Prepare to Interview with These Three Focus Areas

For many people, the interview process can be daunting. How do you make a positive impression without sounding boastful? Focus on these three areas to create the environment for a memorable interview.

1 | Prepare Your Knowledge

As you begin the interview phase, it’s important to remember that recruiters and hiring managers are busy. Being clear, concise, and honest in your answers will allow you to make the most of your time with them. Before an interview, prepare a broad knowledge base to better understand how you can meet and exceed expectations. Research:

  • INDUSTRY | Explore industry trends the company may experience. This type of preparation can help you gauge the future of the organization and allow you to address any trends you could impact with your background and skills.
  • PEOPLE | Gain valuable insights about the people you will be interviewing with by conducting a quick Google search or checking out their LinkedIn profiles. Aim to identify where they fit within the organization, significant career milestones, and if you have any mutual connections.
  • YOU | What are the distinguishing traits and qualifications you possess that will benefit the recruiter, hiring manager, and company if they hire you?

2 | Prepare Your Answers

Once you’ve conducted your initial research, it’s time to highlight your experience in relation to the company.

Be prepared for behavioral-based interview questions. These questions ask you to illustrate a situation using real-life examples that show your true capabilities. Practice delivering your strengths with “quiet confidence” and let your passion shine in an authentic way, leaving a lasting impression.

Potential questions include:

  1. Give an example of a goal you reached and how you achieved it.
  2. Give an example of a goal you didn’t meet and how you handled it.
  3. Describe a stressful situation at work and how you handled it.
  4. Share an example of how you motivated employees or co-workers in a difficult time.

At the end of the day, preparation should not invalidate the need to think on your feet.

3 | Prepare Your Questions

To close the interview, prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Use your research to ensure your questions are relevant and appropriate. These questions should invoke answers that cannot be found with a quick Google search. Here are a few examples:

  • How long have you been with the company?
  • What’s your favorite thing about working here?
  • How would you describe the culture?
  • What kind of personality thrives here?
  • Why is this position open?
  • What are your expectations for this position?
  • What are the growth and learning opportunities for this position?
  • What are the biggest strengths and challenges you see in this role and on this team?
  • What is expected in the first 30/60/90 days in this job, and by what KPIs (key performance indicators) will I be measured?
  • What is the collaboration style of the team and the organization in general?
  • What is the company’s vision for the future, in one, three, and five years and beyond?
  • Is there anything about my background, skills, or experience I can clarify for you?
  • What are the next steps in the process?

As you wrap up the interview, explain why you think you’ll be a good fit in an honest and relevant way—and let your light shine from the inside out!

Always be appreciative and thank the interviewer(s) for their time. Send a thoughtful thank-you note or email immediately after the meeting, reiterating your thoughts and appreciation.

Good Luck!


Mary Olson-Menzel is the founder and CEO of MVP Executive Development, a national leadership, coaching, and organizational management consultancy. She is the author of What Lights You Up? Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career (Wiley, October 2024).