Preparing for a job interview is one of those life moments that can seem like a high-stakes test, but with the right approach, it can also be an opportunity for you to shine. At 50+ years old, I’ve seen it all: the good, the bad, and the downright confusing parts of the interview process. Whether you’re entering the job market for the first time in years, shifting careers, or looking to level up within your field, preparing for a job interview is something that takes both careful thought and strategic action.
1. Do Your Homework: Research the Company
Here’s the thing: you can’t go into an interview blind. You must research the company—and not just skim their “About Us” page. Dive deep into the company culture, their history, mission, values, and recent news. For example, Google them. Is the company expanding? Are they in a legal battle? Do they have a unique culture that champions work-life balance? You want to know what they stand for, what challenges they’re facing, and how you can contribute to their success.
Tip:
Before going in, review their social media accounts and check recent press releases. You don’t want to be caught off-guard if someone mentions a major product launch or a corporate merger.
2. Understand the Job Description
You’ve probably read the job description multiple times by now, but I’m going to urge you to do it again—this time with a highlighter in hand. Break it down by skills, qualifications, duties, and goals. Write down how your experience matches or exceeds each one of those points.
For instance, if the job requires experience in project management and you’ve successfully managed projects in the past, don’t just think “I can do that”—prove it. Think of specific examples of when you’ve led teams, delivered projects on time, and solved complex problems. The more concrete your examples, the more prepared you’ll be to discuss your qualifications.
3. Master the STAR Method
In case you haven’t heard of it, the STAR method is one of the best ways to answer behavioral questions (those “Tell me about a time when…” questions). It stands for:
- Situation: Briefly describe the situation you faced.
- Task: What were you trying to accomplish?
- Action: What did you do to achieve it?
- Result: What was the outcome of your actions?
For example, let’s say they ask, “Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult client.” Instead of giving a vague answer, you can break it down like this:
- Situation: “I was working as a customer service manager, and we had a very dissatisfied client who had been waiting for an order to arrive for over a week.”
- Task: “My job was to resolve the issue, restore the client’s trust, and ensure that they would remain a loyal customer.”
- Action: “I personally contacted the client, apologized for the delay, offered a discount, and arranged for expedited shipping.”
- Result: “The client was so impressed with the proactive approach that they ended up becoming one of our biggest repeat customers, and I received a commendation from my boss for going above and beyond.”
This method gives structure to your answers and shows you’re someone who knows how to solve problems and drive results.
4. Polish Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
You know your resume better than anyone, but don’t overlook the possibility that it needs some tweaks. Sometimes we get so accustomed to our own achievements that we forget to present them in the most compelling way.
A few things to consider:
- Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. It’s not just a generic list of what you’ve done—it’s about highlighting the experience that directly relates to the position.
- Keep it concise. Hiring managers often spend less than a minute on a resume, so make sure it’s easy to scan, clear, and free from unnecessary jargon.
- Update your LinkedIn. If it’s been a while, you might want to revise your headline, summary, and work experience. LinkedIn is your online calling card, and you want it to reflect your current skills and interests.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Yes, practice makes perfect. You don’t need to memorize every answer, but it’s helpful to rehearse your responses to common interview questions. Try asking a friend, family member, or even a mirror to act as your “interviewer.” This will help you get comfortable with speaking about yourself and your qualifications. The more you rehearse, the more natural you’ll sound.
Common Interview Questions to Prepare For:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
- “Why did you leave your last job?”
6. Dress for Success
First impressions matter—there’s no getting around that. How you dress is part of the equation. While what constitutes “appropriate” attire can vary depending on the industry and company culture, you should always aim to look neat, professional, and well-groomed. In a more casual setting (e.g., a tech company or a creative agency), business casual might be the norm. For more traditional industries (like law or finance), a suit might be appropriate.
Pro Tip:
If in doubt, err on the side of overdressed rather than underdressed. You can always take off a tie or jacket if it feels too formal once you’re there.
7. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
Remember, an interview isn’t a one-way street. It’s just as much about you deciding if you want to work for the company as it is about them deciding if you’re a good fit. Prepare some insightful questions, such as:
- “What are the key challenges the team is facing right now?”
- “How do you measure success in this role?”
- “What are the opportunities for growth within this department?”
- “How would you describe the company’s work culture?”
Asking good questions shows you’re interested and have done your homework.
8. Follow Up
After the interview, send a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture, but it leaves a lasting impression. In your message, express gratitude for the opportunity, briefly highlight why you’re a good fit for the role, and reiterate your enthusiasm about the position. It doesn’t need to be lengthy—just a polite, professional note.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with all this preparation, there are a few pitfalls that candidates commonly fall into during interviews:
- Overconfidence or Underconfidence: It’s essential to strike the right balance. You want to present yourself as competent and capable without coming off as arrogant or too self-deprecating. Be honest about your abilities and experience.
- Not Preparing for Tough Questions: You’ll probably be asked about gaps in your resume, why you left your last job, or why you’re looking for a new opportunity. Have answers prepared that are honest but also positive. Avoid bad-mouthing previous employers.
- Not Asking Questions: If you don’t ask any questions, it may seem like you’re not truly interested in the role. Be sure to ask at least one insightful question to show your engagement.
Final Thoughts
An interview is a two-way street—while you’re being evaluated, you’re also evaluating whether this job and company align with your goals and values. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when you step into the room (or log onto the video call). And even if things don’t go perfectly, remember: every interview is an opportunity to learn and improve for the next one.
Real People, Real Advice
Here’s a quick look at what people from different walks of life had to say about preparing for job interviews:
- Jasmine, 24, UK: “I always make sure to research the company’s recent projects before my interview. It helps me ask relevant questions and shows that I’m genuinely interested in the role.”
- Miguel, 38, Spain: “In my industry, sometimes the interviews are very technical, so I always rehearse my answers to the technical questions beforehand. I also try to stay calm—stress doesn’t help anyone.”
- Raj, 55, India: “As an older professional, I often get asked why I want to switch careers. I make sure to explain how my experience can bring fresh perspectives to the role. Age isn’t a barrier if you present yourself well.”
- Tanya, 42, Canada: “I’ve had to pivot careers twice, and my advice is to stay confident but also be open to learning. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something—just make it clear that you’re eager to learn.”
- Peter, 61, USA: “My biggest takeaway after decades in the job market is to never stop learning. Whether it’s brushing up on new software or picking up a new skill, showing that you’re adaptable is key.”
With these strategies in hand, you’re well on your way to acing that interview. Good luck out there!
