6 important steps after you’ve confirmed your interview schedule
You’ve landed an interview—now what?
You just received that long-awaited email confirming your interview schedule. Excitement rushes in, but so does a new question: what should you do now? Some candidates might sit back and wait for the big day, while others might start worrying about how to prepare. The good news? You don’t have to guess. There are key steps you can take to maximize your chances of success. Let’s break down what you should be doing next to walk into your interview with confidence.
Research the company beyond the basics
Most candidates skim the company’s website, but the truly prepared ones dive deeper. Check the About Us section, review the company’s mission and values, and explore their latest news or industry achievements. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also allow you to ask thoughtful ones. For example, if a company’s mission focuses on innovation, you could ask, “Your company emphasizes innovation as a core value. Can you share an example of how this has influenced recent projects or company decisions?” Smart questions show you’re genuinely interested in the role and organization.
Prepare for common and unexpected questions
You might think you can wing it, but great candidates rehearse answers to common interview questions. Review standard questions about your strengths, weaknesses, and past experiences. But what about those tricky, unexpected questions? Instead of panicking, have a strategy in place. If you don’t know the answer, be honest and pivot: “I haven’t encountered that exact situation before, but here’s how I would approach it…” This shows problem-solving skills and adaptability—two qualities employers value.
Craft compelling stories to illustrate your experience
Facts and figures on a resume only go so far. When asked about your skills, don’t just list them—tell a story. Reflect on your past experiences and think about specific examples that demonstrate your abilities. A strong story structure (the challenge, the action you took, and the outcome) makes your responses memorable. For example, instead of simply saying you’re a great team player, describe a time when your collaboration led to a successful project. This storytelling approach makes your qualifications stand out and leaves a lasting impression on interviewers.
Record and practice your responses
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you struggle with social anxiety or overthink your responses. A great way to prepare is by recording yourself answering questions. Listen back to refine your tone, eliminate filler words, and improve your confidence. If it’s a video interview, practice looking directly at the camera and maintaining good posture. Consider placing sticky notes with key points on the side of your screen as subtle reminders. The more you practice, the more natural and polished your answers will become.
Research the interviewer and company culture
If you know who will be interviewing you, look them up on LinkedIn to understand their role and background. This can help you tailor your responses and build rapport during the conversation. Additionally, research the company’s culture through employee reviews and social media. If collaboration is a key company value, you can highlight your teamwork skills. If innovation is emphasized, showcase your adaptability. Understanding the culture allows you to align your answers with what the company values most.
Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer
The “Do you have any questions for us?” part of the interview isn’t just a formality—it’s an opportunity to stand out. Avoid generic questions about salary or benefits early on. Instead, ask insightful questions that show genuine interest, such as:
- “What do you enjoy most about working here?”
- “What challenges is the team currently facing, and how could this role help address them?”
- “How does the company support employee growth and development?”
These questions not only provide valuable information for you but also demonstrate curiosity and engagement.
The final takeaway: what you do after matters just as much as what you do before
Securing an interview is a huge step, but how you prepare in the days leading up to it can make all the difference. Researching the company, practicing responses, and crafting compelling stories will give you an edge over other candidates. Most importantly, preparing thoughtful questions and understanding company culture shows that you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for this job. Take these steps seriously, and you’ll walk into your interview feeling confident and ready to impress.
👉🏻 First job: How to choose? Free advice that pays off
👉🏻 Free training programs to equip you with green skills
👉🏻 How Puty Puar is leading climate action in Indonesia through creative advocacy