The best interview preparation is simple: know the job, know the company and practice your answers out loud. Candidates who do those three things walk in calm and ready.
This guide gives you a 10-step prep plan, a timeline from one week out to the thank-you note, and tables on research, clothing, what to bring and phone or video interviews.
AdvertisementIt also includes a free prep sheet builder with three starting points that you can print and take with you.
How to Prepare for a Job Interview in 10 Steps
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Study the job description | Note the qualifications and qualities the employer wants, and guess the questions it points to |
| 2. Match your qualifications | Be ready to explain why you want the job and why you are a strong fit |
| 3. Research the company and role | Learn its goals, culture, products or services, and what people in the role say about it |
| 4. Learn who you are meeting | Look up your interviewers, and ask the recruiter for names and the interview format if you do not have them |
| 5. Prepare your stories | Choose three or four examples with numbers, and use the STAR method for challenge questions |
| 6. Practice out loud | Run a mock interview with a friend or coach, or rehearse alone, using notes instead of a memorized script |
| 7. Prepare questions to ask | Plan three to five questions about the team, the role and what success looks like |
| 8. Plan the logistics | Map your route, check parking, and test your camera and internet for video interviews |
| 9. Pack your materials | Printed resumes, a reference list, a notepad and a pen |
| 10. Rest and arrive early | Sleep well, review notes lightly and arrive a few minutes early |
Prep Timeline: One Week to Thank-You Note
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 week before | Research the company, read the job description closely and write your stories and numbers |
| 3 days before | Practice out loud, prepare your questions and your pay range |
| Night before | Pack your bag, print your resumes, check your route or tech and sleep 7 to 8 hours |
| Interview day | Review your notes lightly, leave early and stay calm with deep breaths |
| Within 24 hours after | Send a thank-you email that mentions something from the conversation |
What to Research Before the Interview
| Research | Where to look | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| The company | Website, About Us and Careers pages, recent news, press releases | Shows real interest and lets you give specific answers |
| The role | Job description and reviews from people in similar jobs | Helps you pick the right examples |
| The product or service | Try it, or look at it from the customer’s view | Helps you talk about customer needs |
| The interviewers | Their public profiles, and names from the recruiter | Helps you connect and prepare for their questions |
| The pay range | Job sites and pay data for similar roles | Prepares you for the salary question |
What to Wear
| Topic | What to do |
|---|---|
| Dress code | Check how employees dress on the company’s website or social media, or ask the recruiter |
| Level of dress | Dress a little more formally than a normal workday; business casual suits many casual workplaces |
| Fit and grooming | Choose clean, pressed clothes that fit well, with polished shoes and neat grooming |
| Comfort | Pick an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable |
What to Bring
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Printed resumes | One for each interviewer plus a spare |
| A reference list | Names, titles, contact details and how you know each person |
| A notepad and a working pen | For notes and your questions |
| Work samples, if relevant | Shows proof of your results |
| The interviewer’s contact information | In case you are delayed |
Phone, Video and In-Person Prep
| Interview type | Prep tips |
|---|---|
| Phone | Take the call in a quiet place with your resume and notes in front of you |
| Video | Test your camera, microphone and internet, use a plain background and good lighting, and log in early |
| In person | Check your route and parking, and arrive a few minutes early; if you will be late, call the interview contact |
Free Interview Prep Sheet Builder
Step 1. Which interview is it?
Step 2. Which stories do you want to prepare?
Step 3. Tap the lines to add. Keep the sheet to one page and print it for interview day.
Step 4. Click any text in the sheet below and type or modify to make it yours.
Add your own true story details and numbers under each story. Print the sheet, and keep it with your notes.
Interview type: in person. I will leave early, bring four printed resumes and a notepad, and arrive a few minutes ahead of time.
Interview type: phone. I will take the call in a quiet room with my resume, my notes and the interviewer’s number in front of me.
Interview type: video. I will test my camera, microphone and internet the day before and log in early.
My three stories: a goal I beat with real numbers, a customer or client I helped, and a mistake I learned from.
My three stories: a team result I helped deliver, a time I led a project, and a time I helped a coworker succeed.
My three stories: a problem I solved, a deadline I met, and a change at work I adapted to quickly.
I read the company’s website and recent news, and I know what it does and who it serves.
I matched my skills to the job description and chose an example for each key duty.
I looked up my interviewers and know their roles.
My short pitch for Tell me about yourself is ready, and I can say it in about a minute.
I prepared four questions for the interviewer about the team, the first 90 days and how success is measured.
I researched the pay range for this role and I am ready to give a range.
I mapped my route, checked parking and allowed extra time.
My outfit is clean, pressed and right for the company’s dress code.
My reference list is printed with names, titles and contact details.
I will get 7 to 8 hours of sleep the night before.
I will send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
I cleaned up my public social media profiles.
To save your sheet: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the sheet prints. To copy it, select the text inside the sheet and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
Weak Prep and How to Fix It
| Weak prep | Why it hurts | Better prep |
|---|---|---|
| Reading only the company home page | Your answers sound generic | Use several sources and recent news |
| Memorizing a script | Sounds stiff and falls apart if the question changes | Memorize key points and stories only |
| No questions for the interviewer | Looks unprepared | Bring three to five real questions |
| Planning the route that morning | Risks being late | Check the route and parking in advance |
| Skipping the thank-you note | Misses a chance to stand out | Send one within 24 hours |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the night before. Start a few days early.
- Skipping practice out loud. Say your answers aloud at least twice.
- Criticizing past employers. Stay positive and focus on what you learned.
- Arriving at the last minute. Plan your route and leave early.
- Typos. Proofread twice.
Interview Prep Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are ready when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start preparing?
This page suggests a week if you can. Indeed lists the steps without a fixed schedule, and The Muse notes technical interviews or skill tests need earlier prep.
What is the first thing I should do?
Review the job description. Indeed lists it first because it shows what the employer wants and which questions to expect.
How do I research the company?
The Muse suggests several sources, including the website, recent news and employee contacts, and says to look for negative press too. Monster adds the company’s mission, values and press releases.
What should I bring?
Indeed suggests at least three printed resumes plus one for yourself. The Muse adds a printed reference list, a notepad and a working pen. Monster adds work samples if relevant.
What should I wear?
Check the company’s dress code, and dress slightly more formally than a normal workday. The Muse notes business casual suits many casual workplaces.
How early should I arrive?
Monster says a few minutes early. Indeed suggests leaving early so traffic or parking does not make you late, and calling the contact if you will be delayed.
How do I prepare for a video interview?
The Muse and Monster both say to test your camera, microphone and internet ahead of time. The Muse also recommends a quiet room, good lighting and a plain background.
Should I memorize my answers?
No. The Muse and Monster both advise key points and stories instead of memorized scripts, which can sound robotic.
How many questions should I ask the interviewer?
The Muse suggests 3 to 5 specific questions, and Indeed lists examples such as what a typical day looks like and what the next steps are.
Should I send a thank-you note?
Yes. Monster says to send a thank-you email within 24 hours that mentions something specific from the conversation.
Conclusion
Good preparation comes down to research, stories with numbers and practice out loud. Plan your logistics early, bring your materials and send a thank-you note. Use the builder above to print your prep sheet today.
Related Reading
- What is your greatest weakness: 10 best answers
- Reasons for leaving a job: interview answers
- Post-interview thank you email
- Email about interview status: sample
Sources: Indeed Career Guide, How to Prepare for an Interview. The Muse, 30+ Best Tips on How to Prepare for a Job Interview. Monster, 21 Job Interview Tips for a Winning Performance.