Before the interview, thoroughly research the company. Visit their website, read recent news, and check out their social media to understand their values, culture, and products. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your answers to show you are a good fit for the company, and you will be able to ask insightful questions.

Know the job requirements inside and out. Understand the skills, responsibilities, and qualifications listed in the posting. Be prepared to connect your previous experiences to these key points, showing that you are well-suited for the role.

If possible, experience the company’s product or service firsthand. Whether it is a piece of software or a physical product, using it can give you deeper insights into what they do and help you communicate more authentically during the interview.

Look up the people who will be interviewing you. LinkedIn or the company’s team page can provide insights into their roles and backgrounds. This knowledge helps you connect more personally and tailor your responses to their specific interests or departments.

Make sure you know whether the interview will be phone, video, or in person. For phone interviews, make sure you are in a quiet space without any visual or audio distracters. (i.e. dogs barking, background conversations or being in overall louder areas.) For video interviews, ensure your technology works and the background is professional. In-person interviews require planning your commute and dressing appropriately for the office environment.

Think about the skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the job. Prepare examples that demonstrate how your strengths align with the company’s needs. This could be a particular technical skill, leadership experience, or problem-solving ability.

While each interview is different, some questions are almost always asked. Practice responses to questions like:

Dressing for the interview process is important to make a good first impression. Research the company’s dress code, whether it is business casual, formal, or more laid-back, and aim to slightly dress up. It is important to dress for the role you are aiming for from the first moment of the interview process, whether that is an introductory meeting with a recruiter, a video screening or the formal interview with the company itself.

Employers appreciate when candidates ask thoughtful questions. It shows you are genuinely interested in the role and company. Ask about team dynamics, company culture, challenges the team is facing, or opportunities for growth within the company.

Being prepared with key points or strengths you would like to highlight possibly 3-4 points that highlight key skills or successes that can relay to your value as a potential candidate. Rehearse your answers to key questions but avoid memorizing. Instead, focus on your key talking points and make sure you can elaborate on them in a natural, conversational manner. Practicing out loud can help you refine your delivery and sound more confident.

After the interview, send a thank-you note or email to the interviewers. This is your chance to reiterate your interest in the role, thank them for their time, and briefly restate why you are a great fit for the job. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a positive impression and set you apart from other candidates.

Throughout the interview, maintain a positive attitude and exhibit confidence in your abilities. Even if you are nervous, try to focus on your strengths and remain calm. A positive and confident demeanour shows that you believe in your qualifications and can handle challenges in the role.

Thorough preparation is key to acing a job interview. By researching the company, understanding the job requirements, and practicing your responses, you can approach the interview with confidence. Remember to highlight your strengths, dress appropriately, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. A thoughtful follow-up and insightful questions will leave a lasting impression. With these 12 essential tips, you can set yourself up for success and increase your chances of landing the job you desire.