In today’s fast-paced and competitive job market, even the most qualified candidates can miss out on great opportunities—not because they lack skills, but because they didn’t prepare properly for their interview.

At Mason Alexander, we’ve seen time and time again how strong preparation can transform a good candidate into the top choice. From knowing the company inside-out to preparing confident responses and asking smart questions, the effort you put in ahead of time can make all the difference.

This guide is designed to help you avoid the most common interview prep pitfalls—and equip you with the tools you need to walk into your next interview feeling informed, confident, and ready.

Interview Prep Tips to Land Your Next Role

✅ Research: Go Beyond the Basics

Thorough company research is non-negotiable. You should be able to confidently talk about:

• The company’s mission, values, and culture
• Recent news, announcements, or product launches
• Their position within the industry and main competitors
• Their leadership team, clients, or key projects

💡 Pro Tip: Look beyond the company website. Use LinkedIn, Google News, and Glassdoor to gain a deeper understanding of their reputation, employee experiences, and market performance.

✅ Know the Role Inside-Out

Before the interview, study the job description in detail. Identify the core competencies and tailor your answers to show how your background matches these. Highlight relevant achievements that demonstrate you can hit the ground running.

Ask yourself:

• What are they really looking for in this role?
• Where have I shown these skills before?
• What value can I bring to their team right away?

✅ Prepare and Practise Core Interview Questions

You can’t predict every question, but you can prepare responses that showcase your strengths and readiness. At a minimum, be ready to answer:

• “Tell me about yourself” (a brief, focused pitch)
• “Why do you want to work here?”
• “Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge”
• “What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?”

💡 Structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep them concise and impactful.

✅ Use Real, Measurable Examples

Saying you’re “great at teamwork” or “detail-oriented” isn’t enough—prove it.

Back up your statements with evidence from past roles. For example: “In my previous role at X, I led a cross-functional team that delivered a €100K project two weeks ahead of schedule.”

Focus on results, problem-solving, and transferable skills relevant to the role you’re applying for.

✅ Be Salary-Savvy

If salary comes up during the interview process, be ready to speak confidently about your expectations. Research current salary ranges using tools like:

• Our Mason Alexander 2025 Salary Guide
• Industry benchmarking sites (e.g. Glassdoor, Payscale, IrishJobs)

Know your worth—and don’t be afraid to ask for it, especially if you bring niche skills or leadership experience.

✅ Prepare Questions That Show You’re Serious

Asking questions isn’t just expected—it’s essential. It shows that you’re engaged, curious, and thinking long-term. Avoid vague or overly basic questions, and instead ask things like:

• What does success in this role look like after 6–12 months?
• How would you describe the team dynamic and culture?
• What challenges is the team currently facing that this role can help solve?
• How does the company support professional development and upskilling?

✅ Don’t Forget the Practical Details

• Plan your outfit the night before—yes, even for video interviews
• Check your tech if it’s remote: camera, mic, internet, background
• Know the interview format (panel, case study, technical, etc.)
• Have your CV printed or easily accessible, and keep your phone on silent

Final Thought: Preparation = Confidence

Interviewing can feel intimidating—but the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be. And confidence is what sets successful candidates apart.

Partner with Mason Alexander to Land Your Next Role

At Mason Alexander, we help professionals like you prepare, stand out, and succeed. From CV advice and interview coaching to connecting you with top employers across Ireland, our experienced recruiters are here to support your journey—whether you’re looking for your next permanent move or a contract opportunity.

Talk to our team today and take the next step in your career.