The first 90 seconds of an interview are the most crucial because it’s during this time that recruiters decide whether or not you’re the person they’re looking for. This means that making a strong first impression is everything. The way you carry yourself, your overall demeanour and how you answer questions can determine the outcome of the interview before you even start talking about your skills and experience.

Let’s explore how you can get ready for an interview and make a very good first impression.

Research the company and job role

Research is crucial before an interview, so make sure that you study the company thoroughly beforehand. Learn about their mission, vision, culture and values. By understanding the company, you can tailor your answers and show them that you align with their goals. If you used an AI job matching platform to find this job, see if the platform can also provide you with some valuable insights about the company.

After this, make sure to review the job description carefully. Understand exactly what the job requires and how well your skills and experience match these requirements. Also, don’t forget to take notes of certain kinds of experiences you have, so that you can demonstrate how you plan to succeed in the job if given the role.

Also, try to research your interviewers if you can. Check LinkedIn or the company website to learn about their interests and background. This allows you to connect with them on a more personal level and ask relevant and thoughtful questions. When you make an effort and prepare this way, you show the interviewer that you’re well-informed, proactive and genuinely interested in the job, which are qualities every employer looks for in a candidate.

Know your own CV

When you get ready for an interview, don’t forget to look at your CV again. A well-made CV can tell the interviewer your professional story; however, you must know your own CV from top to bottom to explain it to the interviewer. Begin by going through your CV thoroughly. Make sure to prepare to discuss your achievements by using measurable results. For example, don’t just tell the interviewer you “managed a sales team”; tell them that you “led a sales team and increased sales by 10% in just one month.”

Your resume tells your professional story, but during the interview, you need to be ready to bring it to life. Start by reviewing your resume carefully. Be prepared to discuss achievements using measurable metrics. For example, instead of saying, “Managed a sales team", you might say, “Led a team of 10 to increase sales by 20% over six months.”

Also, be prepared to explain any employment gaps or career path changes in your CV. Be completely honest with your explanation and answer confidently. Employers greatly value transparency, and by positively framing your career changes, you could turn a potential concern into a plus point.

Practise how you’re going to explain your key experiences. When you can confidently narrate your achievements, you can make your answers sound more compelling and memorable.

Prepare questions to ask

Interviews are a two-way conversation. While the interviewer is asking you questions, you have the opportunity to do the same to learn more about the company and the job. So, prepare some thoughtful questions in advance. Some effective questions you can ask are:

“What does success look like in this role?”
“How does the team measure performance?”
“What opportunities are there for professional growth?”

Make sure not to bring up the salary too early in the interview, unless the interviewer themselves brings it up. The goal here is to show the interviewer that you’re focused on the role and the organisation and not just what you’re getting from them. Avoid bringing up salary or benefits too early unless prompted.

Dress for success

As the saying goes, “appearances are everything”. When you get ready for an interview, make sure that you dress professionally. But make sure that your attire also matches the company’s culture. For example:

Formal settings: suit or professional business attire
Business casual offices: smart shirt or blouse, tailored pants or skirt
Tech or creative industries: casual-smart attire

Don’t forget to pay attention to accessories, footwear and proper grooming. Most importantly, always choose an outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in. When you feel comfortable in your own clothes, your confidence gets a boost, and you can make a strong first impression.

Body language and non-verbal communication

It’s not just verbal communication that’s important in an interview; non-verbal cues are just as important. Body language, like facial expressions, posture, and gestures, can show your professionalism and confidence. Here are some helpful tips:

Offer a firm handshake (if culturally appropriate)
Maintain eye contact without staring
Sit up straight and avoid fidgeting
Smile naturally and nod to show engagement

Effective body language reinforces your verbal communication and ensures you’re remembered positively.

Day-of-interview tips

On the day of the interview, make sure to arrive early. Being punctual shows that you are reliable and that you respect the interviewer’s time. Bring some essentials, such as:

Extra copies of your resume
Portfolio or work samples
Reference list
Notepad and pen for taking notes

Above all, stay calm and collected. If you get the chance, practise deep breathing and do a few mindfulness exercises on the days leading up to the interview. Remember, confidence isn’t just about knowing what you're talking about; it’s also about professionally carrying yourself.

Follow-up etiquette

After the interview, make sure to follow up with the company. Send them a “thank you” email a few hours after the interview. Here are a few things your email should include:

Thank the interviewer for their time
Highlight specific insights or moments from the conversation
Reiterate your enthusiasm and fit for the role
Be concise and professional

This final step shows professionalism and leaves a positive lasting impression.

Now you know how to get ready for an interview

Interviews can seem scary, even if you’ve had many over the course of your career. When you get ready for an interview, remember that you’re not just going to answer some questions; you’re going to show the interviewer exactly why you’re the best fit for the job and how far you’ll go in the company.

FAQs

How early should I arrive for an interview?

Arrive 10–15 minutes early. This shows punctuality and gives you time to compose yourself.

How can I handle nerves before an interview?

Take deep breaths, practise positive visualisation, and review your key talking points. Mock interviews can also reduce anxiety.

Should I ask about salary in the first interview?

Only bring up salary if the interviewer initiates the topic. Focus first on the role, company culture, and your fit.