Prepare for a job interview in the USA

What is a job interview?

A job interview is a meeting where the employer asks you questions to learn more about you. The main goal is to see if you are a good fit for the job.

Interviews can happen:

In person
Video call (like Zoom, Google Meet)
On the phone

Some employers only do one interview. Others may have more than one, especially depending on the type of job.

Before the interview

Preparing ahead of time can help you feel calm and ready.

Research the job and business

Learning about the job shows the employer that you care and helps you give stronger answers.

Learn about:

What the job involves
Skills the employer is looking for
Basic information about the business

Look at the business’s website or search for information about them online. Try to learn simple things like what the company does, its main goals, and any recent news. You can also look at LinkedIn or Glassdoor to understand the workplace.

If it is a store or restaurant, visit in person if you can. As you learn more, write down a few questions you want to ask in your interview.

Review your application or resume

It helps to remind yourself what you wrote so you can explain it clearly during the interview. Know what you wrote about your work history, skills, and experience. Be ready to give more details.

If you do not have a formal resume, bring a paper with:

Your name and phone number
Recent jobs or volunteer work
A list of 1–2 professional references

Practice telling your story

Practicing out loud helps you feel more confident and ready. Think of real examples from your past where you used a skill or solved a problem.

Be able to describe:

What the situation was
What you did
What happened because of your actions

Practice common interview questions

Some questions are very common in the U.S. workplace. Knowing your answers ahead of time helps you speak more clearly. Practice out loud with a friend, family member, or job coach.

Common questions include:

Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want this job?
What are your strengths?
When are you available to work?
How would you handle a problem with a customer or coworker?

Find more common questions.

Check your work authorization

Some employers will ask about your right to work after you are hired. You will not be asked to show specific documents before the interview. You will not be asked to show specific documents before the interview.

Learn more about work permits.

Confirm the interview details

Knowing the details helps you arrive calmly and on time.

For in-person interviews:

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

For online interviews:

Test your internet, camera, and audio.
Find a quiet, well-lit space.

Your local library or American Job Center can help you with resumes, applications, and job search support.

Find help

During the Interview

Show who you are and why you are a good fit.

Dress clean and simple

Wear clean and neat clothes that are right for the job. You do not need to spend a lot of money. A plain shirt or blouse and clean pants or a skirt are good choices.

Use confident body language

Body language can help you show interest and professionalism.

Try to:

Smile and stay calm
Make eye contact if comfortable
Sit or stand up straight
Turn off or silence your phone

Answer questions honestly

Talk about what you have done and what you can learn. If you do not understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat or explain it.

If you do not have U.S. work experience, talk about jobs, training, or volunteer work from your home country.

Ask your own questions

Asking a question shows you care about the job.

You can ask about:

What a typical day looks like
Work hours or schedule
Training for new employees

Employers are not allowed to ask you about your immigration status, age, race, or religion during a job interview. If they ask about documents, you only need to show proof of your right to work after you are hired.