Interviews have a way of making us sweat - whether it’s the dread of the unknown, that waiting room awkwardness, or the stammering nerves that hit when you least expect it. BUT with solid preparation and a bit of strategy, you can step into any interview feeling like you own the room. Let's break down how to nail it, from the prep right through to the last handshake.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK (This is a must)
Let’s start with a painfully obvious but often overlooked truth: if you’re not researching the company and role, you’re probably not getting the job. No excuses. Get online, dive into their website, explore their LinkedIn, and read recent articles about them. Make sure you know:
What they do and why they do it – Don't just parrot their mission statement back to them. What are they known for? What’s their industry rep? What recent projects or news have they been involved in?
Their values and culture – Most companies brag about being “innovative” and “customer-centric.” But what does that look like in practice? Look up employee reviews, check their social media vibe, and see if they match your personal values.
The role’s demands – Don’t walk in with only a vague sense of what the role entails. Study the job description, make sure you understand the skills required, and start visualising how you’d handle the responsibilities.
Their recent wins (and challenges) – Knowing what’s going well for the company (and maybe what isn’t) shows that you’re aware of the bigger picture. It can also lead to some sharp, well-informed questions at the end of the interview.
PRACTICE UNTIL YOU'RE SICK OF YOURSELF
Interviews don’t have to be robotic rehearsals, but they do need some rehearsal. Try answering typical interview questions aloud and recording yourself. Yes, it feels weird, but trust me, it’s worth it. Practice gives you a chance to:
Catch filler words and awkward phrases – Nothing kills confidence like hearing yourself rambling or filling every pause with “um.” Speaking aloud will help you refine your responses and come across as more confident.
Perfect your “Tell me about yourself” pitch – This question is likely to hit you within the first five minutes, so make sure it’s polished but natural. A good answer covers where you’ve been, where you’re going, and why this role is part of that journey.
Prepare specific examples – Be ready to discuss examples of when you’ve led a team, resolved a conflict, or adapted to a major change. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) works well here. It gives structure without sounding rehearsed.
GET YOUR QUESTIONS RIGHT
99.9% of the time, you're going to be asked "so, do you have any questions for us?".
This is your chance to show you're serious about this role. Skip the basic “What’s the company culture like?” Instead, ask questions that are specific to the company and your potential role:
“How does this team measure success in the first six months for this role?”
“What are some of the challenges you’re currently facing in [relevant area]?”
“How do you see this role evolving over the next few years?”
These questions signal you’re not just focused on the job but on succeeding at it - and that’s powerful.
OWN YOUR BODY LANGUAGE
Confidence doesn't mean being cocky or having all the answers. Sometimes, it’s as simple as how you carry yourself. Here are some quick tips:
Strong handshake and eye contact – This is Interview 101, but it’s amazing how many people still fumble it. A weak handshake or dodgy eye contact can be more memorable than a good answer. A lot of interviewers make up their mind about you in the first 10 seconds, so try to get the basics right.
Sit up, lean forward – Don’t slouch. It’s all about creating a presence in the room. Leaning forward a bit shows interest, while sitting back can make you look too casual.
Pause and think – Don’t panic if you need a moment to think before answering. Pausing shows you’re considering the question thoughtfully. It also makes you appear calm under pressure (a valuable trait in any role).
TACKLE TOUGH QUESTIONS WITH HONESTY
Most interviews have at least one tough question. It could be about a gap in your CV, an industry skill you’re still learning, or something specific to the company. The best way to answer these? Be honest but strategic:
Acknowledge the gap, then pivot – “I may not have direct experience in [specific skill], but I’ve successfully learned similar skills on the job, like [example].”
Explain gaps positively – “After [explain the reason], I’m ready and motivated to take on a role that allows me to [explain why you’re a fit].”
Stay solution-oriented – Show them how you’ve overcome challenges in the past and how you plan to approach this one if it arises on the job. Focus on growth, not shortcomings.
FOLLOW UP
It’s not over after you leave the room. If you are still interested in the company after your interview then always, and I mean always, send a follow-up email. Keep it brief, but reinforce your interest and enthusiasm. You could mention one specific thing from the conversation that excited you about the role, something like: “I particularly enjoyed our discussion about [specific topic]. I’m looking forward to the possibility of contributing to [company’s goal].”
It’s polite AND a reminder to the interviewer of who you are and what you bring to the table. A thoughtful follow-up can be the nudge they need to choose you over another candidate.
Interviews might feel like a test but they're an opportunity. They're a chance for you to show who you really are and why you're the person for the job.
Preparation and practice will always be your best mates. But remember that interviews aren’t about pretending to be perfect - they're about proving that you're prepared, capable, and ready to take on the role.
So, deep breath in (1,2,3,4) and out (1,2,3,4), do the work, and be ready to walk in there like you belong. Because, with the right preparation, you do.
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