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How to prepare for a job interview

Your résumé and cover letter are what get you a job interview, a job interview is what gets you a job. This is precisely why it’s so important to prepare effectively for a job interview. Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Know the interview details

  • Ask about the interview format – will it take place virtually or in person?

  • Ask about the hiring committee – how many interviewers, who are they?

  • How long will the interview be?

  • Will there be a technical component/test/presentation?

Note: For co-op/WIL experience interviews, if the employer chooses to provide any of this information, it will be available to you on WaterlooWorks.

 Research the company/organization

Become familiar with the position and the organization so that you can demonstrate your interest in and suitability for the job. Review the company website and, if you have a contact at the organization, consider speaking with them to learn more. A commonly asked interview question is: “What do you know about our company?” Answering this question effectively will likely impress employers.

 Reflect on the job description

A helpful strategy for preparing for a job interview is to try and predict what questions the interviewer(s) may ask you about. To get a sense of this, it’s very important to closely analyze the job posting and description. Note what the employer is looking for in the following areas: experience, education, knowledge, technical skills, transferrable skills and personal attributes.

 Prepare personal examples

To impress an employer, you must understand the value of what you have to offer. To effectively demonstrate your suitability for the position and your value to the organization, you must know yourself. Be prepared to give examples to substantiate all claims in your résumé. Note examples from your personal, work, volunteer or educational experiences that speak to what you’ve identified the employer is looking for. Some individuals find it helpful to identify the top five points they wish to cover during an interview.

 Practice answering questions

To increase your confidence for an interview, practice, practice, practice! By practicing responses out loud, you can hear your answers and assess their effectiveness. You can practice on your own, with a trusted friend or mentor or by booking an interview appointment at the Centre for Career Development.

Tip: Practice interview questions are available

 Prepare relevant documents

Have copies of your cover letter, résumé, references’ contact information and/or portfolio with you at the interview.

Verbal and non-verbal communication

What you say is important during a job interview, but so is how you say it. Here are some tips for communicating successfully, verbally and non-verbally, during an interview:

Verbal communication:

  • Avoid speaking too quickly as this can result in the interviewer(s) missing important information

  • Respond to questions concisely, but give sufficient details to enable the interviewer to evaluate your credentials

  • Keep your responses as organized as possible; it’s quite acceptable to pause before talking in order to organize your thoughts, or ask for a moment to gather your thoughts

  • Use professional language and avoid slang – industry jargon is totally acceptable and encouraged!

  • Try your best to minimize filler words such as “um,” “ah,” or “you know,”

  • Try to remember and use the name of the interviewer(s) throughout the interview

Non-verbal communication:

  • Smile when appropriate

  • Show enthusiasm through body language and tone of voice

  • Show responsiveness through body language (e.g., nodding your head)

  • Consider how you might make eye contact during the interview.

  • More information about this is available in the Exploring Workplace Culture section.

  • Sit comfortably without slouching

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