Interview tips
A practical checklist for the whole interview journey. Work through it before each interview — and practise the speaking parts with JobSpark's AI Interview Coach.
Before the interview
Preparation is key to interview success.
Research the company thoroughly
Understand the company's mission, values, recent news, and culture — about 30–45 minutes well spent.
- Visit the company website and read their About page
- Check their LinkedIn company page for recent updates
- Look up recent news articles about the company
- Understand their products/services and target market
- Research the company culture and values
Prepare thoughtful questions
Good questions show genuine interest and help you evaluate if the role is right for you.
- Prepare 5–7 questions about the role and company
- Ask about growth opportunities and career development
- Inquire about team dynamics and company culture
- Ask about challenges the team or company is facing
- Avoid questions about salary and benefits in the first interview
Practise common interview questions
Rehearse your answers to common questions, especially behavioural ones, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Practise "Tell me about yourself" in 2–3 minutes
- Prepare STAR examples for behavioural questions
- Practise explaining your strengths and weaknesses
- Rehearse why you want this specific role
- Practise out loud with JobSpark's AI Interview Coach
Plan your interview logistics
Know exactly where you're going and have everything you need.
- Confirm the interview time, date, and location
- Plan your route and travel time (add a 15-minute buffer)
- Test your video call setup if it's a virtual interview
- Prepare multiple copies of your CV
- Choose and prepare your interview outfit
During the interview
Make a great impression with these strategies.
Make a strong first impression
The first few minutes set the tone for the entire interview.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- Greet everyone you meet professionally
- Offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact
- Smile genuinely and show enthusiasm
- Turn your phone off completely
Use positive body language
Non-verbal communication is just as important as what you say.
- Maintain good posture throughout the interview
- Make appropriate eye contact (70–80% of the time)
- Use open gestures and avoid crossing your arms
- Nod to show you're listening and engaged
- Mirror the interviewer's energy level appropriately
Answer questions effectively
Structure your answers clearly and give specific examples.
- Use the STAR method for behavioural questions
- Be specific and provide concrete examples
- Stay focused and avoid rambling
- If you don't know something, be honest
- Connect your answers back to the role requirements
Demonstrate Ubuntu and cultural fit
Show how you embody Ubuntu principles and fit South African workplace culture.
- Share examples of teamwork and collaboration
- Demonstrate respect for diversity and inclusion
- Show how you've helped others succeed
- Discuss community involvement or social responsibility
- Emphasise collective success over individual achievement
After the interview
Follow up professionally and learn from the experience.
Send a thank-you email
A thoughtful thank-you reinforces your interest and professionalism.
- Send it within 24 hours of the interview
- Thank each person you interviewed with
- Mention specific topics you discussed
- Reiterate your interest in the role
- Include anything important you forgot to mention
Reflect and improve
Treat each interview as a learning opportunity.
- Write down what went well and what could improve
- Note any questions you struggled with
- Identify areas for additional preparation
- Practise weak areas with JobSpark's AI Coach
- Update your preparation materials based on what you learned
Follow up appropriately
Stay engaged without being pushy.
- Wait for the timeline they gave you before following up
- Send a brief, polite follow-up if you haven't heard back
- Continue your job search while you wait
- Be patient — hiring processes take time
- Stay professional regardless of the outcome