Entry-level interviews usually test three things: whether you can explain your work, whether you can learn, and whether you will be reliable. You can prepare for all three without memorising answers.
A week before
- Re-read the listing and write down the three things the employer seems to care about most.
- Prepare one project story for each of those three things.
- Find out what the company actually does. Read its website, not just its social posts.
- Write three questions to ask them about the work, the team or the first month.
- Test your video link, microphone and background if the interview is online.
Use a simple story structure
- The situation: what was the problem or task?
- The action: what did you personally do?
- The result: what happened, and what did you learn?
- The next time: what would you do differently?
The day before
- Choose clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the company.
- Print or open the listing, your résumé and your questions.
- Plan the route or the quiet room, and allow extra time.
- Sleep. A calm, honest answer beats a memorised script.
In the first five minutes
- Greet the interviewer by name if you know it.
- Speak slowly enough to be understood.
- If you do not know an answer, say what you do know and how you would find out.
- Ask for clarification rather than guessing.
- Thank them and ask what happens next and when you should expect to hear back.
A “no” is information, not a verdict on your ability. Ask for one piece of feedback if the conversation allows it.