Before the Interview: Preparation is Key

Research the Company Thoroughly

• Mission, Values, and Culture: Understand what drives the company and what their work environment is like. Review the "About Us" section, social media, news articles, and sites like Glassdoor.

• Recent Developments: Stay up to date on news, projects, product launches, or industry challenges. This shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your answers.

• Competitors: Be aware of the company’s main competitors and how they differentiate themselves.
  
  

Understand the Role and Job Description

• Break it Down: Review the job description line by line. Identify the key responsibilities, required skills, and preferred qualifications.

• Align Your Experience: For each requirement, think of specific examples from your past (work, academic, volunteer, or personal projects) that demonstrate your capability.
  
  

Prepare for Common Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself: Create a concise “elevator pitch” that covers your present, past, and future.

• Why do you want to work here? Connect your research to your own career goals and values.

• Strengths and weaknesses:

  • Strengths: Pick 2–3 relevant strengths, back them up with examples, and quantify results if possible.

  • Weaknesses: Share a genuine weakness and explain how you’re working to improve it.

• Behavioral questions (STAR method):

  • Situation – context

  • Task – your role or goal

  • Action – what you did

  • Result – outcome, ideally quantified

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Show ambition while aligning your goals with the company’s potential career paths.

• Why should we hire you? Summarise your value proposition — link your skills, experience, and enthusiasm directly to their needs.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions to Ask

Good examples include:

• “Could you describe a typical day in this role?”

• “What are the biggest challenges or priorities for this team in the next 6–12 months?”

• “How would you describe the company culture?”

• “What opportunities are there for professional development and growth?”

• “What do you enjoy most about working here?”

• “What are the next steps in the hiring process?”
  
  

⚠️ Avoid asking about salary, benefits, or time off during the initial interview unless the interviewer brings it up.

Logistics and Presentation

• Dress appropriately: Aim for one step more formal than the company’s typical dress code.

• Plan your route/setup: Arrive 10–15 minutes early if in person. For virtual, test your tech and choose a quiet, well-lit space.

During the Interview: Make a Lasting Impression

First Impressions Matter

• Arrive early (in person) or log in a few minutes before (virtual).

• Smile, make eye contact (look at the camera virtually), and offer a firm handshake if in person.

• Be confident without coming across as arrogant.

Engage Actively

• Listen carefully and ask for clarification if needed.

• Show enthusiasm through tone and body language.

• Use the STAR method for behavioral answers.

• Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g. “increased sales by 20%”).

• Continuously connect your experience back to the role.

• Stay honest and positive — avoid speaking negatively about past employers.

Body Language

• Maintain eye contact.

• Sit up straight.

• Avoid fidgeting.

• Nod occasionally to show engagement.

• Subtly mirror the interviewer’s body language to build rapport.

Ask Your Questions

• Always have questions ready.

• Engage in a natural conversation and listen carefully to responses.

After the Interview: Follow Up Professionally

Send a Thank-You Email

• Timing: Within 24 hours.

• Personalisation: Reference specific points discussed and restate your interest in the role.

• Professionalism: Proofread carefully — no typos or grammatical errors.