Your CV got you the interview. Now it's your turn to show what you can do. Whether you're attending your first interview or have 15 years of experience, preparation matters. Before you walk into the interview room — or join that video call — take three minutes to run through this checklist. ✅ 1. Know the company ☐ What does the company actually do? ☐ Who are its customers? ☐ What interests you about working there? Tip: Don't just repeat the company website. Explain what genuinely interests you. ✅ 2. Understand the job ☐ Have you read the job description again? ☐ What are the three most important skills required? ☐ How does your experience match those requirements? Tip: Be ready to explain why your experience is relevant to this particular role. ✅ 3. Prepare your answer to “Tell me about yourself” ☐ Can you introduce yourself in 60–90 seconds? ☐ Can you explain your experience, strengths and career direction? ☐ Can you connect your background to the job? Try this simple structure: Who you are professionally. What relevant experience or strengths you bring. Why this opportunity interests you. Avoid reciting your entire CV. Give the interviewer a reason to want to know more. ✅ 4. Prepare three examples of your work ☐ A problem you solved. ☐ An achievement you're proud of. ☐ A challenge, mistake or setback you learned from. For each example, explain: Situation: What happened? Action: What did YOU do? Result: What changed because of your actions? Whenever possible, include evidence — numbers, outcomes, improvements or feedback. Remember: saying “I'm a good problem-solver” is a claim. Explaining how you solved a difficult problem is evidence. ✅ 5. Know your own CV ☐ Can you explain every job and major project listed? ☐ Can you explain career gaps or frequent job changes honestly? ☐ Are your achievements accurate and easy to explain? ☐ Can you describe your actual contribution to team results? If something is on your CV, be prepared to discuss it. ✅ 6. Prepare for the difficult questions Think about how you would answer: Why do you want to leave your current job? What is your greatest weakness? Tell me about a time you failed. Why should we hire you? What are your salary expectations? Be honest, constructive and specific. Avoid speaking negatively about former employers or colleagues. ✅ 7. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer An interview is also your opportunity to assess the employer. Choose two or three questions: ☐ What would success look like in the first six months? ☐ What are the biggest challenges facing the person in this role? ☐ How would you describe the team's working culture? ☐ What are the next steps in the interview process? Good questions show that you're thinking about the job beyond simply getting an offer. ✅ 8. Check the practical details For an in-person interview: ☐ Confirm the address, interview time and transport route. ☐ Plan to arrive around 10–15 minutes early. ☐ Dress appropriately for the company and role. ☐ Bring your CV and any requested documents. For a video interview: ☐ Test your camera, microphone and internet connection. ☐ Check your background and lighting. ☐ Keep your phone on silent and close unnecessary applications. ☐ Join a few minutes early. ✅ 9. Prepare your mindset ☐ Get enough rest. ☐ Remind yourself of your strengths and achievements. ☐ Take a breath before answering difficult questions. ☐ Listen carefully instead of rushing to respond. You don't need to have a perfect answer to every question. You need to communicate clearly, think honestly and demonstrate how you approach problems. ✅ 10. Remember what the interviewer really needs to know Your qualifications tell the interviewer what you have studied. Your CV tells them where you have worked. But your examples help them understand what you can actually do. Think about the evidence you can demonstrate: Skills: What can you do? Ownership: What did you personally take responsibility for? Results: What impact did you make? Learning: How have you improved through experience? Don't just tell the interviewer you're capable. Show them why. Before you go, ask yourself one final question: If the interviewer remembers only ONE thing about me, what should it be? Have a clear answer. You don't need to be the most impressive person in the room. You need to help the interviewer understand the value you could bring to their team. Good luck with your interview! Brought to you by Recruit123 — Making Recruitment as Easy as 1, 2, 3. Explore Recruit123 at https://www.recruit-123.com/ for recruitment resources and opportunities.