Interview Preparation Step-by-Step

From company research to practicing answers. A checklist ensuring you won't forget anything and succeed.

An invitation to an interview is the first big success – your CV caught their attention, and the company wants to get to know you personally. That feeling of joy is often replaced by nervousness known to everyone. Whether you are changing jobs after years, looking for your first position, or returning from parental leave, proper preparation will give you certainty and calm. Let's go through all the important steps that await you together.

1. Know the Company That Wants You

Imagine that right at the beginning of the interview, the question arises: "Why do you want to work right here with us?" Your answer can decide your success. That is why you need to do your homework and find out:

  • What the firm does – main products, services, position on the market

  • Company values and culture – what is important to them, how they communicate

  • Current news – expansions, new projects, successes

  • Who will interview you – find their profile on LinkedIn

Tip from practice: One of our candidates won a CFO position partly because he mentioned an article about the firm's expansion published just a week before the interview. It showed the team genuine interest and preparedness.

2. Prepare Answers to Key Questions

Some questions appear at almost every interview. Prepare authentic answers for them:

"Tell me something about yourself"
Prepare a 2-3 minute story about your professional path. Emphasize experience relevant to the specific position.

"What are your strong and weak points?"
Be specific and sincere. Regarding weak points, always mention how you are working on them.

"Why are you leaving your current job?"
Speak positively – you are looking for new challenges, you want to develop, the company's brand appeals to you. Never badmouth a former employer.

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
Show ambition, but stay realistic. Connect your goals with the possibilities within the firm.

3. First Impressions Matter

Clothing

  • Business casual is a safe choice for most companies

  • For corporations and banks, choose a more formal outfit

  • For startups and creative agencies, it can be looser

  • Always applies: cleanliness, neatness, and comfort

Our tip: Try on your outfit the day before. You will feel more confident knowing it fits well and is comfortable.

Early Arrival

  • Plan the journey with a 15-minute buffer

  • Check the location and parking options

  • Account for possible traffic complications

  • Enter the building 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time

4. Your Body Language Speaks

Your non-verbal communication makes up up to 55% of the overall impression:

  • Firm handshake – not crushing, but not a "dead fish"

  • Eye contact – maintain it during the conversation without staring

  • Upright posture – self-confidence without arrogance

  • Open gestures – don't cross your arms, it signals defensiveness

  • Smile – natural and relaxed

5. Etiquette That Pleases

Small details make a professional impression:

  • Phone turned off or on silent mode

  • Wait to be invited to sit

  • Accept offered refreshments – it shows you are relaxed

  • Do not jump into speech, listen actively

  • At the end, thank them for their time and the opportunity

6. Your Questions = Your Interest

When they ask "Do you have any questions?", never say no. Prepare 3-4 inquiries:

  • "What does a typical working day look like in this position?"

  • "What are the biggest challenges the team is currently solving?"

  • "What do the possibilities for development and growth look like?"

  • "Is this a newly created position or a replacement?"

7. Don't Forget After the Interview

Send a short thank-you email within 24-48 hours:

  • Thank them for their time and a pleasant meeting

  • Reiterate your interest in the position

  • Optionally add information you forgot to mention

Example: "Dear Ms. Novak, thank you for today's pleasant meeting and for the time you dedicated to me. Our conversation confirmed that the position of Project Manager at your company is exactly what I am looking for. I look forward to your feedback. Best regards..."

Practical Checklist Before the Interview

Week before:

  • Study company web and current news

  • Prepare answers to typical questions

  • Choose and prepare clothing

  • Plan the route

Day before:

  • Confirm time and place

  • Print copies of CV

  • Prepare notebook and pen

  • Check outfit

On the interview day:

  • Quality breakfast/lunch

  • Arrive with a time buffer

  • Turn off phone

  • Take gum/mint (discard before entering!)

Conclusion

Remember that an interview is a two-way process. It is not just about you impressing the firm – you are also choosing where you will spend a significant part of your time. Be yourself, only in your best version.

We wish you lots of luck! And if you need help with preparation, our consultants will be happy to advise you. We will prepare you for the specifics of the specific company and help you shine.

Contact us at kandidati@no77.eu or +420 733 224 516.