6 min read
Before the interview
- Research the company: what they do, who their customers are, and one recent piece of news.
- Print two copies of your resume to bring with you.
- Plan your route so you arrive 10 minutes early — no earlier.
- Dress one step above the office norm.
- Practice your five behavioral stories out loud.
During the interview
- Firm handshake, warm smile, use the interviewer's name.
- Sit up, keep your phone away, take small notes with a pen.
- Answer the question that was actually asked before adding context.
- It's fine to pause for two seconds to think — silence is not failure.
- Ask at least two thoughtful questions when invited.
For virtual interviews
- Test your camera, microphone, and internet 15 minutes before.
- Set your camera at eye level — books under a laptop work fine.
- Sit against a plain wall with good, natural front light.
- Look at the camera, not the interviewer's face on screen, when you speak.
- Have a printed copy of your resume in front of you.
After the interview
- Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours.
- Reference one specific thing you discussed.
- If you don't hear back in a week, send a polite one-line follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
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