How to Prepare for an Interview

So, you got an interview. That’s a big deal. Whether it came after months of applying or out of the blue, you’re in the running and now you have to prepare.

It's normal to be confused by that—many others are too. A lot of people aren’t quite sure how to prep for an interview without just memorizing answers from the internet. And let’s be honest: rehearsed, robotic answers rarely land well.

Good interview prep isn’t about sounding perfect. It’s about showing you understand the job, the company, and what you bring to the table. The goal is to walk in feeling grounded, not like you're guessing your way through.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for people who want to do this right, especially if you’re starting from scratch.

1. Start with the Job Description

Most people skim the job description once, then forget it. But the job description is the blueprint for your prep. Every question they ask will likely tie back to something listed there.

Print it out or copy it into a document. Highlight the key responsibilities and required qualifications. Make a note of any repeated words or themes, these are clues to what they care about most. Is it a collaboration? Initiative? Managing competing priorities?

For example, if you see phrases like “cross-functional teams” or “stakeholder management” more than once, expect questions about how you’ve worked with others or handled conflicting input.

If you’re not sure how to pull those themes out, platforms like InterviewPal can scan the job description and predict the types of questions you’re likely to be asked. It’s a useful method to give your practice more direction.

2. Do Your Homework on the Company

You don’t need to memorize their last 10 blog posts. But you do need to understand what they do, who they serve, and where they’re headed.

Look for:

What products or services they offer
Their size and growth stage
Any recent news or funding
Their competitors
Their tone and language (look at their website and social media)

This helps you tailor your answers and show that you're not just looking for any job, but this one specifically. You’ll also be better equipped to ask thoughtful questions at the end, which we’ll get to later.

3. Practice Common Interview Questions

Certain questions come up all the time: “Tell me about yourself,” “What’s your biggest weakness?” or “Why do you want to work here?”

Instead of memorizing answers, focus on having a flexible framework. Know your talking points, not a script.

When you answer, try to keep things concise and conversational. If you tend to ramble or go blank, practicing out loud is key. Even better: record yourself. You’ll hear things you wouldn’t catch otherwise pacing issues, filler words, or points that aren’t landing.

InterviewPal can help here too. It gives you feedback on how your answers sound and where you might need more structure or clarity. It’s a good middle ground between talking to a mirror and hiring a coach.

4. Prepare a Few Strong Stories Using STAR

You’ll probably get behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult situation” or “Give an example of when you took initiative.”

That’s where STAR method comes in:

Situation – what was going on?

Task – what was your role?

Action – what did you do?

Result – how did it turn out?

Pick three or four stories from your past that show different strengths. One about problem-solving. One about working with others. One about learning something new. One about bouncing back from failure.

Write them out if it helps, but don’t overpolish. The goal is to know your beats, so you’re not scrambling to remember details on the spot.

**5. Don’t Forget Questions You’ll Ask**

A lot of candidates end up neglecting this part entirely. But your questions tell the interviewer what you value. They also help you figure out if the job is right for you.

Skip over basic questions like “What’s the company culture like?” and focus on asking ones that reflect genuine interest and thoughtfulness. For example:

“What does success in this role look like in the first six months?”
“Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with?”
“How do people typically grow within this company?”
“What’s something about this role that’s not obvious from the description?”

If you’re stuck, InterviewPal has a tool that generates smart questions based on the job listing. It’s useful when you want to ask something meaningful but aren’t sure what direction to go.

6. Think About the Logistics

It sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many people get thrown off by small details.

Double check the time and date. If it’s virtual, test your camera and mic the day before. Choose a quiet, well-lit space. Make sure your laptop is charged.

If it’s in person, plan your route. Know where you’re going, how long it’ll take, and what you’re wearing.

Removing last-minute stress helps you show up with a clear head. You want your energy focused on the conversation, not your outfit or your Wi-Fi.

7. Acknowledge Your Nerves

Most people get nervous. That’s normal. It means you care.

Try not to fight it. Instead, find a few ways to manage it. Deep breathing helps. So does reframing your mindset, it’s a conversation, not an interrogation.

Also, the more prepared you are, the less nervous you’ll be. You can’t control every question. But you can control how ready you feel. That confidence adds up.

Some people find it helpful to do a quick mock interview with a friend or even just rehearse out loud five minutes before the call. You’re not expected to be flawless — just to be there and participate.

8. Know That You Don’t Have to Fake It

If you don’t know something, it’s okay to say so. If a question throws you, take a breath before answering. : If you truly feel enthusiastic about the position, don’t hide it—express it.

Interviewers aren’t looking for perfect robots. They’re looking for someone who’s capable, curious, and real.

So instead of trying to be what you think they want, show up as the most prepared version of yourself. That’s what makes an impression.

Final Words

Preparing for an interview can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure where to start. But it doesn’t have to be. You just need a plan.

Read the job description like it’s a map
Do a little homework on the company
Practice your answers out loud, not just in your head
Prepare stories that show how you think and work
Ask better questions than “What’s the culture like?”
Get the small details right
Be kind to yourself when you’re nervous

Because interviews aren’t about luck. They’re about showing up ready.

And now you will be.