How to prepare for an interview - cutting through the noise

Job interviews can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s so much advice out there. Some sources tell you to focus on storytelling, others emphasize technical skills, and then there are the ever-changing interview trends. So, how do you know what to expect? Here’s how to cut through the noise and walk into your next interview with confidence.

Firstly, remember preperation is key to many facets of our lives, and a job interview is no different. Treat a job interview like a project. You do need to put some work in to be a success.

Consider the following points before you even walk in the door;

1. Research the Company and Industry Norms

Different industries have different interview styles. A startup might have a casual, conversational approach, while a corporate firm may follow a structured, multi-step process. Research the company’s interview format by:

Checking their website for hiring process insights
Reading Glassdoor or LinkedIn reviews for past candidate experiences
Looking at job descriptions for clues about key skills they value

2. Understand Common Interview Formats

Most interviews fall into a few categories:

Behavioral Interviews – “Tell me about a time when…” questions based on your past experiences.
Technical Interviews – Role-specific tests, common in IT, engineering, and finance.
Case Interviews – Problem-solving scenarios, used in consulting and some business roles.
Panel Interviews – Multiple interviewers at once, testing how you handle group dynamics.
Casual Chats – Less structured conversations, often in startups or creative industries.

Understanding which format to expect helps you prepare accordingly.

3. Prepare for Common Questions

While every interview is different, some questions come up repeatedly. Be ready for:

“Tell me about yourself.” Keep it concise and relevant to the role.
“Why do you want to work here?” Show knowledge of the company and enthusiasm for the role.
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Be honest but strategic—highlight strengths and frame weaknesses as growth areas.
“Describe a challenge you’ve faced and how you handled it.” Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer.

4. Expect Behavioral and Situational Questions

Companies are increasingly using behavioral and situational questions to assess soft skills like communication, adaptability, and teamwork. Practice responses to:

“How do you handle tight deadlines?”
“Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker.”
“What would you do if you made a mistake at work?”

5. Be Ready for Role-Specific Assessments

Some roles require specific assessments, such as:

Coding challenges (for developers)
Portfolio reviews (for creatives)
Writing tests (for content or communication roles)
Sales pitches (for sales positions)

If you're unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the recruiter or your company contact what to expect.

6. Prepare Smart Questions to Ask

Interviews are a two-way street. Asking thoughtful questions shows you’re engaged and serious about the role. Consider asking:

“What does success look like in this role?”
“What are the biggest challenges the team is facing?”
“How do you support employee growth and development?”

7. Expect Virtual or Hybrid Interviews

Many companies now use virtual interviews as the first step. Make sure to:

Test your tech beforehand
Find a quiet, well-lit space
Dress professionally, even if it’s online

8. Don’t Overthink It—Be Yourself

Ultimately, employers want to see if you're a good fit for the company. Authenticity goes a long way. Stay prepared, but also be yourself and let your personality shine.

By understanding the different interview formats, preparing for common questions, and doing company research, you’ll be able to walk into any interview with confidence. Do remember that you will need to consider the interviewer and their style / mood on the day.