After 7 years working in HR and interviewing hundreds of candidates each year, I realized one thing: preparing before an interview is not only important but also determines up to 70% of your first impression with the recruiter.
Phỏng vấn là khoảnh khắc bạn thể hiện phiên bản tốt nhất của mình. Và để phiên bản đó hiện ra tự nhiên, bạn cần chuẩn bị bài bản. Trong bài viết này, tôi sẽ chia sẻ tại sao phải chuẩn bị và cách chuẩn bị chi tiết, dựa trên kinh nghiệm thực chiến của bản thân.
Why prepare before an interview?
Recruiters will assess your attitude through your preparation
I only need the first few minutes to tell who’s well-prepared and who’s not. Those who prepare thoroughly usually speak coherently, maintain confident eye contact, and get straight to the point.
On the other hand, unprepared candidates often fumble, give rambling answers, or only say generic phrases. And trust me, that first impression is hard to change throughout the entire interview.
Preparation helps you avoid “freezing”
I’ve met many candidates with strong CVs and solid experience, but they froze immediately during the interview. Why? They hadn’t researched the company, hadn’t read the job description, or hadn’t thought about answers to common questions.
A little preparation beforehand can save your interview: you’ll be confident, clear, and much more likely to score points.
Preparation shows respect
An interview is a professional meeting. When you prepare thoroughly, I can feel your seriousness and respect for the opportunity. Conversely, candidates who come “just to show up” leave a careless impression that’s hard to overlook.
Preparation reflects your work style
From my experience, well-prepared candidates are usually careful and responsible workers. Preparing before an interview not only helps you succeed in the meeting but also demonstrates work habits: being proactive, meticulous, and organized.
How to prepare the right way?
Research the company thoroughly
You don’t need to memorize every detail, but make sure you know:
- What the company does and its business field
- Key products/services
- The culture and values that resonate with you
When answering questions, this knowledge helps you speak naturally, with depth, and stay on point.
Tip from me: visit the company website, read recent news, and check the LinkedIn profiles of the CEO or the team you’ll interview with. This info makes your answers concrete, practical, and impressive.
Read the job description (JD) carefully
I often ask: “Which requirement in the JD do you feel matches you best?”
Candidates who read the JD answer clearly; those who haven’t are immediately obvious.
Small tip: list the key skills in the JD and think of real examples that demonstrate you have them.
Prepare illustrative examples
I really appreciate hearing concrete examples rather than general statements.
Instead of saying, “I have good teamwork skills,” say:
“In project X, our team missed a deadline. I suggested breaking down tasks, reallocating responsibilities, and continuously following up. In the end, we finished ahead of schedule, and the client was satisfied.”
Specific stories are always more convincing than any claim.
Practice answering basic questions
Questions that appear almost every interview:
- Introduce yourself
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Key achievements
- Reason for leaving previous job
- Expected salary
Preparing beforehand helps you answer confidently, logically, and avoid hesitation.
You can check some sample answers on my YouTube channel at LinkachuMC. LinkachuMC
Chuẩn bị câu hỏi để hỏi nhà tuyển dụng
I value candidates who proactively ask questions. Here are a few examples:
- What are the expectations for this role in the first 3 months?
- How does the team operate, and what’s the culture like?
- How is performance evaluated?
- When will I receive the interview result?
Asking questions shows interest, seriousness, and initiative, and helps you understand the environment you’re stepping into.
Prepare your outfit and demeanor
- Wear neat, professional, and well-fitting clothes
- Maintain a light smile and friendly eye contact
- Display confidence while being genuine
Small details like these significantly impact the impression you leave.
Prepare your mindset
Arrive early, take deep breaths, and review the key points you want to emphasize. A stable mindset helps you present naturally, exude positive energy, and appear trustworthy.
Closing thoughts from an experienced HR professional
In my experience, well-prepared candidates stand out—not because they’re perfect, but because they take their future seriously. Preparing for an interview shows professionalism, confidence, and careful work habits.
If you have an interview coming up, take the time to prepare. Trust me, that preparation always makes a difference and sometimes is the deciding factor for getting the offer.
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Linkachu – Someone who has battled weight for nearly 20 years and is currently exploring the “eat fully, still lose weight” method.
This is my Facebook! LinkachuMC
Learn more about me at Linkachu.net
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