8 Tips And Advice Before Going Into An Interview And Why Should You Follow Them

Imagine you’ve applied to over 100 jobs and are eagerly waiting for a company to call you for an interview. Finally, one does. Your first reaction might be excitement, but this is when you need to be careful about what’s ahead. Instead of panicking or getting overly excited, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
 

Many people make mistakes at this stage, and this is where things can either go right or wrong. When coaching candidates for interviews, I often hear, “I’m anxious; what will the interviewers ask?” or “How will I answer all their questions?”
 

I don’t think answering every question is what’s most important. What matters is how you respond and how well you manage yourself. I understand everyone is different, but I encourage you to consider these points and apply them during your interview. Hopefully, this advice will benefit you.
 

In this article, I will cover:
 

• Tips and advice for interviews
   
• How to prepare for common interview questions
   
• The benefits of being prepared for an interview
   

7 Tips & Advice Before You Go To An Interview

Note these tips and ensure you follow them before any interview to have a smooth and successful experience.
 

1. Plan What To Share In Your Interview

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in an interview is oversharing or not sharing enough about yourself. Often, people end up sharing things they shouldn’t.
 

So, my first tip is to plan. Make a list of things you should share and things you should avoid.
 

 

 

For example, you should share:

• Your relevant experience, achievements, and skills.
   
• Why are you interested in working for the company and wanting the job?
   
• How are you a problem-solver? What are some examples of work challenges, and how did you overcome them?
   
• Your work ethic and attitude toward teamwork and collaboration.
   
• If you have any questions about the job, company, or work environment?
   

You should avoid sharing:

• Negative comments about your previous company or ex-colleagues.
   
• There are too many personal details unless specifically asked.
   
• Your expected salary unless they ask first.
   
• Do you have any doubts about whether you can do the job?
   
• False or exaggerated information about your skills, qualifications, or achievements.

2. Walk In With A Story To Tell

By “story,” I don’t mean sharing your favourite movie or TV show plot. You need to tell your story.
 

As mentioned earlier, your story should highlight your relevant skills. Be specific about the skills you choose to share. Not all skills are relevant to every job, so decide in advance which ones to mention.
 

Share your job experiences and examples or feedback that show your abilities. Also, communicate your expectations of the company. The goal is to present a narrative that helps the hiring manager understand who you are and what you bring to the table.

 

For Example: 

• In my last job, I helped improve our social media pages. We gained 35 new followers in six months by analysing audience preferences and making adjustments.
   
• I worked with my team on a project that streamlined processes, resulting in a 15% cost reduction.
   
• I handled customer complaints effectively, which led to a 20% improvement in our ratings within three months.
   
• I consistently exceeded my sales targets, achieving 30% above my goal last quarter while building strong customer relationships.
   
• I developed a tool that automated tasks, saving us ten work hours per week.
   
• I organised weekly team meetings, which improved communication and helped us complete projects 25% faster.
   
• I introduced a new content-sharing strategy, increasing online engagement by 40% in just two months.

 

3. Don’t Walk-In Unprepared For Your Interview

Going into an interview without preparation can cost you the job, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s important to be ready for what’s coming. Instead of waiting for the interviewer to ask questions, think about the information you want to share and prepare your answers ahead of time. This way, you can confidently share your skills and experiences, even if the hiring manager doesn’t ask about them directly.
 

Craft everything you want to say carefully and remember to share all the important points, even if they weren’t specifically asked.
 

For Example: 

A cricket coach can not expect the cricketers to play without any preparation and hope that they will win. The coach must put in some effort and prepare the team to ensure victory.
 

Similarly, when going for a job interview, prepare yourself for certain things earlier. 
 

4. Get A Healthy Meal Before Your Interview 

Eating a healthy meal a few hours before an interview is important to help you stay focused and energised during the interview.
 

For example, healthy meal options include:

• Avocado
• Whole eggs
• Yoghurt
• Oatmeal
• Bananas
• Almonds
• Whole-grain toast
• Spinach

These foods are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which help you feel fresh, alert, and calm.
 

In addition to food, you can also have green tea or coffee before your interview to stay focused. However, make sure to have them a couple of hours beforehand. Drinking them too close to the interview can make you overly energetic and might cause you to say things you shouldn’t.
 

5. Get Dressed According To The Role

It’s important to dress appropriately for the role you are applying for and to follow the company's dress code. Researching the company’s dress standards will help you make a good impression.

 

 

For example:

• If you’re applying to a formal company, like a bank, wear a suit with a tie or a blouse with a skirt.
   
• If the workplace is more casual, you can choose stylish outfits, but ensure they are appropriate, clean, and polished for the work environment.

Dressing inappropriately can harm the office culture, and you don’t want to leave a bad impression on the staff and employers.
 

Generally, it's safer to opt for formal attire rather than casual. Remember, the first impression is lasting. You can dress more casually once you are hired and familiar with the office environment.
 

6. Get Enough Sleep 

Getting enough sleep is essential for being awake and alert during an interview. A good night's rest helps you focus on body language, tone, posture, mindset, and the relationship between you and the interviewer. Without sufficient sleep, you may feel absent-minded and struggle to anticipate what the interviewer is saying or asking.
 

 

7. Switch Off Your Cell Phone

I won’t tell you not to bring your phone to the interview—you might need it. However, if you do, ensure it’s turned off or silenced. A ringing phone can distract you and the interviewers, and you don’t want to leave a negative impression.
 

Additionally, if you have any reminders or alarms, turn them off before the interview.
 

 

8. Choose The Quickest Route 

Arriving late to an interview can be a candidate's worst nightmare. To avoid this, wake up early, leave home on time, and choose the fastest route to your interview. You can use navigation apps like Google Maps to check for traffic conditions, roadblocks, or the shortest route to ensure you arrive on time.
 

Get Prepared for the most common interview questions

Candidates often feel more nervous about interview questions than anything else. The best way to ease this anxiety is to prepare for the most common interview questions and practice answering them honestly before your interview. This preparation can significantly help you during the interview.
 

Here are some common interview questions to ask yourself and jot down your answers based on the previous tips:
 

• What motivated me to apply for this role?
   
• Why am I excited about this position?
   
• What are the top three skills I want to highlight to the hiring manager?
   
• What trends or developments in this company or industry do I want to discuss?
   
• What are the top five examples or situations I want to share, regardless of the questions asked?
   

You can also read additional resources to learn how to effectively answer the most frequently asked interview questions.
 

Benefits Of Getting Prepared For An Interview 

Preparing for your interview has numerous benefits that can help you secure your desired job. Here are a few points to motivate you to prepare thoroughly:
 

• Boost Your Confidence: Knowing possible questions and their answers will automatically increase your confidence, reducing stress and anxiety.
   
• Identify Weaknesses: Preparation allows you to pinpoint your weak areas and work on them before the interview. Practising through mock interviews can help you improve.
   
• Clarify Confusions: By determining where you feel unsure, you can address those issues individually.
   
• Positive Mindset: Being prepared helps you walk into the interview with a positive attitude and a clear mind.
   
• Improve Communication: Preparation enhances your speech and helps you speak clearly.
   
• Posture Awareness: It also makes you more aware of your posture during the interview.
   
• Know the Company and Interviewer: Preparation enables you to identify the company and interviewer, including memorising their names and roles so you don’t make mistakes.
   
• Prepare Questions: Come prepared with questions for them, especially about the role. Write these down and review them before the interview.
   
• Recall Relevant Experiences: Collect stories from your previous jobs that you want to share with the hiring manager. Avoid negative comments about your former employers.
   

Lastly, following these tips, you can approach your interview positively, communicate clearly, and leave a lasting impression.