Preparing for an Interview: Essential Steps
Most interviews follow the same pattern. You talk about your experience, they assess your fit, and you both decide if there’s a match. It sounds simple, but many candidates walk in underprepared. Here’s what actually matters.
1. Elevator pitch
You might think you know your career because you’ve lived it, but that doesn’t mean you can explain it clearly. Practice a 3–4 minute summary covering who you are, your experience, how your career has progressed, and how it links to the role. If you can’t articulate it, you won’t stand out. Recording it and playing it back can help you really nail it.
2. Know the company and role
If they ask “What do you know about us?” and you can’t answer confidently, you probably won’t. This is the easiest part of prep. Understand the business, the role, and why you want to work there.
3. Know who you’re meeting
Check your interviewers on LinkedIn. Knowing their background helps you tailor your answers. At minimum, know their names.
4. Plan the logistics
Don’t be late. Know where you’re going. If it’s online, make sure your computer, camera, sound, logins and meeting links are ready. Scrambling at the start looks amateur.
5. Ask smart questions
Timing matters. Save your questions for the end. If everything has already been covered, it’s fine to say you don’t have any. If the interview runs over time, leave non-essential questions for the next round.
6. Use “I,” not “we”
They want to know what you did. Be clear about your actions, decisions, and results. Use real examples and specific tools or processes.
7. Body language matters
Firm handshake. Good eye contact. Sit upright. Dress appropriately. For online interviews, don’t use your phone. Use a clean, professional background. Small details influence how seriously you’re taken.
If you want to walk into your interview with confidence and clarity, a Motion Recruitment consultant can guide you through preparation.