You're preparing for a job interview. What are the most important things to remember?

2 Review your resume

Your resume is the first impression you make on the interviewer, so you want to make sure it is accurate, relevant, and professional. Review your resume carefully and be ready to explain any gaps, changes, or achievements in your work history. Highlight the skills, qualifications, and accomplishments that match the job description and the company's goals. Also, prepare some examples or stories that illustrate your strengths, skills, and values in action.

3 Practice your answers

One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to practice your answers to common and behavioral questions. Common questions are general inquiries about your background, skills, motivation, and fit for the role. Behavioral questions are specific scenarios that ask you to describe how you handled a situation, task, or challenge in the past. To answer these questions effectively, use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This will help you structure your answer and provide concrete evidence of your abilities and achievements.

4 Dress appropriately

The way you dress for an interview can affect how you are perceived by the interviewer and how you feel about yourself. Therefore, you want to dress appropriately for the role, the company, and the industry. Choose an outfit that is clean, comfortable, and professional, and that reflects your personality and confidence. Avoid anything that is too casual, flashy, or distracting. Also, pay attention to your grooming, hygiene, and accessories.

6 Follow up after the interview

After the interview, don't forget to follow up with a thank you note or email to the interviewer. This is a chance to express your appreciation, restate your interest, and reinforce your qualifications for the role. You can also use this opportunity to address any questions or concerns that were not covered during the interview, or to provide additional information or references. Send your follow up message within 24 hours of the interview, and keep it brief, professional, and personalized.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?