The Complete Job Interview Guide: Preparation, Attire, Etiquette, and Every Step

Start with one important point:

A company is evaluating much more than whether you can perform the basic duties of the job.

Interviewers usually evaluate several aspects at the same time:

1. Can you do this job?

The first question is whether your skills and experience meet the role's requirements.

For example:

• Do you have any relevant work experience?
• Do you have the required technical skills?
• Can you solve the problems that come with the role?
• How quickly can you learn unfamiliar tasks?

2. Are you willing to do this job long-term?

Even if you are very capable, if the interviewer thinks you might quit after three months, they may not hire you.

That is why interviewers often ask:

• Why are you leaving your current or previous employer?
• Why do you want to join this company?
• Why are you interested in this role?
• What are your longer-term career goals?
• Can you accept the location, travel, or overtime requirements?

3. Are you someone easy to work with?

Modern work rarely relies entirely on one person.

Employers therefore pay attention to whether:

• You explain ideas clearly and logically;
• You listen when other people speak;
• You handle disagreement constructively;
• You show basic courtesy;
• You remain emotionally steady;
• You communicate comfortably with others.

4. Is what you say credible?

Many interview questions are actually part of "cross-validation."

For example, you might start by saying:

My strength is that I am very responsible.

The interviewer might then ask:

Can you give a specific example that demonstrates your responsibility?

If you can't come up with an example at all, the credibility of your previous statement will decrease.

Therefore, a very important principle in interviews is:

Say fewer empty adjectives and more concrete facts.

Instead of saying:

I have good communication skills.

It's better to say:

In my previous job, I was responsible for coordinating the sales and technical departments. Since both sides had different understandings of customer requirements, I compiled the customer's demands into a one-page requirement sheet and held a 15-minute confirmation meeting once a week. After that, the number of reworks was significantly reduced.

The latter is clearly more convincing.

The interview format varies from company to company, but generally goes through the following stages.

Stage One: Pre-interview contact

Usually confirmed through:

• Phone;
• Email；
• Recruitment websites;
• LinkedIn；
• WeChat;
• Company recruitment system

And so on.

At this stage, you need to confirm:

• Interview date;
• Start time;
• Company address;
• Online meeting link;
• Interview format;
• Number of interviewers;
• Whether documents are required to be brought;
• Whether there is a written exam, test, or work presentation.

If you're unfamiliar with the address, it's best to check the route a day in advance.

Don't wait until the day to search for where the company is.

Many job seekers' questions are not that they don't know how to answer, but that they simply haven't prepared in advance.

At minimum, the following things should be accomplished.

1. Review the job postings again

Don't just remember that you invested in this company.

Before the interview, you should reread the job description, paying special attention to:

• Job Responsibilities;
• Essential skills;
• Priority Conditions;
• Work experience required;
• Company products;
• Work location;
• Salary range;
• Working hours.

It's especially important to identify keywords that appear repeatedly in job postings.

For example, a company's recruitment requirements state:

We hope candidates will have data analysis skills, cross-departmental communication abilities, and project management experience.

Then you should prepare three cases in advance:

• One demonstrates data analysis capabilities;
• One demonstrates cross-departmental communication skills;
• One to prove project management experience.

This way, you won't be unprepared during the interview.

2. Understand the company

At least know:

• What the company mainly does;
• What are the main products?
• Who are the customers;
• Approximate company size;
• What do you do in the department you applied to?

If you don't even know the company's main business, it's easy for interviewers to think you're just a 'big investment.'

For example, the interviewer asks:

Why do you want to join our company?

Answer:

Because your company is developing very well, I feel it has great potential.

Almost no information.

A better way to put it is:

Previously, I mainly handled sales to corporate clients, and your company's main clients were also corporate clients. I read your company's product introduction and am currently expanding into XX fields, which is quite close to my client experience over the past two years, so I feel I can quickly apply my experience to this position.

3. Prepare a one-minute self-introduction

Do not make live improvisation.

A relatively practical structure is:

Who am I→ What have I done→ What am I good at→ Why am I here?

For example:

Hello, my name is Zhang Ming, and I have 5 years of B2B sales experience. For the past three years, I have mainly been responsible for manufacturing clients, handling everything from client development, requirements confirmation to contract negotiation, and handling everything independently. At the previous company, I met my annual sales targets for two consecutive years, with last year's completion rate being 118%. This time, I saw your company's sales position. Since the client base is quite similar to the industry I previously handled, I hope to learn more about this opportunity.

It's only a few dozen seconds, but the information is very complete.

In contrast, it is not recommended to spend a lot of time introding:

• Place of birth;
• Family members;
• Hobbies and interests;
• From elementary school to university.

Unless it's related to the position.

4. Prepare for Frequently Asked Questions

At least prepare in advance:

• Self-introduction;
• Why did they leave;
• Why choose this company;
• Why did you choose this position;
• Advantages;
• Weaknesses;
• The most successful thing;
• Biggest failure;
• How to handle difficulties;
• Why should we hire you?
• Plans for the next 3-5 years;
• Salary expectations.

You don't necessarily have to memorize the answers.

But at least know what you are prepared to say.

For an on-site interview, it is recommended to prepare a simple interview folder.

At a minimum, includes:

Resume

Even if you have already submitted online, it is best to bring 2~3 copies of your paper resume.

The reason is very simple:

Sometimes:

• The interviewer did not print it out in advance;
• Add an interviewer at the last minute;
• The company system cannot be opened;
• HR and business departments receive different versions of their resumes.

Preparing yourself can help you avoid a lot of awkward situations.

Work experience certificate

If your country or industry prefers to use detailed work experience reports, it is also recommended to prepare them.

Especially when job hunting in Japan, the following are often involved:

• Resume;
• Work history document.

Portfolio

Suitable for:

• Design;
• Advertising;
• Synopsis;
• Photography;
• Video;
• Program development;
• Architecture;
• Product Manager and other positions.

Don't just show the results of your work.

It's best to also state:

The question is→ what are you responsible for→ what do you do→ the final result

Pen and notebook

It is recommended to bring a black or blue pen with normal writing.

Main notes from the notebook:

• Job Responsibilities;
• Important information mentioned by the interviewer;
• Next round of arrangements;
• Prepare your own questions.

But don't keep your head down and take notes from start to finish.

The core of the interview remains communication.

Identification

Certain companies, office buildings, or factories require identification to enter.

If the other party asks in advance, don't forget it.

Company contact information

It is recommended to save on your phone:

• HR name;
• Contact phone number;
• Company address.

If you encounter:

• Tram delays;
• Unable to find the entrance;
• Sudden traffic jams;

You can contact them immediately.

The most important principle for dressing during an interview is not "how expensive to dress," but rather:

Clean, well-fitted, and suitable for industry environments.

Not necessarily.

There are significant differences between different positions.

Positions where formal suits are recommended are recommended

For example:

• Banks;
• Finance;
• Consultation;
• Law;
• Large traditional enterprises;
• Government-related positions;
• High-end sales;
• Management position.

In this case, it's better to be a bit more formal than overly casual.

A position suitable for business casual

For example:

• IT；
• startups;
• Advertisement;
• E-commerce;
• Product operations;
• Some internet companies.

You can consider:

Men:

• Shirts;
• Dress pants;
• Simple leather shoes;
• Suit jacket.

Women:

• Shirts or simple tops;
• Dress pants or knee-length skirt;
• Simple coat;
• Formal yet comfortable shoes.

Creative industries

For example:

• Fashion;
• Design;
• Entertainment;
• Fine arts.

You can appropriately express your personal style.

But "having a personal style" and "wearing casually" are not the same thing.

Try to avoid:

• The clothes are obviously wrinkled;
• Shoes are dirty;
• Strong perfume;
• Too many accessories;
• Giant brand logo;
• Too revealing;
• Too flashy;
• Hat;
• Slippers;
• Obvious sportswear.

If you have no idea how to dress, a very simple principle is:

Slightly more formal than when employees of this company are at work normally.

Usually not wrong.

This is where many people attending their first interview are most likely to make mistakes.

A relatively safe approach is:

Arrive near the company 10–15 minutes early.

But do not enter the company 30-60 minutes in advance.

Why?

Arriving too early can also put pressure on the other party.

For example, the interview is scheduled for 14:00.

A more reasonable explanation is:

Arrived nearby around 13:40.

Then:

• Find the entrance;
• Go to the restroom;
• Organizing clothes;
• Silent phone settings;
• Confirm the information.

Entered the company at around 13:50 to 13:55.

Once you realize you might be late, do not wait until after you are late to make contact.

For example, an interview at 2:00 PM.

At 13:40, the tram was found to have an accident, but it was highly likely he wouldn't arrive.

Contact HR immediately.

It can be said:

Hello, I am Zhang Ming, scheduled for an interview today at 2 PM. I am very sorry, because there is currently a delay on the XX line, I am expected to be about 10 minutes late. I am hurrying over as quickly as possible and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused.

The key point is:

• Advance notice;
• Specify how long the delay is expected;
• Briefly explain the reasons;
• Don't make up a bunch of excuses.

After joining the company, the interview actually began.

Receptionists, security guards, and administrative staff may all give feedback to the interviewer about your performance.

Therefore, avoid the following:

• Indifferent attitude toward the front desk;
• Sitting in the lobby playing games;
• Calling loudly;
• Complain that the company is hard to find;
• Casually flipping through office stuff.

When meeting the interviewer for the first time, there's no need to say anything very complicated.

The safest approach is:

Hello, I am Zhang Ming. Thank you very much for taking the time to meet with me today.

If the other person says:

Hello, Mr. Zhang, please have a seat.

Don't rush to sit down all at once.

Normal response:

Thank you.

Then just sit down.

There's no need to make simple actions feel too mechanical.

Suppose there are three people sitting in front of you.

One of them was asking.

When answering, you should:

1. When starting to answer, mainly look at the person asking the question;
2. Occasionally look at other interviewers during the answer;
3. At the end, return to the person asking the question.

Don't focus on just one person the whole time.

Also, don't keep scanning your eyes left and right.

Just let it flow naturally.

Sitting posture doesn't need to be like military training.

Basic principles:

Sit up straight, but don't be stiff.

A more natural approach:

• The back is basically straight;
• Relax your shoulders;
• The body leans slightly forward;
• Place your feet naturally on the ground;
• Place your hands on your legs or near the table.

Avoid:

• Collapsed in a chair;
• Crossed legs with an exaggerated cross;
• Constantly shaking her legs;
• Pen rotation;
• Playing on your phone;
• Arms crossed over the chest;
• Constantly touching hair;
• Constantly touching his face.

These actions sometimes make people see:

• Nervousness;
• impatient;
• Strong defensive capability.

Common interview durations are approximately:

30~60 minutes.

But the difference is huge.

For example:

15~30 minutes

It might be:

• HR first meeting;
• Phone screening;
• Simple confirmation conditions.

30~60 minutes

Most common.

Generally includes:

• Self-introduction;
• Work experience;
• Professional issues;
• Job search motivation;
• Candidate questions.

60~120 minutes

Possible Involvement:

• Technical testing;
• Case Analysis;
• Multiple interviewers;
• Multiple rounds of consecutive interviews;
• Works on display.

Please note:

The length of the interview cannot directly determine the outcome.

Finishing 20 minutes doesn't necessarily mean failure.

90 minutes doesn't necessarily mean you'll be admitted.

A typical interview is usually conducted as:

Step one: Brief greetings

For example:

Is the journey smooth?

Is it easy to find a company?

There's no need to overthink this question.

Just answer normally.

Step two: Introduce yourself

Usually 1~2 minutes.

Don't talk for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce your work experience

Interviewers will ask in depth based on your resume:

• What exactly was done;
• What are they responsible for;
• How did the results go;
• Why resign?

Step 4: Competency issues in the position

For example, a sales position might ask:

What if the customer never responds?

Programmers might ask:

How do you troubleshoot when system performance drops?

Management positions may ask:

What should you do if team members have conflicts?

Step 5: Behavioral issues

For example:

Give an example of a major difficulty you encountered.

Have you ever disagreed with your colleagues?

Step 6: Confirm working conditions

Possible Involvement:

• Salary;
• Start time;
• Work location;
• Whether overtime is allowed;
• Whether you accept business trips.

Step 7: You ask the company questions

Almost every interview ends with:

Do you have any other questions you'd like to ask us?

Don't answer directly:

No.

It's best to prepare 2~5 questions.

For experience-based issues, you can use the STAR structure.

STAR stands for:

S：Situation

What happened at that time?

T：Task

What is your mission?

A：Action

What exactly did you do?

R：Result

So what happened?

For example, the interviewer asks:

Tell me about a difficult problem you solved.

Poor answers:

Previously, a client was very dissatisfied, and I communicated with them, and the issue was eventually resolved.

There is almost no effective information.

A better answer:

Last year, we had an important client whose product delivery was three days late, and they said they might stop further procurement. At that time, I was responsible for this client, so on the same day, I first confirmed the actual delivery time with the warehouse, then confirmed the cause of the delay with the production department.

I didn't just apologize to the customer; instead, I put together a new delivery plan and from then on updated the production progress to the client every day at 4 p.m. Although the final product was still two days late, the client accepted the solution, and subsequent contracts were not canceled. Afterwards, we also established an early warning system for key orders internally.

This is an answer with complete context.

Many candidates like to say:

I am a strong learner.

I take responsibility seriously.

I have excellent communication skills.

I have a strong sense of teamwork.

The problem is:

Every job seeker can say the same.

What truly matters is the evidence.

For example:

Don't just say:

I have strong learning abilities.

It can be said:

At my previous job, the company adopted Salesforce, and at that time, no one on the team had used it. I spent two weeks learning the system on my own and organizing an internal user manual, then I was responsible for basic training for five colleagues.

This way, the interviewer will naturally conclude:

This person has good learning ability.

It's perfectly normal to encounter questions you don't know during the interview.

Especially technical interviews.

One of the worst ways is:

Even though they didn't know, they started making things up.

You can say directly:

I hadn't actually dealt with this issue before, but if I were to handle it, I'd first confirm from both directions A and B.

Or:

I'm not quite sure about this point at the moment, so I don't want to give you an incorrect answer. But as I understand it, it should be ...... I will confirm further.

This is usually better than seriously giving the wrong answer.

Don't answer casually just because you're afraid of awkwardness.

You can directly confirm:

Sorry, let me confirm. You mean to know exactly what measures I took at that time, right?

Or:

Are you asking about a technical solution, or the entire project process?

This actually shows that you have a habit of confirming needs.

Absolutely.

Many people start talking as soon as they hear about the problem.

But halfway through, he realized the logic was wrong.

When facing more complex issues, it can be said:

Let me think.

Then pause for two or three seconds.

This does not make him seem less capable.

In fact, it's often better than saying two minutes without logic.

Ordinary questions should be controlled as much as possible:

30 seconds ~ 2 minutes.

Complex experiences can be a bit longer.

Avoid two extremes.

Too short

Interviewer:

Why did you leave your previous company?

Answer:

I want a change of environment.

There is too little information.

Too long

He asked a question for 10 minutes, but kept going off-topic in the middle.

Not good either.

A good way to judge is:

If your answer lasts more than two or three minutes, you can pause and say:

That's roughly the situation; if you want to know a part of it, I can elaborate further.

The purpose of etiquette is not to make you act like you're attending a formal ceremony.

What it truly reflects is:

Does this person have basic professional awareness?

Here are a few important details:

• Phone mute;
• Do not interrupt the interviewer;
• Maintain courtesy to all staff;
• Do not belittle your former company;
• No swearing;
• Not checking your phone casually;
• Do not leave beverage trash in the meeting room.

These small things can affect the overall impression.

Of course you can.

If the interviewer provides water or coffee, it is acceptable.

For example:

Thank you.

That's it.

No need to insist:

No need, no need, really no need.

If you've been thirsty for a long time, you can also take a sip of water naturally.

There's no need to worry.

This is one of the most common pitfalls.

Basic principles:

You can talk about real issues, but don't turn the interview into a roasting session.

For example, the real reason:

The boss is very bad.

Not recommended:

My boss is a total pervert, doesn't understand anything, and insults people every day, so I couldn't stand it anymore.

It can be converted to:

My previous company had a relatively centralized management style, so I hoped my next job would have more opportunities to independently handle projects and make decisions, so I started considering a new work environment.

Not to tell you to lie.

Instead, it is expressed in professional language.

This can be considered an objective fact.

But try to avoid:

• personal attacks;
• Emotional complaints;
• Leaking company secrets;
• Blaming all mistakes on others.

Because interviewers might think:

If he leaves our company in the future, will he also comment on us the same way?

When the interviewer says:

Do you have any questions?

This was actually an opportunity to get to know the company.

Valuable questions include:

About the position

If I join, what is the most important work goal for the first three months?

Regarding evaluation criteria

What are the common traits of people who perform well in this position?

About the team

How many people does this team currently have? Who am I reporting to?

Regarding the reasons for the position's creation

Is this position newly added, or is there a recruitment demand caused by someone leaving?

This question is very valuable.

Because you can understand:

• Whether the company is expanding;
• job turnover rate;
• Why did the ex leave?

Regarding practical difficulties

What is the biggest challenge of this position right now?

This is a very practical question.

It's not absolutely forbidden to ask.

But if you only ask at the start:

• How many days off does a year have?
• Whether you can be late;
• Can you leave work early?
• Whether you can skip work;
• How much is the overtime pay?
• How often will salaries be raised?
• How long does it take to get promoted?

It may make the interviewer feel that you are not very interested in the work itself.

Treatment is certainly very important.

It's just about choosing the right timing and way of expression.

Usually, interviewers say:

That's about it for today.

Or:

We will contact you via email for subsequent results.

At this point, you can naturally respond:

Alright, thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. Today has also helped me understand this position more clearly. Thank you very much.

Then:

• Keep your personal materials safe;
• Wait for the interviewer's signal;
• Stand up;
• A brief acknowledgment;
• Leave the meeting room.

There's no need to bow repeatedly or thank you five or six times.

Natural is enough.

Strictly speaking:

It truly ends after leaving the company.

Don't call a friend in the hallway as soon as you walk out of the meeting room saying:

It feels like this company isn't very good.

Because you don't know if the employee next to you is an employee of this company.

At the very least, discuss it after leaving the company's floor or even the building.

Not every industry is required.

But if it is:

• Management positions;
• Professional positions;
• Formal business positions;
• The company you really want to join;

You can send a short thank-you email.

Don't write an 800-word essay.

For example:

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. Through today's interview, I gained a deeper understanding of the work content of your company's XX position, especially the XX project you mentioned, which aligns very well with my past experience. Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to further exchanges.

Keep it simple.

Video interviews are not "more casual interviews."

Just changed the location.

In fact, because the footage is more fixed, some minor issues become even more apparent.

1. Test the equipment in advance

At least check:

• Cameras;
• Microphone;
• Headphones;
• Internet;
• Software such as Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet.

Don't wait until the interview starts to discover:

The microphone had no permission.

2. Camera position

The lens should ideally be roughly at eye level.

If the computer is placed too low, it will form a bottom-to-top angle.

You can use a few books to elevate the computer.

3. Light

Try to let the light shine from the front.

Do not face away from the window.

Otherwise, it can easily be:

The interviewer only saw a black figure.

4. Background

The simpler the background, the better.

For example:

• White walls;
• Bookshelf;
• Clean rooms.

Avoid:

• Hanging clothes to dry;
• The bed is messy;
• Family members paced back and forth behind them;
• The TV kept playing.

5. Where to look?

There is a special issue with online interviews.

When you look at the interviewer's face, the other person might feel you're not looking at the camera.

No need to keep an eye on the camera.

But when it comes to important content, it's okay to take a look at the camera.

For example:

I am very interested in this position.

At this point, looking at the camera feels more like eye contact with the other person.

Dress as professionally as you would for an in-person interview, at least from head to toe within the camera's possible view.

A professional shirt with pajama pants is risky because you may unexpectedly need to:

• Stand up to close a door;
• Pick up a document;
• Adjust your equipment.

If you suddenly stand up, it will be very awkward.

Prepare backup plans in advance.

For example:

• Mobile hotspots;
• HR contact number;
• Interview invitation email.

If the connection really drops, there's no need to panic.

After rejoining the meeting, say:

I'm sorry—the connection dropped unexpectedly. Thank you for waiting.

Then continue.

Generally, a single normal network failure does not directly eliminate a qualified candidate.

Phone interviews lack facial expressions and body language, so voice is even more important.

Note:

• Speak a bit slower;
• Clear pronunciation;
• Don't interview while walking;
• Find a quiet place;
• Prepare headphones;
• The resume was placed in front of him.

A major advantage of phone interviews is:

You can keep important information right in front of you.

For example, preparing on the table:

• Self-introduction keywords;
• Working data;
• Reasons for resignation;
• A question I want to ask.

But don't read the whole passage aloud.

Otherwise, the sound will be very distinctly like a reading script.

All are possible.

Some people speak with a more spirited voice when standing.

You can choose according to your own habits.

The key is not to:

• Lying in bed;
• Eating while eating;
• Shopping at the supermarket on the other;
• Sitting in the car on one side.

Although the other person couldn't see it, they could often tell from their voices.

It's perfectly normal to feel nervous during the first interview.

And one fact is:

Most interviewers also know you might be nervous.

They usually do not act because:

• Misspoke a word;
• Pause for two seconds;
• My hand is a bit tense;
• The opening is a bit unnatural;

They will immediately eliminate you.

The most significant impacts are often the following:

• Completely unprepared;
• Obvious lying;
• Unable to communicate normally;
• Have no understanding of the position;
• Bad attitude.

Don't just think about it.

You must:

Speak up.

Because:

"I know what I want to say."

And

"I can speak fluently."

They are two completely different things.

You can record your answer with your phone:

Please introduce yourself.

Then listen to it yourself.

You often find:

• "Hmm" is especially frequent;
• Repeating the same thing;
• He spoke for three minutes but still hadn't gotten to the main point;
• He thought he knew everything clearly, but in reality, it was completely illogical.

Recording training usually improves significantly after a few sessions.

Preparing for interviews is certainly important.

But don't memorize every single answer.

Because once the interviewer changes the order of questions, it's easy to get confused.

A better way is to prepare:

Keywords.

For example, only record the reason for resignation:

The company's business contracted

There is limited room for growth

Want to enter B2B SaaS

Do not attack the former company

Then answer naturally according to these keywords.

Before the interview, you can organize an A4 sheet yourself.

Written as:

Company

• Main Business:
• Products:
• Competitive Advantages:
• Recent Key Businesses:

Position

• Core Requirement 1:
• Core Requirement 2:
• Core Requirement 3:

My case

• Case 1:
• Case 2:
• Case 3:

Questions must be answered

• Self-introduction:
• Reasons for leaving:
• Motivation for job hunting:
• Advantages:
• Disadvantages:

I want to ask the company

• Question 1:
• Question 2:
• Question 3:

The core information of the entire interview is basically contained on this single sheet.

Suppose you are applying for a sales position at a company.

Interviewer:

Please briefly introduce yourself first.

You:

Hello, my name is Li Ming, and I currently have 4 years of experience in corporate sales. In the past two years, I have mainly been responsible for manufacturing clients, handling everything from new client development and demand communication to contract signing. Last year, the sales I was responsible for were about $4.75 million, achieving 112% of the annual target. This time, I saw your company recruiting corporate salespeople. Since the client base is quite similar to the industries I previously handled, I hope to learn more about this opportunity.

Interviewer:

Why did you want to leave your current company?

You:

My current company's main business is already quite mature, and in the past year, my work has shifted more to maintaining existing clients. I hope to continue developing new customers and selling more complex enterprise solutions in the next phase, so I started looking for new opportunities.

Interviewer:

What do you think is your greatest strength?

You:

I am quite skilled at long-term follow-up with more complex corporate clients. For example, last year a client took nearly eight months from initial contact to final signing, involving procurement, technical, and finance departments. I organized the issues of concern from different departments, arranged for our internal technical staff to participate in communication, and finally signed an annual contract for about $742,000.

Interviewer:

Have there been any failed sales?

You:

Yes. The year before last, I followed up with a client for nearly half a year, but in the end, I chose a competitor instead. Later, upon review, I found that I had spent most of my time on the user department, but hadn't gotten to know the person in charge who truly holds the power to make budget decisions. Since then, I have identified the client's decision-making structure early in the project, including actual users, referrers, and final decision-makers. After this change, my accuracy in judging large client projects improved significantly.

Interviewer:

Do you have any questions you'd like to ask us?

You:

I want to know, what is the most important goal for someone in this position during the first three months after joining?

This conversation doesn't have any fancy expressions.

But it has:

• Data;
• Specific cases;
• Clear logic;
• Real experience;
• Understanding of the position.

This is good interview performance.

First-time interviewers should especially avoid the following questions.

1. Completely unfamiliar with the company

He didn't even know what the company was doing.

2. Self-introductions are too long

Starting from university or even high school.

3. Answers without focus

Asked A, and finally mentioned XYZ.

4. All answers are empty words

Only:

Hardworking, serious, responsible, strong learning ability.

No examples.

5. Belittling the previous company

Easy to leave a negative impression.

6. Cannot even remember what is on the resume

Interviewer:

You wrote that you were responsible for XX project.

Candidate:

Ah? Which project?

Very dangerous.

7. Data inconsistency

Resume says:

Sales grew by 30%.

Interview says:

About 50% growth.

Will make people doubt the authenticity.

8. Don’t know why applying

Just says:

I saw it online, so I applied.

9. Keep interrupting the interviewer

Appears to have poor communication skills.

10. Answers one question for ten minutes

Indicates information organization skills may be weak.

11. Makes things up when encountering unknown questions

Especially dangerous for technical positions.

12. Too quiet

Interviewer can’t hear clearly.

13. No questions to ask at all

Easily gives the impression of lack of interest.

14. Using your phone during the interview

Unless there are special circumstances, try not to.

15. Treating the interview as an exam

This is actually the fundamental problem for many people.

Many people have the following mindset during interviews:

The interviewer is the teacher, I am the student.

So they get especially nervous.

But employment is essentially a mutual collaboration.

The company is judging:

Is this person suitable for us?

You should also judge:

Is this company suitable for me?

You also need to understand:

• Actual job responsibilities;
• Supervisor’s style;
• Team situation;
• Overtime conditions;
• Promotion opportunities;
• Employee turnover rate;
• Salary;
• Company stability;
• Position development.

Do not completely give up judging the company just because you are eager to get an offer.

The day before the interview, you can check:

• □ Read the job posting again
• □ Look over your resume again
• □ Find out clearly about the company's main business
• □ Check the route
• □ Confirm the interview time
• □ Confirm the interview location
• □ Prepare your resume
• □ Prepare your portfolio
• □ Prepare pens and notebooks
• □ Prepare the interview outfit
• □ Prepare a one-minute self-introduction
• □ Prepare the reason for leaving
• □ Prepare your motivation for job searching
• □ Prepare 3 work cases
• □ Prepare three questions for the company
• □ Charging your phone
• □ Set an alarm for the next day

Confirm before you leave:

• □ Phone
• □ Wallet
• □ Identification documents
• □ Resume
• □ Work Experience Document
• □ Portfolio
• □ Pen
• □ Notebook
• □ Company address
• □ HR contact information
• □ Set up navigation on your phone
• □ Clothes are neat
• □ Clean shoes

It's best to allow some buffer time for traffic.

• □ Network is normal
• □ Camera is normal
• □ Microphone is normal
• □ Headphones are normal
• □ Video software can be logged in
• □ Name display correctly
• □ The background is tidy
• □ The room is quiet
• □ Mute your phone
• □ Camera height is appropriate
• □ Lighting is normal
• □ resume has been opened
• □ Job postings are now open
• □ Interview questions are placed aside
• □ Prepare a glass of water

If the whole article is too long, remember at least the following 10 things:

1. Research the company and position in advance.
2. Prepare a one-minute self-introduction.
3. All advantages are best proven through real cases.
4. For on-site interviews, arrive near the company 10~15 minutes in advance.
5. Clothing doesn't have to be expensive, but it must be clean and appropriate.
6. Don't make up questions you can't answer.
7. Try to focus on key points, and keep ordinary questions within 30~2 minutes.
8. Don't emotionally attack the previous company.
9. Finally, prepare 2~5 questions you really want to understand.
10. Treat the interview as a confirmation between both parties, not a one-sided test.

A strong interview does not require a flawless performance from the first sentence to the last.

Most candidates stumble over a phrase, forget a number, or pause for a few seconds because they are nervous. Those moments are rarely decisive.

Employers care much more about the fundamentals:

Can you do the work? Is your experience credible? Can you communicate clearly? Why do you want the role? Are you likely to work well with the team over time?

That is why preparation should focus less on memorizing dozens of “perfect” answers and more on four questions:

What does this company need?

Which experiences prove that I meet those needs?

Why do I want to work here?

Can I explain all of this simply, specifically, and with evidence?

Prepare those four points, understand the basics of attire, timing, etiquette, posture, video calls, and closing the conversation, and even a first-time candidate can avoid most beginner mistakes.

With experience, the goal moves beyond basic etiquette to a more valuable skill:

Presenting your experience, value, and strengths to an employer accurately and persuasively.