So you’re at the interview stage, well done! That means the company already sees potential in you to some extent. You just need to convey your passion, aptitude and capabilities for the job during the interview.
Understanding the Interview Landscape
It important to know what type of interview you are facing and what to expect. You can do this by:
- Checking the job description (sometimes it’s listed)
- Checking the interview confirmation email
- Emailing HR or the recruiter
Interviews come in different forms, here are a couple:
- Behavioural: To assess how you handled real-life situations in the past. (Tell me about a time...)
- Technical:To test your role-specific knowledge or hands-on ability. (Coding tests, portfolio reviews)
- Situational:To assess your approach to hypothetical work scenarios. (What would you do if...)
- Case Studies / Estimation: To assess your business and strategy toolkit. (Most common in consulting)
- Group / Panel Interviews:To observe how you interact in team settings or with multiple decision-makers.
Preparation
Research the Company
Look into:
- The company’s mission & values
- Their workplace culture (LinkedIn posts, Glassdoor, team bios)
- Recent news, projects, or updates to reference in your conversation
- Your interviewer (normally they tell you who this is in your invite email)
Practice Common Questions
- For behavioural questions have stories and anecdotes from your experiences to talk about in different situations. Use the STAR(R) Method:
- Have answers ready to common general questions like:
Pre-Interview Dua
When Musa (AS) was commanded by Allah SWT to confront Pharaoh, he was understandably anxious. He worried about his speech and his ability to convey the message effectively. In response to this daunting task, he made a beautiful dua قَالَ رَبِّ ٱشْرَحْ لِى صَدْرِى وَيَسِّرْ لِىٓ أَمْرِى وَٱحْلُلْ عُقْدَةًۭ مِّن لِّسَانِى يَفْقَهُوا۟ قَوْلِى Moses prayed, “My Lord! Uplift my heart for me, and make my task easy, and remove the impediment from my tongue so people may understand my speech (Ta-Ha 20:25-28)Reciter: Al-Saut Al-Baki Al-Shaykh Muhammad Siddiq Al-MinshawiThis dua is especially relevant for interviews because it asks Allah SWT to grant clarity of thought, ease in tasks, and eloquence in speech. When reciting this dua before an interview, you are essentially seeking Allah’s help to express yourself clearly and effectively.
Making a Solid First Impression
The first ten seconds of meeting your interviewer a critical deciding factor for whether you will be hired or not.
Remote Interviews (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)
Setup
- Find a quiet, well-lit space with a plain background
- Use headphones or earbuds for clear audio
- Sit at a desk or table, not on your bed
- Elevate your laptop to eye level (books work!)
Camera and Body Language
- Keep your camera on unless otherwise requested
- Sit up straight, smile, and look into the webcam (not the screen)
- Use your hands naturally when speaking - even virtually, it shows energy!
In-Person Interviews
Logistics Are Key
- Plan your route and leave buffer time (plan to be 15 mins early)
- Bring a copy of your CV/resume, a notebook, and a pen
- Greet the receptionist and everyone else you interact with professionally - they may give feedback
Presence & Poise
- Greet with confidence (smile, handshake or polite nod)
- Make good eye contact (as culturally appropriate)
- Pay attention to posture and body language
How do I manage handshakes with the opposite gender?
Asking good questions
Asking smart, well-timed questions isn’t just a formality -it’s a powerful way to show curiosity, preparation, and genuine interest in the role and the company.
When you ask good questions, you’re telling the interviewer:
“I care about doing well here, and I’m thinking long-term.”
You can ask questions about:
- The Role: “What does a typical day in this role look like?”
- The Company/Team: “I saw your team recently launched [project or initiative] - how was that experience?”
- Development:“What does progression typically look like in this role or team?”
- Next Steps:“What are the next stages in the interview process?”
Remember to not ask questions that have already been answered since it may show that you weren't listening.
