How to Prepare for a Job Interview and Leave Good Impressions

We are heading into 2025 and gender imbalances in access to employment still exist. As of 2022, the pay gap in South Korea between men and women stands at 31.2% and in Japan, at 21.3%. While circumstances are better now compared to 10 years ago, there is still a lot that needs to be done before equality in workspaces can be achieved. 

With the odds against us, preparing for a job interview can be nerve-wracking. Cultural expectations, societal biases, and gender norms can all be obstacles along your path to securing your dream job. Fret not! We are here today to give you tips on preparing for a killer job interview and how to leave good lasting impressions.  

1. Research the Company

Some companies prefer pro-activeness and assertiveness, while others like rule followers and yes women. By understanding the company’s culture, you can make sure your ideals align with the company. 

Know the company’s mission and values well. Look into what other companies they worked with, or even check their Glassdoor to know what you are getting into. The more you know about your potential employer, the better you can anticipate the questions they will ask during the interview. 

Familiarise yourself with the job description and be ready to discuss your skills and experience. Know how your skills can be used to value-add to the company’s business. 

2. Be Confident in Communication

Sometimes, we tend to be modest, not wanting to appear brazen, even though we are supposed to showcase our past accomplishments. Modesty might be a virtue in some cultures, but you need to be confident in highlighting your experience during job interviews. 

Take time to practice how you can speak about your achievements and skills without downplaying them. Work on not just the words you speak but your body language as well. Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit upright with your shoulders back. These cues exude confidence and professionalism and will leave a good impression with your interviewers. 

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to present your experience. Think about how you can showcase your skills with this method and work on refining the way to communicate it clearly and confidently. 

3. Dress Appropriately

Choose a professional attire that is the industry norm for an interview. Opt for clothing that balances professionalism with a touch of personality. Keep accessories simple and elegant to avoid distractions.

Presenting yourself professionally with good attire can leave a good impression on your interviewers. Nothing too outlandish, but also add a little splash of personality to be easily remembered. 

4. Prepare Questions for the Company

The interview is not just for the company to check if you suit them, but also for you to know if the company is what you want to work for.

Prepare questions you are curious about the position and the company. Some questions that you can ask include:

• What are the company’s expectations for this role? How is success measured for this position? 
• What opportunities for professional development and career advancement are available?
• How does the company support work-life balance, and are there flexible work arrangements available?
• Are there mentorship programs or leadership training initiatives within the organization?
• What measures does the company take to prevent and address workplace harassment?

5. Practice Self-Care to Relax

We can’t stress this enough, but you need to relax before you go for the interview. A good night’s sleep ensures you are mentally sharp and energized, ready to take on any curveballs during the interview. 

Sometimes, visualizing a successful interview also helps calm the nerves. Imagine yourself answering everything confidently and making a great impression with your interviewers. You have prepared amply, and you know you are going to ace it!