From Preparation to Follow-Up: How to Prepare for an Interview

Job interviews can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. Whether you’re a recent graduate entering the job market or a seasoned professional making a career transition, mastering the art of interviewing is crucial for landing your dream position. The key to interview success isn’t luck—it’s preparation, authenticity, and strategic follow-through.

The Foundation: Research and Preparation

Success in any interview begins long before you walk through the door (or log into that video call). Thorough preparation is your secret weapon for transforming interview anxiety into interview confidence.

Know Your Target Company Inside and Out

Start by diving deep into the company’s world. Visit their website, read recent press releases, and understand their mission, values, and culture. Look up the company’s competitors and recent industry developments. Check out employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor to get insider perspectives on the work environment.

Don’t stop at surface-level research. Identify key leadership figures, understand the company’s organizational structure, and familiarize yourself with their products or services. When you demonstrate genuine knowledge about the organization, you signal to interviewers that you’re serious about the opportunity.

Study the Job Description Like a Textbook

Print out the job description and annotate it. Highlight key qualifications and responsibilities, then prepare specific examples from your experience that demonstrate each requirement. If the posting mentions “project management skills,” have a concrete story ready about a project you successfully led from start to finish.

Master Your Own Story

Review your resume thoroughly and be prepared to elaborate on every point. Don’t just recite what’s written—be ready to tell the story behind each experience. What motivated you to take that internship? What did you learn from that challenging project? How did that volunteer experience shape your career goals?

Develop what career experts call “power stories”—four to five compelling narratives that showcase your skills, problem-solving abilities, and achievements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure these stories for maximum impact.

The Human Element: Building Rapport and Connection

Remember that interviews are fundamentally human interactions. Your interviewer isn’t trying to catch you off guard—they want to find the right person for their team.

Craft Your Elevator Pitch

Prepare a compelling 60-90 second introduction that goes beyond simply reciting your resume. Focus on your passions, motivations, and the unique value you bring. What drives you? What excites you about this field? Your enthusiasm should shine through from the very first question.

Be Authentically Yourself

Resist the temptation to be who you think the interviewer wants you to be. Approach the conversation as an opportunity for mutual discovery. You’re evaluating whether this role and company align with your goals just as much as they’re assessing your fit for the position.

If you’re naturally introverted, don’t try to become an extrovert for an hour. If you’re enthusiastic and animated, don’t force yourself into a stoic persona. Authenticity builds trust and helps interviewers envision you as a genuine team member.

Perfect Your Non-Verbal Communication

Your body language speaks volumes before you say a word. Arrive with good posture, maintain appropriate eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. If you’re interviewing virtually, look at the camera (not your screen) to simulate eye contact, and ensure your setup projects professionalism.

Take a moment before the interview to center yourself. Do some deep breathing, strike a power pose, or listen to music that boosts your confidence. Your physical state directly impacts your mental state.

During the Interview: Making a Lasting Impression

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare intelligent questions that demonstrate your research and genuine interest. Ask about company culture, growth opportunities, current challenges the team faces, or what success looks like in the first 90 days. Avoid questions you could easily answer with a Google search.

Research your interviewer on LinkedIn beforehand. If you discover shared connections, alma maters, or interests, find natural ways to mention these commonalities during your conversation.

Handle Curveball Questions with Grace

Every interview includes unexpected questions. When faced with something you didn’t anticipate, don’t panic. It’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment to think or ask for clarification. If you truly don’t know something, admit it honestly, then explain how you would go about finding the answer or learning the skill.

Focus on Value, Not Desperation

Instead of emphasizing what you lack, highlight what you bring to the table. Frame your responses around the value you can provide to the organization. Even if you’re missing certain qualifications, emphasize your willingness to learn and your transferable skills.

The Technical Details That Matter

Timing and Logistics

Arrive 10-15 minutes early for in-person interviews. For virtual interviews, log in a few minutes before your scheduled time. Test your technology beforehand, ensure you have a quiet space with good lighting, and have a backup plan for technical difficulties.

What to Bring

Carry multiple copies of your resume, a list of professional references, and a notepad with your prepared questions. Bring a reliable pen, but avoid taking extensive notes during the conversation—focus on engaging with your interviewer instead.

Professional Presentation

Dress appropriately for the company culture, generally erring on the side of being slightly more formal than the everyday office attire. Ensure your outfit is clean, pressed, and comfortable. Your appearance should never be a distraction from your qualifications.

After the Interview: Sealing the Deal

The Power of Thank-You Notes

Send personalized thank-you emails within 24 hours to everyone you met. Reference specific points from your conversation and reiterate your interest in the position. Consider following up with handwritten notes as well—this extra touch often sets candidates apart in a digital world.

Strategic Follow-Up

If you don’t hear back within the timeframe mentioned, send a polite follow-up email after a week or two. Express continued interest and ask about next steps in the process. This demonstrates persistence without being pushy.

Learn from Every Experience

Regardless of the outcome, treat each interview as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what went well and areas for improvement. The more you interview, the more comfortable and skilled you’ll become.

Virtual Interview Mastery

In today’s digital workplace, virtual interviews are increasingly common. Master the technology beforehand, create a professional background, and maintain the same level of formality you would for an in-person meeting. Remember to look at the camera, not your screen, to maintain “eye contact” with your interviewer.

Salary Discussions: Timing and Tactics

When salary comes up (and it eventually will), be prepared with research-backed ranges for your industry and location. Avoid bringing up compensation first, but when asked, provide a range based on market research rather than personal financial needs. Remember that negotiation is about creating mutual value, not winning or losing.

Your Next Step: CIAT Career Services

At California Institute of Applied Technology (CIAT), we understand that interviewing skills can make or break your career prospects. Our Career Services team offers personalized interview coaching, mock interview sessions, and workshops designed to give you the competitive edge you need in today’s job market.

Remember, a great interview starts with a great resume. Join us for one of our resume writing workshops where our expert career advisors will help you craft a compelling resume that gets you noticed by employers and sets you up for interview success.