So, you’ve landed an interview for your dream job. Congratulations! Now, it’s time to prepare.

No pressure, right? But don’t worry. 

At Glass Octopus, we’re a network of people who have “been there and done it.” We’ve sat on both sides of the interview table and helped countless ambitious individuals land roles that fulfil their purpose, from the C suite to the shop floor.

This is our 7-step guide to help you do the same. So grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s get started!

Step 1: Research the Company (and Your Interviewer)

Before any interview, you must research the company. Knowing their mission, values, and recent news shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you understand if they’re a good fit for you.

• Company Website: Start here. Read the ‘About’ page, mission statement, and core values.
• News Articles: Do a quick Google News search. Are they launching new products? Did they just win an award? Mentioning this shows you’ve done your homework.
• The Wider Team: Look up your interviewer(s) on LinkedIn. What’s their background? Do you have any shared connections or interests? It helps humanise the process.
• Glassdoor: Check out the company’s Glassdoor page to see what current and former employees say about the culture and the interview process.

Step 2: Know the Job Description Inside-Out

Review the job description one more time. This is your cheat sheet. Print it out, grab a highlighter, and mark the key qualifications and responsibilities.

Be prepared to give a specific example of how your skills and experience align with each of the main requirements. This helps you answer the inevitable, “Why are you the best candidate for this job?”

Step 3: Prepare for the Toughest Questions

You can’t predict every question, but you can prepare for the common ones. Write down your answers as bullet points (don’t memorize a script).

• “Tell me about a time you…” (Behavioural Questions): The interviewer wants to see how you handle conflict, manage stress, or solve problems. The best way to answer is with the STAR method.
  • Situation: Set the scene and the context.
  • Task: What was your specific responsibility?
  • Action: What steps did you personally take?
  • Result: What was the (quantifiable) positive outcome?
• “Why did you leave your previous job?” Be positive. Frame your answer around looking for new challenges, growth opportunities, or a role that aligns better with your long-term goals.
• “What are your salary expectations?” This can be uncomfortable. Research the average salary range for the position, location, and industry before the interview. Be prepared to provide a realistic range based on your research and experience.
  
• “Do you have any questions for us?” The answer to this must always be “Yes.” This is your chance to show you’re thoughtful and truly evaluating the role. Prepare 3-5 questions (see our top 17 questions guide for ideas) Good examples include:
  • “What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?”
  • “Can you describe the team’s culture?”
  • “What are the biggest challenges this role will face?”

Step 4: Dress Professionally

First impressions are crucial. Your outfit should be clean, neat, and appropriate for the company’s culture. (A tech startup may be casual, while a bank will be formal). If in doubt, it’s always safer to be slightly over-dressed than under-dressed.

Step 5: Arrive Early (Virtually or Physically)

Arrive 10-15 minutes early. This gives you time to find the location (or log in to the video call), use the restroom, and take a few deep breaths. It shows you are punctual and respectful of the interviewer’s time.

Step 6: Be Confident and Personable

This is your chance to connect on a human level. Show enthusiasm for the job and the company.

• Make eye contact (or look at the camera on a video call).
• Smile. A genuine smile conveys a positive attitude.
• Use positive body language. Sit up straight and lean in slightly to show you’re engaged.
• Practice active listening. Listen carefully to the question and respond thoughtfully. It’s okay to take a brief pause to compose your answer.

Step 7: Follow Up with a Thank-You Note

Always send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview.

• Be prompt: Send it the same day or the next morning.
• Be specific: Mention something unique you discussed during the interview to show you were paying attention.
• Be enthusiastic: Reiterate your interest in the position.
• Proofread: Double-check for any typos before sending.

If you don’t hear back within the timeframe they gave you (usually a week or two), it’s perfectly acceptable to send a polite follow-up email.

So, what’s your next step?

• Ready to look? [Browse our live jobs in New Zealand and beyond.]

• Want to be found? [Join our talent platform] and let our partner companies find you.

If you want more career tips, follow Tom Shaw and Glass Octopus on Linkedin. If you already have some experience, you may also find the right role on our jobs platform.