How Much Time Should You Spend Preparing for an Interview? Finding the Perfect Balance

Introduction: What's the perfect ratio of preparation for an interview, especially if the company hasn’t spent as much time getting to know you? It's essential to remember that everything in life involves a balance of give and take. I’ve been guilty of over-preparing for interviews, often spending way too much time on preparation. After much trial and error, here’s what I have found to be the most optimal amount of time preparing for an interview.

1. Research the Company (1-2 Hours) Spend around 1-2 hours researching the company. Understand its mission, values, recent news, and the industry it operates in. This gives you enough information to tailor your answers to show you are genuinely interested without overwhelming yourself. The key here is to understand the industry. Once you know the competitive landscape, you will better understand what keeps them up at night.

For instance, if I were looking into the e-learning industry and interviewing at companies like Pluralsight, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, or Coursera, I would focus on understanding the industry's importance and why I want to work in it. Not only will this increase your chances of landing the job, but it will also save you time. Instead of blanketing the market with your resume, which can drain your energy and yield little ROI, you'll be more focused and confident.

2. Review the Job Description (30-45 Minutes) Dedicate 30-45 minutes to review the job description thoroughly.

• Identify key skills and experiences required and match them with your qualifications.
• This will help you focus your responses on what truly matters to the hiring team.
• A helpful tip is to reach out to employees at that company if you have a connection, that makes it a lot easier. If you're unsure what to say when reaching out to strangers, I’ve created a free training on this. Click here.

3. Prepare Answers to Common Questions (2-3 Hours) Allocate 2-3 hours to practice answers to common interview questions.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions to provide structured and concise answers. (Result is the missing one for most people that we need to prepare most for.) Too many of us focus on the what, but the why is important as well.

This preparation helps you respond confidently during the interview.

• You only have to do this once. Basically, prepare by addressing the elephant in the room. We all have our versions of this—it could be because of short job stints or a gap in your employment. If you know these questions will come up, ensure you have prepared a good response to all potential objections.

4. Develop Your Questions (30 Minutes) Spend 30 minutes preparing insightful questions to ask the interviewer.

• This shows your interest in the role and helps you determine if the job and company are a good fit for you.
• Prepare questions about the team, company culture, and future growth opportunities.

5. Mock Interviews (1-2 Hours) Conduct mock interviews with a friend, mentor, or coach for 1-2 hours.

• Practicing with someone else can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your responses. It also helps you get comfortable with the interview format.

*Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call someone. You will be shocked at how many people will actually help you if you are just willing to ask.

6. Review Your Resume and Documents (30 Minutes) Set aside 30 minutes to review your resume, cover letter, and any other documents you’ve submitted.

• Ensure there are no errors and that you’re familiar with everything you’ve included. Bring multiple copies of these documents to the interview.

7. Relax and Rest (The Day Before) Take the day before the interview to relax and rest. Over-preparing can lead to burnout and increased anxiety.

Ensure you get a good night’s sleep so you are fresh and alert for the interview.

Conclusion: Finding the right balance in interview preparation is crucial. Over-preparing can be just as detrimental as under-preparing. By following this balanced approach, you can ensure you are well-prepared without overwhelming yourself. Remember, an interview is a two-way street, and it’s about finding the right fit for both you and the company.

Call to Action: What preparation strategies have worked best for you in interviews? Please share your experiences in the comments, and let’s help each other achieve interview success!