How to handle a job interview: before, during and after
Before the interview: preparation makes the difference
Most interviews are won or lost in the days beforehand. Three things you absolutely have to do.
- Research the company. Read their website, values, products and recent news. You need to be able to explain why you want to work there specifically.
- Reread the job posting and match it to your experience. For every key requirement, prepare a concrete example from your career.
- Tailor your CV to the role. The interviewer will have your CV in front of them: make sure it tells the right story for that position.
Also prepare 3-4 questions of your own to ask: they show genuine interest and put you in control of the conversation.
Managing nerves: techniques that actually work
You can't eliminate nerves, only manage them. The most effective way is preparation: when you know your answers, your brain has less room for fear.
The night before, get enough sleep and resist the urge to cram at the last minute. On the day, get there with time to spare and spend two minutes on slow breathing: inhale to a count of 4, exhale to a count of 6. It lowers your heart rate and clears your head.
During the interview, slow down. A brief pause before answering isn't a sign of insecurity: it's a sign you're thinking. If you draw a blank, it's perfectly fine to say "let me take a second to think about that."
During the interview: words and body language
The interviewer is judging how you communicate as much as what you say. Pay attention to both.
On body language: sit up straight but relaxed, keep steady eye contact without staring, keep your hands visible on the table, and give a firm handshake. Avoid crossed arms, fidgeting legs or looking down. A natural smile at the start breaks the ice.
On your answers: use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioural questions. Be specific, bring numbers and results, and steer clear of vague replies. For the tough questions - a gap in your CV, a layoff - answer honestly and shift the focus to what you learned.
Really listen to the questions before you answer. Answering the wrong question is a common mistake when you're tense.
After the interview: the steps few people take
The interview doesn't end when you walk out of the room. Within 24 hours, send a short, sincere thank-you email: thank them for their time, reaffirm your interest and mention a point that came up in the conversation. Few candidates do this, and it leaves a great impression.
Right afterwards, while it's all still fresh, jot down the questions you were asked and the answers you feel fell flat. It's the best way to improve for your next interview. If you've heard nothing after 7-10 days, a polite follow-up is entirely appropriate.
Sharpen your preparation
Handling an interview with a clear method is a learnable skill. This guide is part of the complete walkthrough on how to ace a job interview, where you'll find common questions, mistakes to avoid and how to negotiate the offer.
If you want targeted preparation for the specific role you're after, EuroCV Pro gives you interview prep personalised to the position: likely questions, answers built around your profile and practical feedback. You walk into the interview already knowing what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive for the interview?
Arrive 10-15 minutes early, no more. That gives you a buffer for the unexpected without leaving the interviewer waiting. For online interviews, log on 5 minutes ahead so you can calmly test your audio, video and connection.
How do I manage nerves before and during the interview?
Prepare answers to the most common questions: nerves ease once you know what to say. Before the meeting, do some slow breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6). During it, slow your pace down: a two-second pause before answering is perfectly normal and makes you come across as more confident.
What should I do after the interview?
Within 24 hours, send the interviewer a short thank-you email, reaffirming your interest and referencing a point that came up in the conversation. Then jot down the questions you were asked and the answers that fell flat: it'll help with future interviews. If you hear nothing back, a polite follow-up after 7-10 days is perfectly fair.
How much does body language matter in an interview?
A lot: it signals confidence before you even speak. Keep eye contact, sit up straight but relaxed, keep your hands visible and give a firm handshake. Avoid touching your face or crossing your arms. Smile when it feels natural: it conveys openness and calm.
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