how do you prepare yourself for a job interview

[IsabelleFitz]

I start by digging deep into the company, not just the About page but their recent press releases, blog posts, and even employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor. Then I tailor my resume to highlight the specific achievements that match the job description. After that, I practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—and I always record myself to catch filler words and awkward pauses. My go-to preparation step is to prepare three concrete stories that demonstrate my biggest wins, and I rehearse them until they feel natural.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how I allocate my prep time:

Preparation Activity	Time Allocation	Why It Matters
Company & role research	40%	Shows genuine interest and helps tailor answers
Resume & story alignment	30%	Ensures every example is relevant and impactful
Mock interviews & self-review	20%	Builds fluency and reduces nervousness
Logistics (outfit, tech, route)	10%	Eliminates last-minute stress

I also prepare a list of smart questions to ask the interviewer—things like “How does this role contribute to the team’s quarterly goals?” or “What’s the biggest challenge the team is facing right now?” That shows I’m already thinking like a team member. Finally, I get a good night’s sleep and eat a balanced breakfast. For me, preparation is about building confidence through repetition, not memorizing scripts.

[ColeAnn]

I focus on the job description like it’s a puzzle. I highlight every required skill and then match it to a past project or accomplishment. For example, if they want “data-driven decision making,” I’ll prepare a story about how I used analytics to improve a process. I also research the hiring manager on LinkedIn to understand their background and interests. That helps me connect on a personal level during the interview. The key is to make the interviewer’s job easy by showing exactly how your experience fits their needs.

[Finley]

I treat interviewing as a conversation, not a test. I spend most of my time preparing thoughtful questions that show I’ve done my homework—like “What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?” I also practice my elevator pitch, but I keep it flexible. The goal is to feel authentic, not robotic. I remind myself that I’m also evaluating them, so I stay curious and listen more than I speak.

[StGabriella]

Since I’m changing industries, I focus on transferable skills and how they apply to the new role. I create a one-page document mapping my previous responsibilities to the job’s requirements, and I practice explaining why I’m making the switch in a positive, confident way. I also research common terms and tools in the new field so I can speak the language. Preparation for a career pivot means convincing the interviewer that your foundation is solid, even if the domain is different.

[DiMaya]

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