the paper. Rip it up and throw it away. Preferably in the recycling bin outside your house (the one you take to the curb). Symbolically let go of those beliefs. Don’t let them get in your way.
Eat something
I’ll be honest with you. I’m not a breakfast lover. But I also know that I need something in my stomach to fuel and energize my body and brain before an interview. I don’t want to go into an interview feeling foggy-headed or anxious.
Try to get yourself to eat something, even if it is small and simple, like a granola bar, a yogurt, or a handful of almonds.
Get in the Mindset
First, make sure to take time to clear your mind and establish a successful and focused mindset.
Meditate
I know I talk about meditation on this blog all the time, but it truly is one of my favorite mindset tools. Don’t underestimate how much clearing your mind with a short guided meditation can help you succeed.
Set aside a few minutes to meditate before your interview. I recommend trying a positive affirmation or manifestation meditation to align your mindset for success.
During the Interview
Use these tips to make a good impression and help things run smoothly on the day of your interview.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/job-applicant-passing-her-documents-3760072/
Bring Your Resume
Do you still need to print out your resume in 2024? This is definitely a question I have asked. But the thing is, it doesn’t hurt. Small details such as bringing a few copies of your resume can make you look prepared to your potential employer. Plus, bringing an extra copy for yourself can make you feel more comfortable, since you can give it a quick glance before answering a question.
Avoid Rambling
Try to stay on topic and answer questions clearly and concisely. The tips I mentioned above can help you confidently express yourself without rambling.
Pause Before Answering
Before answering a question, take a moment to pause and think of examples to help you with your answer. Using specific examples to highlight your relevant experience is an important part of a successful job interview.
Go Slow
Another tip that goes with avoiding rambling is to go slow. Don’t talk too fast.
Photo by Daniel Fazio on Unsplash
Virtual Interview Tips
In our hybrid world, it’s important to provide tips for both virtual and in-person interviews. That said, if this is a virtual interview, make sure that you know a quiet location with stable internet where you can take your call.
Additionally, make sure that you turn your camera on, that you dress nicely, and that your background is clean. Even if you do your interview from home, you need to make sure to come across professionally.
Also, make sure to put your devices on Do Not Disturb. This goes for virtual and in-person interviews. It is important to eliminate those distractions, so you can stay focused.
Photo by Pew Nguyen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-near-bar-stools-244133/
In-Person Interview Tips
Know Where to Go
If it’s an in-person interview, make sure you know where you need to go. Look up the location ahead of time and make sure to look at the street view, so you can figure out the parking situation.
Arrive Early
Make sure to leave early, so you don’t feel rushed. Getting to an interview early will give you a chance to take a few moments beforehand to collect yourself.
Photo by Lisa Fotios: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-a-note-3974405/
Photo by Akram Huseyn on Unsplash
After the Interview
Instead of spending time worrying about how the interview went and whether you’ll get a job offer, use these tips to ease your mind after an interview.
Congratulate Yourself!
The hard part is over. Make sure to congratulate yourself for getting out there and seeking new career experiences.
You got a valuable experience out of going through the interview process, no matter what happens next.
Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash
Give Yourself Some Time to Relax
Recharge after your interview by taking time to recharge and clear your mind.
Do Something Fun
Spend time with friends, do crafts, go for a walk, read a book, or do anything else that you find fun and relaxing.
Photo by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash
Let go
Doing your best is all you can do when it comes to job interviews. The waiting game is never fun, but acknowledging that you did all you can, and the rest is out of your hands can help you feel more at ease.
Focus on Other Endeavors
Along with letting go, focusing on other aspects of life can keep your mind from ruminating on this job.
I hope these tips help you! I know from personal experience and from people around me, that career development is a relevant topic that we need advice on in our twenties.
Are you currently in the job application process? Let me know in a comment! And let me know if you try any of these tips, or if you have your own job interview tips that help you!
And make sure you sign up for my email list to get notified of weekly blog posts with tips to help you live your best life! Also follow me on social media (links below) to stay connected and receive more self-improvement and lifestyle content!
Featured Image: Photo by Andrea Davis: https://www.pexels.com/photo/himalayan-salt-lamp-near-laptop-on-wooden-table-3653849/
Life by Julia 