How to prepare for a job interview (2026)

A successful interview is 80% preparation and 20% delivery. Candidates who research the company beforehand, prepare concrete examples from past experience, and practice answers to the 8–10 most common questions receive offers significantly more often than those who rely on the moment.

1. Preparation before the interview

• Study the company in detail: what it does, who its customers are, recent news, competitors.
• Re-read the listing and prepare a concrete example from experience for every requirement.
• Check the LinkedIn profiles of your interviewers – look for common ground.
• Prepare a short intro (60 seconds) using a present–past–future structure.
• Check the salary calculator so you have a realistic idea of the range for your role.
• Test your setup: camera, microphone, lighting and a quiet space for video interviews.

2. Common questions and how to answer

• Tell us about yourself. Short summary: what you're doing now, two key achievements, why this role.
• Why do you want to work with us? Tie the company's values to your goals – prove you know who they are.
• What are your strengths? Pick 2–3 that are key for the listing and back each with an example.
• What are your weaknesses? An honest, non-critical gap + a concrete step you're taking to improve.
• Describe a difficult conflict. Use the STAR structure: situation, task, action, result.
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Show ambition that meaningfully connects to the role.
• What are your salary expectations? State a range justified by your experience and market data.

3. Questions to ask the employer

• What does success in this role look like in the first 90 days?
• Who will be my direct manager and how does team leadership work here?
• What are the team's biggest current challenges?
• What are the opportunities for growth and learning?
• What does a typical day look like and what's the approach to remote work?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

4. What to do after the interview

Within 24 hours, send a short thank-you message to your interviewer: thanks for their time, a summary of why the role excites you, and a brief addition to a point you discussed. If you don't hear back by the agreed date, one polite follow-up is fine. While you wait, don't pause your search: on Jobflick you can have several conversations open in parallel, which strengthens your negotiating position.