interview prep

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Job openings have become more competitive, making every interview count more than ever. According to Korn Ferry, great candidates can still underperform in interviews — not because they lack skill, but because they lack preparation. The good news: interviewing is a learnable skill. The tips below will help you walk in confident, communicate your value clearly, and leave a lasting impression.

One of the most common mistakes candidates make is showing up without knowing enough about the company. Korn Ferry career coaches consistently cite lack of company research as a top candidate misstep. Hiring managers want to know you are genuinely interested — not just looking for any job.

• The company's core services, markets, and key clients or project portfolio

• Recent news, project wins, or company announcements

• The leadership team — know who you are meeting with and their background

• The company's culture and values (check their website and LinkedIn)

• Any challenges facing the industry that may be relevant to the role

Pro tip: Prepare an answer to "What do you   know about our company?" — and make it specific. Vague answers signal   low interest.

Most companies use behavioral interviewing — questions that ask you to describe how you handled real situations. These are designed to predict future performance based on past behavior. The most common format: "Tell me about a time when..."

Korn Ferry recommends finding lists of both standard and behavioral interview questions and writing out your responses in advance. The more you practice, the more comfortable you become — and the more confident you appear to the interviewer.

• Situation: Set the context briefly

• Task: Describe your specific responsibility

• Action: Explain exactly what YOU did (not the team — the interviewer is evaluating you)

• Result: Share the measurable outcome — numbers, timelines, recognition

Korn Ferry's advice: Prepare an "arsenal of   stories" rather than trying to anticipate every question. Strong stories   can be adapted to answer almost any behavioral question.

Writing out your answers is essential, but it is not enough. You must practice speaking them. Research and coaching experience consistently show that candidates who rehearse out loud perform significantly better — they speak more naturally, maintain better eye contact, and recover more smoothly if they lose their train of thought.

• Do at least 2–3 mock interviews with a friend, mentor, or coach

• Record yourself on video and watch it back — look at posture, pacing, and clarity

• Practice via videoconference to simulate virtual interviews, which remain common

• Time your answers: most responses should fall between 90 seconds and 3 minutes

An interview is a two-way conversation. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your engagement, intelligence, and genuine interest in the role. Korn Ferry coaches recommend preparing 4–6 substantive questions for each interview.

• "What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"

• "What are the biggest challenges the team is currently working through?"

• "How would you describe the culture on this team?"

• "What do top performers here have in common?"

• "What does growth typically look like for someone in this role?"

Avoid asking: Questions about salary, benefits, or   time off in early interviews — those conversations come after an offer is   made or when the employer opens the door.

• Confirm the interview date, time, location, and who you will be meeting with

• Plan your route and arrive 10–15 minutes early — never late

• Dress one step above what the workplace typically wears; when in doubt, err formal

• Bring printed copies of your resume, a notepad, and a pen

• Greet everyone warmly — from the receptionist to the hiring manager

• Make eye contact, sit up straight, and project confidence through body language

• Listen carefully — do not rush to answer; it is acceptable to pause and gather your thoughts

• Stay positive when discussing past employers or difficult situations — negativity is a red flag

The end of an interview is your last chance to make an impression. Do not let it fade out. Reiterate your interest in the role, summarize why you are a strong fit, and ask about next steps.

• Send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours — email is appropriate and expected

• Reference something specific from the conversation to show you were engaged

• If you interviewed with multiple people, send individual notes to each

• Reiterate one reason you are excited about this specific opportunity

Korn Ferry coaches summarize the foundation of great interviewing in three words: Passion — show genuine enthusiasm for the role and company. Positivity — frame all your stories and experiences constructively, even the difficult ones. Practice — there is no substitute for preparation.

Confidence does not come from feeling ready. It comes from being ready.

A Note from TrueNorth Talent Group

Preparation is the great equalizer. Candidates who invest time before an interview consistently outperform more experienced candidates who “just wing it”. If you are interviewing for a role through TrueNorth, we will walk you through the specifics of the company, the hiring manager, and what they are really looking for. That is part of what we do.

TrueNorth Talent Group | truenorthtg.com | 248-808-9368