The Foundation: Mastering Your Pre-Interview Strategy

The outcome of a job interview is often decided long before you shake the interviewer's hand. It’s a contest of preparation, strategic alignment, and compelling communication. The most common mistake job seekers make is viewing the interview as a passive interrogation where they are judged.¹ The most successful candidates, however, reframe it as an active, mutual exchange of information—an opportunity not only to showcase their value but also to evaluate whether the company is the right fit for them.² Understanding how to prepare for a job interview is the single most important factor in transforming anxiety into confidence. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step framework to do just that.

Phase 1: Deep-Dive Research - Going Beyond the Homepage

In today's competitive market, a surface-level glance at a company’s website is no longer enough. Interviewers expect you to demonstrate genuine curiosity and a nuanced understanding of their organization.⁴ Your goal is to move beyond reciting facts and instead synthesize information to ask intelligent, strategic questions—a key differentiator for any top candidate.⁶

Deconstructing the Company's DNA

Begin your research on the company’s own turf: its website. Go straight to the "About Us," "Mission," and "Values" pages to understand the company's why, not just its what.⁸ This foundational knowledge helps you align your personal narrative with their core principles. Expand your search to understand the company's history, its key leadership figures, its portfolio of products or services, and its primary target markets.⁴ This context is crucial for answering the inevitable "Why do you want to work here?" question with specific, compelling reasons that show you’ve done your homework.⁴

Gauging Financial Health and Strategic Direction

Demonstrate your business acumen by looking into the company's financial standing and future plans. For publicly traded companies, their quarterly earnings reports and annual 10-K filings (available on investor relations pages or via the SEC's EDGAR database) are treasure troves of information.⁹ These documents reveal strategic priorities, recent successes, and challenges the company is facing. For any company, a simple Google News search for recent press releases or articles can uncover new product launches, market expansions, or industry trends affecting the business.⁹ Being aware of a recent positive development and mentioning it in your interview shows you are current and engaged.

Leveraging Insider Intelligence Platforms

To get a true inside look, turn to platforms that aggregate employee experiences and professional data.

• LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to research the professional backgrounds of your interviewers and potential team members.⁸ Understanding their career paths can help you build rapport. You can also see if anyone in your existing network works at the company and reach out for an informational chat.⁸
• Glassdoor: This platform is invaluable for understanding company culture through anonymous employee reviews.⁸ You can also find data on salary averages for your target role and, crucially, a section where past candidates have shared the exact interview questions they were asked.⁸ This gives you a massive edge in your preparation.

Phase 2: Decoding the Job Description - Your Interview Cheat Sheet

The job description is the single most important document in your interview preparation.¹² It is not merely a list of duties; it is a blueprint of the company's current problems and a detailed sketch of their ideal solution—the person they want to hire. By dissecting it, you are effectively reverse-engineering the interviewer's evaluation criteria.

Identifying Core Competencies and Keywords

Break down the job description section by section. The job summary provides a high-level overview, while the key responsibilities list the day-to-day tasks.¹³ Pay closest attention to the "Required Qualifications" and "Desired Qualifications" sections. These detail the essential skills, experience, and education the company believes are necessary for success.¹³ Note any specific software, methodologies, or technical skills mentioned, as these are likely to be topics of discussion.

Mapping Your Experience to Their Exact Needs

Create a simple two-column chart. In the left column, list every key requirement from the job description. In the right column, write down a specific example or achievement from your past that proves you meet that requirement.⁶ This exercise forces you to prepare concrete, relevant evidence for every point on their checklist, ensuring your answers are targeted and impactful.¹⁶

The manual process of aligning your resume to every job description is time-consuming and prone to error. This is where AI can be a game-changer. Tools like Resumly.ai use sophisticated algorithms to analyze a job description and instantly tailor your resume, optimizing it with the right keywords to not only impress the hiring manager but also sail through the initial Applicant Tracking System (ATS) filters.¹⁷

Phase 3: Crafting Your Professional Narrative

Facts on a resume list your skills; compelling stories prove them. Interviewers are far more likely to remember a well-told narrative that illustrates your competence than a dry list of qualifications.¹⁸ Your task is to structure your experiences into memorable stories that resonate with the interviewer and directly address the needs outlined in the job description.

The "Tell Me About Yourself" Answer (Your 60-Second Commercial)

This is almost always the first question, and it sets the tone for the entire interview. Avoid rambling through your life story. Instead, use a concise and powerful formula that frames your professional journey.²⁰

1. Present: Start with your current role and a high-level summary of your expertise. (e.g., "I'm a senior marketing manager with eight years of experience in the B2B SaaS space.")
2. Past: Briefly touch on relevant past experiences that led you to this point, highlighting 1-2 key accomplishments. (e.g., "In my previous role at Company X, I led a team that increased marketing-qualified leads by 40% by revamping our content strategy.")
3. Future: Connect your past and present to the future—specifically, to this role. Explain why you are here and what excites you about this opportunity. (e.g., "I was excited to see this position because my experience in lead generation and content strategy aligns perfectly with the growth objectives you've outlined for this role.")

Mastering the STAR Method for Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions ("Tell me about a time when...") are designed to predict your future performance based on your past behavior.²² The STAR method is a storytelling framework that ensures your answers are structured, concise, and impactful.²

• S - Situation: Briefly describe the context. What was the project or challenge you were facing? (10% of your answer)
• T - Task: Explain your specific role or responsibility in that situation. What was the goal you needed to achieve? (10% of your answer)
• A - Action: This is the most important part. Detail the specific, concrete steps you took to address the task. Use strong action verbs and "I" statements to show ownership, even when discussing a team project.²² This section should make up 60-70% of your story.²
• R - Result: Conclude by explaining the outcome of your actions. Quantify your success with numbers, percentages, or concrete results whenever possible.¹⁸ Also, consider mentioning what you learned from the experience.

Building Your Portfolio of "Go-To" Stories

You don't need a unique story for every possible behavioral question. Instead, prepare five to six versatile, powerful stories that showcase a range of key competencies, such as leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, problem-solving, initiative, and adapting to failure.² A single well-crafted story about a challenging project, for instance, can often be adapted to answer questions about teamwork, dealing with pressure, or demonstrating initiative.²² This "Swiss Army knife" approach to storytelling is a far more efficient and effective preparation strategy.

The Rehearsal: Perfecting Your Performance

Knowing your stories in your head is not the same as articulating them clearly and concisely under pressure.²⁴ The rehearsal phase is where you bridge the gap between knowledge and performance. It builds the "muscle memory" for your answers, reducing your cognitive load during the actual interview and freeing you up to listen actively and build rapport.

Anticipating the Questions: From Common to Complex

While you can't predict every question, you can prepare for the most common ones, giving you a solid foundation of confidence.

Answering the Classics

Be ready with strategic, positive answers for these frequently asked questions ²⁵:

• "What are your greatest strengths?" Choose skills that are directly relevant to the job description and back them up with a brief example.
• "What is your greatest weakness?" Choose a real but manageable weakness. Frame it positively by explaining the concrete steps you are taking to improve upon it. Never use a fake weakness like "I'm a perfectionist."
• "Why are you leaving your current job?" Never speak negatively about a past employer or manager.⁶ Frame your departure in terms of seeking new challenges, growth opportunities, or a role that better aligns with your long-term career goals.
• "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" Show that you are ambitious but also realistic. Connect your goals to the opportunities available at the company you're interviewing with.

Navigating Behavioral and Situational Questions

Behavioral and situational questions form the core of most modern interviews.²⁸ Using your portfolio of STAR stories, prepare to answer questions across key competency areas:

• Teamwork & Collaboration: "Tell me about a time you worked on a team to successfully execute a project." ²²
• Leadership: "Give me an example of when you had to assume leadership for a team." ²⁹
• Conflict Resolution: "Describe a time when you disagreed with a team member. How did you resolve the problem?" ²⁹
• Problem-Solving: "Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem." ³⁰
• Adaptability: "What do you do when priorities change quickly? Give one example of when this happened." ³⁰
• Failure & Resilience: "Tell me about a time when you failed." ²²
• Initiative: "Tell us about the last time that you undertook a project that demanded a lot of initiative." ³⁰

The Power of Practice: Simulating the Real Thing

Preparation is useless without practice. The act of speaking your answers aloud is a non-negotiable step that will reveal awkward phrasing, logical gaps, or overly long explanations that you wouldn't notice otherwise.⁵

The Value of Mock Interviews

Conduct a mock interview with a trusted friend, family member, or career mentor.⁴ Ask them for honest, critical feedback on not just the content of your answers but also your vocal tone, pacing, use of filler words, and body language. This simulation of being put on the spot is the best way to build real-world confidence.²⁶

While feedback from friends is valuable, it can be biased. For objective, data-driven improvement, AI-powered tools offer a significant advantage. Resumly.ai's interview prep tool, for example, simulates real interview scenarios and provides instant, personalized feedback on your pacing, use of filler words, and the clarity of your responses, helping you build true confidence.¹⁷

Preparing Your Questions: Interviewing the Interviewer

At the end of the interview, you will almost certainly be asked, "Do you have any questions for us?" The only wrong answer is "No".²⁶ This is your final opportunity to demonstrate your engagement, intelligence, and strategic thinking. The questions you ask are as important as the answers you give. Prepare a list of 5-7 thoughtful questions, knowing you'll likely only have time for 2-3.¹⁵

Questions About the Role and Success

These questions show you are results-oriented and focused on making an impact.

• "What would you want to see me accomplish in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?" ¹⁰
• "How is success measured and reviewed in this role?" ⁶
• "What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will face?" ¹⁶
• "Can you describe a typical day or week for someone in this role?" ¹⁶

Questions About the Team and Company Culture

These questions demonstrate that you care about collaboration and finding the right work environment.

• "How would you describe the team's dynamic and the overall company culture?" ²⁵
• "What is your management style and how do you prefer to communicate with your team?" ³³
• "How does the company support professional development and growth?" ³⁴
• "What do you enjoy most about working here?" ³⁵

Questions About Career Progression

These questions signal your ambition and desire for a long-term future with the company.

• "What does the typical career path for someone in this role look like?" ¹⁰
• "Are there opportunities for ongoing training, mentorship, or tuition reimbursement?" ³⁶
• "Can you provide an example of someone who started in this role and has since grown within the company?" ³⁷

The Execution: Excelling on Interview Day

With your preparation and practice complete, interview day is about execution. Focus on logistics, presentation, and adapting your performance to the specific format and cultural context.

Logistics and Presentation: Setting the Stage for Success

The Professional Dress Code

Your appearance should convey professionalism and respect for the opportunity.²⁷ A good rule of thumb is to dress "one level up" from the company's typical daily attire.²⁶ If the office is business casual, you should wear a business formal outfit like a suit.²⁷ If you're unsure, it is always safer to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.²⁷ Ensure your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and ironed.²⁷ Also, avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes, as interviewers may have allergies or sensitivities.¹⁶

The Interview Day Checklist

Arrive prepared with a professional folder or padfolio containing the following items ⁷:

• Several printed copies of your resume on high-quality paper.
• A typed list of your references.
• Your list of prepared questions for the interviewer.
• A pen and a notepad for taking occasional notes.
• The name and contact information of your interviewer.

Punctuality and First Impressions

Plan to arrive at the location 10-15 minutes early.²⁶ Arriving earlier can be an inconvenience for the interviewer.¹ Remember that the interview begins the moment you enter the building. Be polite, professional, and courteous to everyone you meet, including the receptionist or security guard, as their feedback may be solicited.⁴ When you meet your interviewer, offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile.⁴ Turn your phone completely off—not just on vibrate—and put it away.⁴

Navigating Different Formats: Virtual vs. In-Person

The logistics and etiquette for virtual and in-person interviews differ significantly. Mastering the nuances of each format is critical for success.

Cultural Etiquette: A Guide for the US, UK, and Canada

Your professional narrative is not universal; it must be culturally translated. A communication style that succeeds in one country could be misinterpreted in another. Adapting your approach is key for an international job search.

The American Approach: Confident Self-Promotion

Interview culture in the United States generally expects and encourages candidates to "sell themselves".⁴⁴ You are expected to speak openly, directly, and confidently about your strengths and accomplishments. Use "I" statements to take clear ownership of your achievements and explicitly connect your past successes to the company's future needs.²⁷ Modesty can sometimes be misinterpreted as a lack of confidence or capability.

The British Standard: Understated Professionalism

In the United Kingdom, the preferred style is more reserved, formal, and polite. The mantra is often "less is more".³⁸ Punctuality is paramount, and greetings are typically a firm but brief handshake with professional decorum.⁴⁵ While salary negotiation is expected, it must be handled with extreme politeness and justification.³⁸ Boasting is frowned upon; instead, frame your achievements with understated confidence.

The Canadian Way: Valued Modesty and Team Orientation

Canadian workplace culture values modesty and a team-first attitude.⁴⁶ While you should be prepared to discuss your accomplishments, avoid boastful language. It is often effective to frame individual achievements within the context of a team success (e.g., "I was proud to contribute to a team effort that resulted in..."). Professionalism, punctuality, and politeness are highly valued.⁴⁶ Maintaining good eye contact is considered a sign of respect, honesty, and engagement.³⁹

Handling Illegal Interview Questions

It is crucial to know your rights. Employers in the US, UK, and Canada are prohibited from asking questions about protected characteristics, as this can lead to discrimination.⁴⁹

Identifying Unlawful Inquiries

The following table outlines common topics that are off-limits for interviewers.

Strategies for Responding Gracefully

If you are asked an illegal question, you have a few options:

1. Answer Directly: If you believe the question was asked naively and you are comfortable answering, you may choose to do so.⁵⁴
2. Redirect to the Job: Address the underlying concern behind the question without revealing personal information. For example, if asked about childcare arrangements, you can respond, "I can confirm that I have reliable arrangements in place to ensure I can meet the work schedule and attendance requirements for this role".⁵⁰
3. Politely Decline: You can politely refuse to answer. A simple, "I'd prefer to focus on my professional qualifications and how they relate to this position," is a respectful way to decline.⁵²

The Follow-Up: Securing a Lasting Impression

The interview isn't over when you leave the room. The follow-up process is a final test of your professionalism, organization, and continued interest. A thoughtful follow-up can keep you top-of-mind, while a lack of one can be misinterpreted as a lack of interest.⁵⁶

Crafting the Perfect Thank-You Email

The 24-Hour Rule

Always send a personalized thank-you email to each person who interviewed you within 24 hours.⁵ This simple act of courtesy can make a significant difference.

Key Components of an Effective Note

A strong thank-you email should be concise but impactful. Follow this structure ⁵⁶:

1. Clear Subject Line: Use a simple, professional subject line, such as "Thank you - Interview."
2. Personalized Greeting: Address the interviewer by name.
3. Express Gratitude: Thank them for their time and for the opportunity to learn more about the role.
4. Reference a Specific Point: Mention something specific and interesting you discussed. This jogs their memory and shows you were listening attentively (e.g., "I particularly enjoyed our conversation about the upcoming product launch...").
5. Reiterate Your Value: Briefly connect one of your key skills or experiences to a specific need or goal that was discussed.
6. Confirm Your Enthusiasm: Reiterate your strong interest in the position and the company.
7. Professional Closing: End with a professional closing like "Best regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your full name and contact information.

Navigating the Waiting Game

When and How to Follow Up

At the end of your interview, it's wise to ask about the next steps and their expected timeline for making a decision.¹⁰ Respect that timeline. If you haven't heard back by the date they provided, or if no date was given and a week has passed, it is appropriate to send a polite, brief follow-up email to check on the status of the position.³²

Juggling application statuses, interview timelines, and follow-up reminders for multiple jobs can be overwhelming. Using a centralized system like Resumly.ai's application tracking dashboard can bring order to the chaos, ensuring you never miss a critical follow-up and can manage your entire job search from one place.¹⁷

Conclusion: Turning Preparation into an Offer

Mastering how to prepare for a job interview is not an innate talent; it is a learnable, strategic skill. The difference between a nervous, uncertain candidate and a confident, offer-winning one lies in the quality of their preparation. By moving beyond a passive mindset and adopting a proactive approach—conducting deep research, deconstructing the job description, crafting a compelling narrative, and practicing relentlessly—you take control of the process. A strategic, well-researched, and rehearsed approach is the key to transforming interview anxiety into a confident performance that doesn't just get you through the interview, but gets you the offer.

Works cited

1. Interview Dos and Don'ts - Career Services - University of Maine at Farmington, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.umf.maine.edu/careers/interviewing/interview-dos-and-donts/
2. Guide to Acing the Interview | HSPH Content, accessed September 23, 2025, https://content.sph.harvard.edu/wwwhsph/sites/36/2016/06/Guide-to-Acing-the-Interviewing-June-2016.pdf
3. Interview Guide - Target Corporation, accessed September 23, 2025, https://corporate.target.com/careers/hiring-process/interview-guide
4. Preparing for an Interview | Shawnee State, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.shawnee.edu/career-services/resumes-cover-letters-interviewing/preparing-interview
5. Things to do Before, During, and After Your Interview | Columbia Career Education, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/things-do-during-and-after-your-interview
6. How to Prepare for an Interview in 2025 (Tips & Examples) - My Perfect Resume, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.myperfectresume.com/career-center/interviews/prep/guide-to-interviews
7. 19 Job Interview Tips That Will Get You Hired in 2025 - Jobscan, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.jobscan.co/blog/job-interview-tips/
8. How to Research a Company - Top 9 Tips for 2025 - Novoresume, accessed September 23, 2025, https://novoresume.com/career-blog/research-company-guide
9. How to Research a Company for a Job Interview | Purdue Global, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/careers/research-company-job-interview/
10. Interview Preparation Checklist.pdf - ASC Career Success, accessed September 23, 2025, https://asccareersuccess.osu.edu/sites/default/files/2021-06/Interview%20Preparation%20Checklist.pdf
11. What am I supposed to have researched for an interview? : r/jobs - Reddit, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/jobs/comments/fdxbk1/what_am_i_supposed_to_have_researched_for_an/
12. <www.jobscan.co>, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.jobscan.co/blog/preparing-for-an-interview-use-the-job-description/#:~:text=After%20you've%20read%20the,to%20ask%20during%20the%20interview.
13. How to master the art of reading job descriptions | Digital Waffle, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.digitalwaffle.co/blog/how-to-read-job-descriptions
14. How to Analyze a Job Description to Boost Your Job Search - TopResume, accessed September 23, 2025, https://topresume.com/career-advice/how-to-analyze-a-job-description-to-boost-your-job-search
15. Interview Preparation Checklist, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.albright.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Interview-Preparation-Checklist.pdf
16. Interviewing Tips - Rutgers-Camden Career Center, accessed September 23, 2025, https://careercenter.camden.rutgers.edu/interviewing-tips/
17. Resumly — AI Job Search Automation Platform & Resume Builder, accessed September 23, 2025, https://resumly.ai/
18. Crafting a Compelling Narrative to Stand Out in Your Job Search - Pascoe Workforce Solutions, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.pascoeworkforcesolutions.com/crafting-a-compelling-narrative-to-stand-out-in-your-job-search/
19. Career Narrative Statement: The 5-Sentence Professional Story That's Replacing Traditional Resume Summaries in 2025 - The Interview Guys, accessed September 23, 2025, https://blog.theinterviewguys.com/career-narrative-statement/
20. <www.dol.gov>, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/interview-tips#:~:text=Be%20prepared%20to%20summarize%20your,and%20abilities%20fit%20the%20job.
21. Interview Tips | U.S. Department of Labor, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/interview-tips
22. Using the STAR method for your next behavioral interview (worksheet included), accessed September 23, 2025, https://capd.mit.edu/resources/the-star-method-for-behavioral-interviews/
23. 30+ Most Common Situational Interview Questions & Sample Answers - Job Hero, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.jobhero.com/career-guides/interviews/questions/situational-interview-questions
24. Interview Guide | Princeton Career Development, accessed September 23, 2025, https://careerdevelopment.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf1041/files/media/interview_guide_5.pdf
25. Job Interview Checklist - BYU-Pathway Worldwide, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.byupathway.edu/career-services/resources/job-interview-checklist
26. Your pre- and post- job interview checklist | Learn at Microsoft Create, accessed September 23, 2025, https://create.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/articles/post-interview-checklist
27. Employment interviewing: Seizing the opportunity and the job ..., accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/article/employment-interviewing.htm
28. Situational Interview Questions, accessed September 23, 2025, https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/employees/career/pdfs/SituationalInterviewQuestions.pdf
29. 41 Behavioural Interview Questions You Must Know (Best Answers Included) - The Martec, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.themartec.com/insidelook/behavioral-interview-questions
30. Behavioral-Based Interview Questions, accessed September 23, 2025, https://hr.virginia.edu/sites/default/files/PDFs/behavioralbased-interviewquestions.pdf
31. How do you prepare for interviews if you're really bad at making things up on the spot..? - Career Village, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.careervillage.org/questions/741934/how-do-you-prepare-for-interviews-if-youre-really-bad-at-making-things-up-on-the-spot
32. Preparing for an Interview - Goucher College, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.goucher.edu/career-education-office/documents/Preparing-for-an-Interview.pdf
33. 10 Questions to Ask About Company Culture in an Interview - Wharton Executive Education, accessed September 23, 2025, https://executiveeducation.wharton.upenn.edu/thought-leadership/wharton-online-insights/questions-to-ask-during-interview/
34. Assessing Company Culture in an Interview: Questions to Ask Employers - Insight Global, accessed September 23, 2025, https://insightglobal.com/blog/culture-interview-questions/
35. Questions to Ask the Interviewer - Office of Personal & Career Development, accessed September 23, 2025, https://opcd.wfu.edu/students/land-it/learn-to-interview/questions-ask-interviewer/
36. 13 of the Smartest Questions to Ask a Hiring Manager - AWIS, accessed September 23, 2025, https://awis.org/resource/13-smartest-questions-ask-hiring-manager/
37. How to Ask About Growth Opportunities During an Interview - LHH, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.lhh.com/en-us/insights/how-to-ask-about-growth-opportunities-during-an-interview
38. British job interview? Here are some tips. - Wise, accessed September 23, 2025, https://wise.com/gb/blog/uk-job-interview-tips
39. What is Canadian etiquette at work? - Settlement.Org, accessed September 23, 2025, https://settlement.org/ontario/employment/working-in-canada/workplace-culture/what-is-canadian-etiquette-at-work/
40. Tips for a Successful Interview - University of North Georgia, accessed September 23, 2025, https://ung.edu/career-services/online-career-resources/interview-well/tips-for-a-successful-interview.php
41. 10 Tips for Knocking Your Virtual Interview Out of the Park - Help Scout, accessed September 23, 2025, https://articles.helpscout.com/blog/remote-job-interview-best-practices/
42. Remote vs In-Person Interviews: Key Differences Explained, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.acedit.ai/blog/remote-vs-in-person-interviews-key-differences-explained
43. Anybody have a pre-interview checklist? Things to make sure you've done/reviewed/studied before an interview? - Reddit, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricalEngineering/comments/1ci0buo/anybody_have_a_preinterview_checklist_things_to/
44. What you need to know about American interviews if you're an international professional, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.interviewgenie.com/blog/2018/2/5/american-interviews
45. Important Interview Etiquette in the UK - UK Visa Jobs, accessed September 23, 2025, https://ukvisajobs.com/blog-detail/42
46. Ten Tips to Interviewing Well in Canada - GoinGlobal Blog -, accessed September 23, 2025, https://goinglobal-blog.interstride.com/ten-tips-to-interviewing-well-in-canada/
47. Preparing for Your Canadian Job Interview - Canadavisa.com, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.canadavisa.com/interview.html
48. Top 3 Job Mistakes Intl Students Should Avoid - HireDiverse, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.hirediverse.ca/blog/job-search-norms-canada
49. Illegal Job Interview Questions: 4 Tips for Employers - Сompliance Works, accessed September 23, 2025, https://complianceworks.ca/blog/illegal-job-interview-questions/
50. Illegal interview questions | News - Faculty of Arts - University of Calgary, accessed September 23, 2025, https://arts.ucalgary.ca/news/illegal-interview-questions
51. Illegal Interview Questions — What Not to Ask Candidates - Betterteam, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.betterteam.com/uk/illegal-interview-questions
52. Illegal Interview Questions and How to Respond, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.uc.edu/content/dam/refresh/experiencebasedlearning-62/docs/career-studio/illegal-interview-questions.pdf
53. 10 Illegal and Legal Interview Questions:, accessed September 23, 2025, https://offices.depaul.edu/academic-affairs/academic-diversity/Documents/10%20Illegal%20and%20Legal%20Interview%20Questions.pdf
54. Illegal Interview Questions - Office of Career Strategy - Yale University, accessed September 23, 2025, https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/illegal-interview-questions/
55. Illegal Interview Questions - SUNY Geneseo, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.geneseo.edu/career-design/illegal-interview-questions
56. How to Write a Thank You Email After The Interview (2025) - Apollo Technical, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.apollotechnical.com/thank-you-email-after-the-interview/
57. 5 Great Interview Follow Up Email Templates To Copy & Paste - Flodesk, accessed September 23, 2025, https://flodesk.com/tips/interview-follow-up-email-templates
58. Follow-Up Email After an Interview: 5 Examples & Tips - Zety, accessed September 23, 2025, https://zety.com/blog/follow-up-email-after-interview