5 pre interview hacks to crack ANY interview

Preparing for an interview can be stressful, but there are simple, effective steps you can take to improve your chances of success. Here are five pre-interview hacks that can help you impress any hiring manager and feel confident walking into any interview.

"Confidence is preparation. Everything else is beyond your control." – Richard Kline

Research the Company Thoroughly

Understanding the company you’re interviewing with is essential. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and helps you tailor your answers to what the company values.

How to Do It:

- Start with the company’s website, especially the "About Us" and "Mission & Values" sections.

- Check recent news about the company, their industry, or major projects they’ve launched.

- Find out who you’ll be interviewing with, if possible, and look them up on LinkedIn to get a sense of their role and background.

Why It Works:

Knowing the company’s goals, challenges, and industry position helps you highlight how you can add specific value, making your answers stand out as both informed and relevant.

Practice Common Interview Questions

Interviews usually cover a mix of technical skills and behavioral questions. Practicing your answers ahead of time helps you communicate clearly and confidently without feeling like you’re memorizing lines.

How to Do It:

- Write down answers to common questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want to work here?”

- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions with real-life examples from your experience.

- Practice with a friend, family member, or even in front of a mirror to get comfortable with your answers.

Why It Works:

Practicing helps reduce nervousness, and having thoughtful, clear responses prepared shows you’re well-prepared and self-aware.

3. Prepare Your Own Questions to Ask

Interviews are a two-way conversation, so having a few questions ready for your interviewer shows that you’re engaged and curious about the role and the company.

How to Do It:

- Think of questions that show your interest in the company, like “What are the biggest challenges for this role?” or “How does the company support employee growth?”

- Avoid questions that can easily be answered with a quick search, like “What does the company do?”

- Consider asking about team culture, future projects, or how success is measured in the role.

Why It Works:

Asking questions shows that you’ve done your homework and are serious about finding the right fit. It also helps you learn more about whether this job is the right one for you.

4. Dress for Confidence and Comfort

Choosing what to wear may seem minor, but it can have a big impact on your confidence. Dressing appropriately for the company’s culture while feeling comfortable helps you present yourself as professional and self-assured.

How to Do It:

- Check the company’s website or social media to see if it has a formal or more casual dress code.

- Aim for professional attire that fits well and feels comfortable, as discomfort can be a distraction.

- Keep it simple with neutral colors, minimal accessories, and well-groomed hair to make sure you look polished.

Why It Works:

Dressing confidently helps you focus on the interview rather than on your appearance, and looking put-together makes a strong first impression.

5. Visualize Your Success

It might sound strange, but mentally visualizing yourself succeeding in the interview can help boost your confidence. Visualizing success can reduce stress, keep your thoughts positive, and help you focus on your strengths.

How to Do It:

- Close your eyes and imagine yourself entering the interview room, shaking hands with the interviewer, and answering questions with ease.

- Picture yourself feeling calm, confident, and well-prepared throughout the process.

- Take a few deep breaths before the interview to center yourself and keep your nerves at bay.

Why It Works:

Visualization is a powerful tool that athletes and performers often use to build confidence. It helps you go into the interview feeling positive and focused, which can make a big difference.

Interviews can be intimidating, but with the right preparation, you can walk in with confidence. By researching the company, practicing questions, preparing your own questions, dressing professionally, and visualizing your success, you set yourself up for a strong interview performance. Remember, preparation and confidence are key, and these five hacks will help you bring both to any interview!