Candidate Interview Prep Guide

Confident Candidate: Interview Prep Made Simple

At EnU Careers, we know the interview process can be stressful — especially when you’re trying to make a strong impression and stand out in a competitive market. This guide is here to help you feel prepared, confident, and professional at every stage.

Inside, you’ll find practical tips and real-world strategies to help you navigate interviews with clarity and purpose. Use it, adapt it, and keep it close — we created it with your experience in mind.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: PREPARATION PHASE

Thoroughly Review the Job Description

• Read every section of the job posting carefully.

• Highlight key responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills.

• Reflect on how your background aligns with each requirement.

• Make note of anything you haven’t done directly and prepare examples of similar experience or transferable skills.

Thoroughly Review Your Resume

• Be ready to speak to everything listed on your resume — no surprises.

• Think of your resume as your professional story. You should be able to explain why each role or decision matters.

• Be prepared to discuss gaps, transitions, and achievements.

Ensure Your LinkedIn Profile Matches Your Resume

• Recruiters and interviewers will look at your LinkedIn profile — often before or after the interview.

• Ensure consistency between your resume and profile in terms of:

  • Job titles and dates

  • Key responsibilities and accomplishments

  • Current position and headline

• Update your photo, summary, and skills — your profile should reflect where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.

Map Your Experience to the Role

• Identify how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications.

• Prepare key examples or stories that show your ability to succeed in the role.

• For anything not directly aligned, have parallel experiences ready to share.

Craft a Strong Answer to “Tell Me About Yourself”

• This question almost always comes up first — it sets the tone.

• Prepare a professional “career snapshot”:

  • Where you started professionally

  • Key transitions or achievements

  • What you're doing now

  • Why this role interests you

• Keep it under 2 minutes, avoid personal details, and focus on career relevance.

Be Authentic – Don’t Just Say What You Think They Want to Hear

• Interviewers appreciate genuine, thoughtful responses — not canned ones.

• Share your actual experience and perspective.

• Don’t withhold stories or skills you assume they won’t care about — you never know what might catch their interest.

Master the STAR Method

• Use the STAR framework to answer behavioral questions:

  • Situation – The background

  • Task – The challenge or goal

  • Action – What you did

  • Result – The outcome or impact

• Research TEDW questions (Tell me about a time..., Explain..., Describe..., Walk me through...) and practice.

• Role-play with someone to refine your delivery.

Research the Company

• Learn key details:

  • CEO and leadership

  • Headquarters location

  • Core values and mission

  • Recent news, major initiatives, or press

• Show you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions to Ask

• Have 3–5 questions prepared for the end of the interview.

• Ask meaningful questions that show depth and curiosity:

  • Team/company culture

  • Success traits of ideal employees

  • Structure of the team

  • Strategic priorities

  • Career growth opportunities

• Don’t forget: this is also your opportunity to evaluate them.

Test Technology (for Virtual Interviews)

• Confirm your:

  • Internet connection

  • Camera, microphone, and lighting

  • Background appearance

• Run a test on the platform you'll be using (e.g., Zoom, Teams).

Dress Professionally

• Dress in line with the industry and culture, leaning more formal when in doubt.

• Even in virtual interviews, being well-dressed creates a strong impression.

• A polished appearance signals that you take the opportunity seriously.

DAY OF THE INTERVIEW: EXECUTION PHASE

Be Punctual

• Log in 5–10 minutes early for virtual interviews.

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early for in-person interviews.

• This gives you time to settle in and reduces stress.

Balance Talking and Listening

• Share your experience confidently, but avoid dominating the conversation.

• Be an active listener — ask thoughtful follow-ups when appropriate.

• Use this time to assess if the role, team, and company are the right fit for you.