Interview Prep: What You Need to Know

Interviews can be challenging, especially for entry-level candidates. But here's the key: preparation is everything. Recently, I had two interview experiences that left me reflecting on how vital it is for job seekers to be ready for the moment that could launch their career.

In one instance, a candidate kept repeating, “I wasn’t ready for that question,” throughout the interview. Eventually, they admitted they weren’t ready for the interview at all. Mind you, they received the interview invite 48 hours in advance.

In another case, when asked if they could come into the office three days a week, a candidate responded with, “It depends on the remuneration the company is offering.” While salary is important, bringing it up in that manner and context left a poor impression.

Both incidents were eye-opening and emphasized one thing: interviews require preparation. Here’s why it matters and how you can ensure you’re always interview-ready, regardless of your experience level.

1. Preparation Shows You Care

Interviews are not just about answering questions but also about showcasing your enthusiasm for the role. When a candidate is unprepared, it signals to the interviewer that they may not be invested in the opportunity. If you’re applying for a job, you should be able to anticipate basic questions about the role and company.

In the case of the candidate who said, “I wasn’t ready,” it reflected poorly because they had ample time to prepare. While nerves are understandable, repeating that phrase shows a lack of effort. Your preparation reflects how much you care about the role.

What You Can Do:

• Research the company, its culture, and the job description in depth.
• Think about your strengths and how they align with the position.
• Anticipate common interview questions and practice your answers.

2. It Shows Professionalism ?

Being unprepared in an interview can also come across as unprofessional. It suggests that you may not respect the interviewer’s time. In the professional world, punctuality, respect, and preparedness are foundational elements.

For instance, the candidate who mentioned remuneration when asked about working in the office missed an opportunity to demonstrate flexibility and professionalism. While salary is important, timing and approach are everything. Bringing up remuneration too early can sometimes come off as self-serving rather than team-oriented.

Pro Tip: When discussing logistics like office days or work flexibility, always frame your answers in a positive light. Instead of saying, “It depends on the pay,” you could say, “I’m open to office days, and I’d love to understand more about the team’s structure.”

3. Practice Helps You Avoid Mistakes

Interviews are opportunities to present your best self. However, this can be difficult if you haven't practiced beforehand. The candidate who kept saying, “I wasn’t ready for that question,” likely hadn’t taken the time to practice. If they had, they would have anticipated some of the more standard interview questions and prepared thoughtful responses.

For entry-level candidates, especially, this can make or break your chances of getting the job. Employers don’t expect perfection, but they do expect effort.

How to Practice:

• Ask a friend to conduct a mock interview with you.
• Record yourself answering common interview questions and review your responses.
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to behavioral questions. This keeps your responses clear and organized.

4. Understanding the Role is Essential ??

Walking into an interview without a clear understanding of the role you’re applying for is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Employers will ask role-specific questions to gauge your fit for the job. If you don’t understand the responsibilities or skills required, your answers will reflect that.

In both of the interviews I mentioned, the candidates didn’t appear to have fully grasped the expectations of the role. Had they spent more time reading the job description and researching the company, they could have prepared more thoughtful, targeted answers.

What to Do:

• Read the job description carefully.
• Understand the skills, tools, and experience required.
• Be ready to explain how your background and skills align with the role.

5. It Demonstrates Initiative and Drive ??

Employers are looking for candidates who are proactive and demonstrate initiative. Preparing for an interview shows that you’re serious about the role and have the drive to succeed. It’s not enough to just want a job; you have to show that you’re willing to put in the work to get it.

What You Can Do:

• Show up with knowledge about the company and industry.
• Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer about the company’s culture, goals, or the team you’d be joining.
• Mention any skills or projects you’ve worked on that align with the role.

6. Confidence Comes from Preparation ??

When you’ve prepared, you’ll feel more confident walking into the interview. Confidence allows you to answer questions more naturally and engage in meaningful conversation. It also helps you recover from mistakes more easily if you get caught off guard.

In contrast, lack of preparation can lead to nervousness and anxiety, which might result in phrases like, “I wasn’t ready for that,” or hesitation when answering simple questions.

How to Boost Your Confidence:

• Prepare answers to common interview questions.
• Research the company’s mission, values, and culture.
• Be ready with examples of your past experiences, using the STAR method.

7. The Importance of Timing and Delivery ?

Timing is everything, especially when discussing critical matters like salary or working conditions. In the case of the candidate who answered, “It depends on the remuneration,” they may have had a valid concern, but the way they brought it up showed a lack of tact.

Instead, it’s better to first show enthusiasm for the role and then discuss specifics like salary after the employer has shown clear interest in you. This demonstrates that you’re invested in the job itself, not just the paycheck.

What to Do:

• Focus on your interest in the company and role during the interview.
• When salary or working conditions come up, be diplomatic and open to negotiation.
• Keep the conversation positive and forward-looking.

8. Prepare Thoughtful Questions for the Interviewer ?

Preparation isn’t just about answering questions, it’s also about asking them. Thoughtful questions show that you’ve done your research and that you’re genuinely interested in the company and role. Don’t be the candidate who says, “No, I don’t have any questions.” This reflects poorly on your interest and engagement.

Some Questions to Consider:

• What does success look like in this role?
• How would you describe the team’s dynamic?
• What are the company’s long-term goals, and how does this role contribute to them?

Conclusion: Preparation is Key ??

Interviews are your opportunity to shine, but they require effort and preparation. For entry-level candidates especially, thorough preparation can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Whether it’s researching the company, practicing your responses, or preparing thoughtful questions, taking the time to prepare will always pay off.

Remember, employers aren’t just hiring skills, they’re hiring potential, enthusiasm, and the ability to learn and grow. By preparing, you show that you’re ready for the challenge.

Final Thought: Don’t let an opportunity slip through your fingers by showing up unprepared. Invest the time to prepare, and you’ll see the difference it makes in your interview performance.