Job searching can often feel overwhelming and bring with it questions around whether a potential opportunity is truly the best fit. However, with the right preparation, you can use the interview process as a tool to better understand how well the role and company align with your values, goals and what you need to thrive professionally.
Whether you're interviewing virtually or in-person, the below checklist can help ensure you're ready to put your best foot forward, while also gaining the insights needed to make a confident decision.
Research your interviewers. Find out as much as you can about the company before entering the interview, noting important information and any initial questions you have. Here are a few ideas for getting started:
Company website: Read through the company website, information about its services and value proposition, and then practice describing it in your own words. Note the company size, structure, leadership and history to understand what type of environment you'd be entering. Pay particular attention to the mission statement and core values.
Employee review sites (Glassdoor, Indeed): Check out what current and past employees say about the company, looking for culture insights and recurring themes about work-life balance, management styles, growth opportunities and overall employee satisfaction.
Social media pages: Often, corporate social media pages (LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, etc.) can provide the most “real-time” insight into the company and its activities. This can also offer a glimpse into its community involvement, employee events and how leadership positions themselves externally.
Recent press and news articles: View the company’s press room (if it has one) and do an online search to find any recent articles or news-making headlines.
LinkedIn employee profiles: Click to view the company’s current employees – are they sharing positive experiences and serving as company ambassadors? If you have any existing connections, you may want to reach out to them for additional insight. This is also an opportunity to scan for red flags around tenure—high turnover may signal underlying issues worth exploring in your interview.
Research your interviewers. Once you know who you'll be meeting with, review their LinkedIn profiles, corporate bios and any other information you can find. Understanding their roles and backgrounds can be especially helpful for better tailoring your questions and conversation points. You may also uncover shared interests or experiences that can help build rapport during the interview. When you do speak live, aim to mirror each interviewer’s conversation style and level of formality (while committing to authenticity and professionalism), to help further build connections.
Prepare thoughtful questions. Develop at least five questions that will help you better understand the company and expectations of the role, while also further demonstrating your interest. These questions provide an opportunity for the interviewer to expand upon what you’ve gathered from your research. This may include questions around team dynamics, growth opportunities or specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Asking about the interviewer's personal experience at the company can also yield valuable information while showing your genuine curiosity.
Practice answering common questions. In addition to refreshing your personal brand statement, be prepared to concisely answer questions about yourself and your experience. Review common behavioral interview questions to provide insight into your thought process and how you've handled situations in the past. Additionally, spend time thinking through your strengths, skills and accomplishments, as well as how they have prepared you for success in the role. Anecdotes and examples that illustrate your aptitude are especially helpful. Aim to connect your experiences directly to the requirements outlined in the job description, when possible.
Virtual Interviews: Set up your interview space. For virtual interviews, test your camera, microphone and internet connection at least a day before. Choose a quiet location with good lighting and a neutral, uncluttered background. Join the meeting several minutes early to ensure everything is working properly. Keep the job description, your resume and prepared questions where you can reference them during the interview, either printed or on a separate screen. Make sure to also have a notebook and pen available to take notes during your conversation, which can be helpful for follow up.
In-person Interviews: Prepare to make a positive in-person impression. If you’re required to go into the office for an interview, set yourself up for a smooth and low-stress arrival. Plan and prepare what you will wear a few days before, print off copies of your resume, and pack your bag ahead of time. Depending on the interview location, make sure you know how long it will take to get there and have planned out your method of transportation (whether it’s public transit, an Uber or parking logistics.) Plan to arrive early, providing ample padding for any unexpected issues that may arise.
Remember that interviews are not just about discussing your qualifications – they're an opportunity to gather information and assess whether the role and organization align with your professional goals and personal values. By doing your research ahead of time, preparing thoughtful questions and being intentional about what you want to uncover during the interview, you’ll be positioned to make informed and confident decisions about your next career move.