Prepare by researching the employer and role, practicing answers to common questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), preparing three to five stories that show your strengths, bringing thoughtful questions, arriving early and sending a thank-you message within 24 hours.
Before the interview
- Research: Read the company website, recent news and the job description.
- Know your story: Prepare a 60–90 second answer to “Tell me about yourself.”
- Prepare STAR stories: Three to five examples showing teamwork, problem-solving, handling pressure, a mistake you learned from and a success.
- Practice out loud, with a friend or by recording yourself.
- Plan logistics: Route, parking, dress code, documents and copies of your resume.
The STAR method
| Step | What to say |
|---|---|
| Situation | Set the scene briefly |
| Task | What you needed to achieve |
| Action | What you did: the most important part |
| Result | What happened, ideally with a number, and what you learned |
Common questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want this job?
- Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer or coworker.
- What’s your greatest strength, and an area you’re improving?
- Where do you see yourself in a few years?
Every career on our site has job-specific interview questions, for example, medical assistant or electrician.
Questions to ask them
- What does success look like in the first 90 days?
- What training do new hires receive?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- What are the next steps in the process?
What to wear
Dress one step more formal than the daily dress code. For trades and warehouse roles, clean, neat work-appropriate clothes are fine; for office roles, business casual is a safe default.
After the interview
Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours that mentions something specific you discussed. If you don’t hear back by the expected date, follow up once politely.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive for an interview?
Arrive 10–15 minutes early. For video interviews, test your setup and log in five minutes early.
What if I don’t know an answer?
Be honest, explain how you would find the answer and connect it to a related experience.
Keep reading
How to Write a Resume That Gets Interviews
Step-by-step resume guide: the best format, what to include in each section, how to write results-focused bullet points, beat applicant tracking systems and avoid common mistakes.
How to Negotiate Salary (Scripts Included)
How to negotiate a job offer: research your market value with BLS data, choose your number, use simple scripts, negotiate benefits beyond pay and know when to accept.
Your First 90 Days in a New Job: A Week-by-Week Plan
How to succeed in the first 90 days of a new job: what to focus on in weeks one, four, eight and twelve, how to build relationships and how to get early wins without overstepping.