Early - Mid Career Interview Guide

Congratulations! Getting to interview stage means you’ve already made an impression, but this is where you get to really showcase yourself. It can feel nerve-wracking, I know! But remember, nerves are a sign you care.

The good news? Preparation is completely in your control. This guide will help you get interview-ready and includes a free printable checklist you can use before every interview.

5 things Hiring Managers Notice

1. Do you know who we are? Even a basic understanding of the company’s purpose and values goes a long way.

2. Are you curious and switched on? You don’t need to know everything, but showing genuine interest matters.

3. Can you give real examples? Even if your experience is limited, think about uni projects, volunteering, internships or part-time work.

4. Have you thought about your ‘why’? Interviewers want to know why this role and this company. Generic answers like “career growth” or “it’s close to home” don’t cut it.

5. Do you ask questions? It shows confidence and genuine interest.
   
   

The checklist:

1. Research the company

• Read their mission, vision, values (all of this is generally accessible on the company website)

• Explore the careers page + EVP (again, accessible on their website)

• Jump on the companies LinkedIn profile and read recent LinkedIn activity (this gives you an idea of what is important to the company, projects, achievements etc. all things you can bring up in the interview)
  
  

2. Know your audience

• Check who’s interviewing you - look them up on LinkedIn

• Review their background: bio, career history and any content they share

• Look for common ground or shared connections you can reference naturally

  
  

3. Know your why

• Why this company?

• Why this role?

• How does it fit into your career goals?
  
  

4. Break down the job description

• Go through each requirement in the JD and prepare a real-life example that proves you can do it

• If you don’t fully meet a requirement, prepare:

  • a transferable skill you bring instead or

  • a plan on how you’ll get up to speed quickly

5. Prepare for common interview questions

• STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) structure works well - practice saying your answers out loud.

• Typical topics at this level:

  • Supporting a busy team or manager

  • Handling competing priorities

  • Learning something new fast

  • Working in a team

  • Showing initiative or solving a problem

  • A time something went wrong/failed & what you did to handle the situation

• Use Google Interview Warmup to rehearse answers and get feedback

• Ask a friend/family member to play interviewer (trust me, it feels different saying it out loud)

6. Know your CV.

• Articulate a summary of your experience without repeating your CV

• Have examples for each major achievement

• Prepare explanations for gaps/short stints

7. Prepare your questions

• Prepare at least 3 well thought out and researched questions
  
  

Extra Reading: Claudia’s article on what to ask (and avoid)