Tips When Interviewing: Best Interview Tips, Questions & Job Interview Preparation Guide

Reviewed by the OnJob Editorial Team — career researchers covering jobs, salaries and hiring across India. Questions? editorial@onjob.io

The most useful tips when interviewing come down to one idea: an interview is a structured conversation, not an interrogation. The employer wants to know whether you can do the job and whether you will fit the team, so your job is to answer clearly, give real examples, and stay composed. Get those basics right and most of the nervousness fades.

This guide walks through how to prepare, what to do on the day, the techniques that make answers land, and the common mistakes that quietly cost candidates the offer.

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Prepare Before the Interview

Most interviews are won or lost in the preparation, long before you walk into the room. Spend an hour the day before doing the following:

• Read the job description twice and note the three skills it emphasises most.
• Research the company: what it sells, who its customers are, and any recent news.
• Re-read your own resume so you can speak to every line on it.
• Prepare two or three stories from past work or study that show real results.
• Plan your route and outfit so the morning is stress-free.

A candidate who can connect their experience to the role’s actual needs always sounds more convincing than one giving rehearsed, generic answers. A quick pass through a clean, well-structured resume builder helps you walk in with a document you can speak to confidently.

How to Attend the Interview With Confidence

The first impression is set in the opening minutes, so handle the practical details well:

• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, never late.
• Dress one level smarter than the company’s everyday norm.
• Carry two or three printed copies of your resume.
• Greet the interviewer warmly, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake.
• Switch your phone to silent before you sit down.

These small signals tell the interviewer you take the opportunity seriously, which earns goodwill before the first real question.

Use the STAR Method for Answers

When an interviewer asks “Tell me about a time when…”, the STAR method keeps your answer focused instead of rambling:

• Situation — set the scene in one or two sentences.
• Task — explain what you were responsible for.
• Action — describe the specific steps you took.
• Result — share the outcome, with a number if you have one.

For example, a store supervisor might describe rising customer complaints (situation), their goal to fix the queue (task), the new billing process they introduced (action), and the shorter average wait that followed (result). Concrete results are far more memorable than vague claims of being “hard-working”.

Listen and Communicate Clearly

Strong interview skills are as much about listening as talking. Hear the full question before you answer, and if something is unclear, it is fine to ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase it. Speak at a steady pace, avoid filler words, and pause briefly to think rather than rushing into a half-formed reply. This shows composure and respect, which interviewers consistently rate highly.

Interview Dos and Don’ts

Do	Don’t
Dress neatly and appropriately	Wear casual or untidy clothes
Arrive early and unhurried	Show up late or flustered
Listen fully, then answer	Interrupt or talk over the interviewer
Stay positive about past roles	Criticise former employers or colleagues
Back up claims with examples	Give vague, unprepared answers
Ask one or two thoughtful questions	Leave with no questions at all

Ending with a smart question, such as how success is measured in the role, signals genuine interest and leaves a strong final impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tips when interviewing?

Research the company and role, prepare real examples using the STAR method, arrive early and well-dressed, listen carefully, and stay positive throughout.

How do I attend an interview professionally?

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, dress appropriately, carry copies of your resume, greet the interviewer politely, and communicate calmly and clearly.

How can I face interview questions confidently?

Practise common questions in advance, structure your answers, and take a brief pause to think before responding rather than rushing.

What are the most important interview skills?

Clear communication, active listening, confidence, and the ability to give specific, results-focused examples.

What preparation is necessary before an interview?

Research the company, re-read the job description and your resume, and prepare two or three strong examples of your past work.

What are common interview dos and don’ts?

Do be punctual, prepared, and respectful. Don’t interrupt, speak negatively about past employers, or attend without preparation.

Conclusion

Good interview performance is a skill you can practise, not a talent you either have or lack. Prepare thoroughly, answer with real examples, listen well, and treat the conversation as a two-way fit. With that mindset, each interview becomes a genuine chance to move your career forward.