Top interview preparation tips
A strong resume might get your foot in the door, but it’s the interview that secures the offer.
Whether you’re stepping into a first-round screening or a final executive panel, here are our top interview preparation tips to help you stand out for the right reasons.
Research the company (like, really research it)
Many candidates skim the company’s website the night before an interview. In our experience, the best-prepared professionals go deeper:
- Study recent press releases and news articles
- Understand the company’s mission, values, and current strategic priorities
- Familiarize yourself with their current product or service offerings
This level of insight allows you to tailor your responses and ask informed questions, which shows genuine interest and initiative.
Know the job description inside and out
Too often, candidates will give great answers to the wrong questions. Align your responses to what the job description is really asking for. Identify:
- Key responsibilities
- Required skills and experience
- Any recurring themes (ex. Collaboration, data-driven decision making)
Match your experiences to these areas with clear, specific examples. This helps interviewers visualize you in the role.
Use the STAR method for behavioral questions
Behavioral questions are staples in modern interviews. The STAR method is a structured way to respond to them:
- Situation: set the context
- Task: explain your responsibility
- Action: describe what you did
- Result: share the outcome
This method keeps answers concise, focused, and impactful – key traits that interviewers will appreciate. Candidates who use the STAR method are more likely to communicate their value clearly and effectively.
Practice, but don’t memorize
It’s smart to rehearse responses, but don’t fall into the trap of over-memorizing. Interviews are conversations, not monologues. You want to avoid your answers sounding scripted and disingenuous. Instead:
- Practice out loud with a friend or mentor
- Record yourself and review tone, clarity, and pacing
- Focus on themes and stories, not scripts
This builds confidence while keeping you adaptable.
Prepare questions to ask
Almost every interview ends with, “do you have any questions for us?” Saying “no, I think you’ve covered everything,” is a missed opportunity.
Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that show you’re serious about the role. For example:
- “How does this role contribute to the company’s long-term goals?”
- “What do you think success looks like in the first six months?”
- “How would you describe the team culture here?”
Asking insightful questions can increase your perceived engagement and professionalism.
Pay attention to non-verbal cues
Your body language, eye contact, and tone can carry as much weight as your words. Non-verbal communication can account for up to 55% of the impression you make in the first few minutes. Here are some tips:
- Maintain steady (but not intense) eye contact
- Sit up straight and avoid fidgeting
- Smile naturally and nod to show engagement
Follow up with gratitude
The interview doesn’t end when you walk out (or log off). Always send a thank you email within 24 hours. A thoughtful message reiterating your interest can tip the scales in your favor, especially in close decisions.
Keep it brief but personalized. Mention something specific from the conversation to show attentiveness.
Interview preparation is more than just ticking boxes; it’s about presenting your most authentic and capable self. By investing the time to research, rehearse, and reflect, you’re not just preparing for one interview – you’re building a skill set that will serve you throughout your career.
Looking to access top roles in your industry? Addison Group can help. For more than 20 years, we’ve been focused on quality, not quotas. Our Workforce Planning Guide provides current salaries as well as emerging trends to keep you informed about the job market. Download your guide here.
