Let’s be real. I’ve lost count of how many candidates show up to their first round of interviews with all the enthusiasm in the world… and zero prep. No idea what the company does, no clue why they’re asking for 18 LPA, and absolutely no questions when asked “Any questions for us?”

Look, I get it—interviews are stressful. But walking into one unprepared is like showing up to a sword fight with a spoon. Through my work as a consultant, I’ve seen what not to do—and now, I’m here to share what you should do. These five moves are your golden ticket to cracking round 1 and making it to round 2 with your head held high.

1. Stalk the Company (In a Non-Creepy Way, of Course)

Before you even think about hitting “Join Meeting,” get to know the company. What do they do? What problem are they solving? Who are their clients? What’s their latest funding round or product launch? This isn’t just trivia—it shows you’re proactive, curious, and actually interested in being there. Interviewers can sniff out a bluff in seconds.

💡 Pro tip: Casually drop in a nugget like,

“I read about your recent acquisition of XYZ. That’s a great move considering your expansion goals in APAC.”
Instant credibility. ✅

 Boom. Instant brownie points.

2. Connect the Dots: Your Work + Their Mission

Once you’ve understood what the company is building, ask yourself: “Where do I fit in?” Align your past work, your strengths, or even your future goals with the company’s mission. This isn’t a TED Talk—it’s your chance to say, “Here’s what I bring to the table, and here’s why I care about what you’re doing.” That combo of purpose + alignment = irresistible.

“Your focus on AI in healthcare is something I resonate with. I worked on a similar model during my time at…”

This tells them: “Hey, I’m not just here for a paycheck—I belong here.”

3. Have a Salary Talk With… Yourself

Please, I beg you—don’t fumble when asked, “What are your compensation expectations?” Know your worth, be realistic, and back it up with a reason. Whether it’s skill upgrades, cost of living, or industry standards—have a clear rationale.

And while you’re at it, be ready with a solid answer to, “Why are you looking out?” It shouldn’t sound like you woke up and thought, “Meh, new job?”

4. Revisit Your Greatest Hits

You’d be surprised how many candidates blank out on their own projects. Go back and revisit what you’ve worked on. Know your role, your contributions, any data-driven results, and lessons learned. Bonus points if you can narrate it like a story rather than reading off a resume like it’s a grocery list.

Because nothing’s worse than this moment:

Interviewer: “Tell me about the XYZ project you led.”
You: “Umm… it was in 2021… I think it was about…” 😐

5. Ask Questions—Smart Ones

Interviews aren’t interrogations—they’re conversations. Come prepared with at least 2 thoughtful questions. It shows that you care about the opportunity and want to understand more. Ask about the team culture, growth plans, challenges in the role, or even the company’s future vision. No one wants to hire someone who’s just looking for “any job.”

🎁 Bonus Tip: Light Internet Stalking Is Allowed

Yes, it’s totally okay to ask who your interviewer is. Once you know, do a quick LinkedIn scroll. Maybe you share a common connection, interest, or alma mater. 

Starting with:

“I noticed you’ve grown with the company over 5 years—would love to know what’s kept you here.”
...is a great way to break the ice. ❄️

Takeaway

A little preparation goes a long way. You don’t need to rehearse every line like a stage actor, but being intentional shows. You’re not just another CV in the pile—you’re a future colleague, a culture fit, a solution to their problem.

So tell me—what do you think are some must-dos before round 1? Let’s help each other not just survive, but thrive in interviews. Drop your thoughts below! 👇

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