An invitation to an interview means the employer already believes you might be right for the job. The interview is your chance to confirm it. Good preparation does not mean memorising a script; it means knowing your own story well enough to tell it clearly under a little pressure. This guide gives you a practical plan for the 48 hours before the interview, plus methods you can use for any role.
Step 1: Research the employer and the role
Spend at least an hour on research. You want to be able to answer: What does this organisation do, who are its customers, and why does this job exist?
- The official website: read the “About”, products or services, and any news or press pages.
- The job advertisement: re-read it and list the five most important requirements.
- Public information: recent news articles, annual reports for larger organisations, and the company’s official social media pages.
- Logistics: confirm the address or video link, the time zone, the names of the interviewers if they were shared, and what you need to bring (ID, certificates, portfolio).
Step 2: Match your experience to the requirements
Take each key requirement from the job ad and write down one real example from your work, studies or volunteering that proves it. This becomes your “evidence bank”. Most interview questions, however they are phrased, are asking for this evidence.
Step 3: Use the STAR method for behavioural questions
Questions such as “Tell me about a time when…” are called behavioural questions. The STAR method keeps your answers clear and focused:
- S – Situation: briefly set the scene (where, when).
- T – Task: what you were responsible for.
- A – Action: what you did, step by step. This should be the longest part.
- R – Result: what happened, and what you learned.
Example structure: “In my previous job in a busy café (S), I was responsible for opening the shop alone on weekends (T). One morning the card machine stopped working, so I put up a clear sign, offered cash and bank-transfer options and called the provider’s support line (A). We kept serving customers and the machine was replaced the same day; afterwards I wrote a short checklist for colleagues (R).” Use your own real examples.
Step 4: Prepare for the most common questions
You cannot predict every question, but these appear in many interviews:
“Tell me about yourself.”
Give a 60–90 second professional summary: your current situation, your most relevant experience, and why you are interested in this role. It is not a request for your life story.
“Why do you want to work here?”
Connect something specific you learned in your research to your own goals or skills.
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Choose a strength that matters for the job and support it with an example. For a weakness, pick a real but non-critical one and explain what you are doing to improve it.
“Why are you leaving your current job?” / “Why is there a gap in your CV?”
Be honest, brief and positive. Avoid criticising former employers.
“What are your salary expectations?”
Research typical pay for the role and location using reliable sources, such as official labour statistics or salary information published in comparable job ads. Giving a realistic range is generally safer than a single number.
Step 5: Prepare your own questions
At the end, you will often be asked whether you have questions. Have two or three ready, for example:
- What would success look like in the first three months?
- How is the team organised, and who would I work with most closely?
- What are the next steps in the selection process?
Online and phone interviews
Video interviews are now common. Treat them exactly like an in-person meeting:
- Test your camera, microphone, internet connection and the platform at least a day before.
- Choose a quiet place with light in front of you, not behind.
- Close notifications and other applications.
- Look at the camera when you speak, and keep a glass of water and a notepad nearby.
- Have a phone number ready in case the connection fails.
The 48-hour plan
Two days before: finish your research, build your evidence bank, and write STAR notes for five or six examples.
The day before: practise answers out loud — with a friend, or by recording yourself. Prepare your clothes, documents and route (or test your technology). Get a good night’s sleep.
On the day: arrive 10–15 minutes early (or log in 5 minutes early). Bring copies of your CV. Breathe, listen to each question fully, and take a moment before answering if you need it.
After the interview
Send a short thank-you email within a day, mentioning one point from the conversation and confirming your interest. Then write down what went well and which questions were difficult — this is valuable preparation for the next one. If you have not heard back by the date they gave you, a polite follow-up message is appropriate.
Warning signs of a fake “interview”
Be careful if a so-called employer interviews you only via a chat app, offers a job immediately without real questions, or asks you to pay for training, equipment or “processing”. Genuine employers do not ask candidates to pay to be hired. Never send copies of your passport or bank details until you have verified that the company and the job are real.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my answers be?
For most questions, aim for one to two minutes. STAR answers can be slightly longer, but stop once you have stated the result.
What should I wear?
Dress one level more formally than the people who already work there. If you are unsure, ask the recruiter about the dress code — it is a normal question.
Is it acceptable to bring notes?
Yes, a short list of key points and your questions for the interviewer is generally fine. Avoid reading full answers.
What if I don’t know the answer to a question?
Say so honestly, explain how you would find the answer, or relate it to a similar situation you have handled.
Related guides
- How to Write a CV That Gets You Interviews: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Find Jobs Using Official Public Employment Portals (Country by Country)
- Working Abroad: Work Visa and Permit Basics, and Where to Find Official Information
Opportuly Careers is an independent informational guide. We are not an employer or a recruitment agency, and we never charge for job applications.
