The truth about interview prep: How much time do you really need?

If you’re wondering how much time you should dedicate to interview prep, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get from professionals at all levels. And the answer? It depends, but probably less than you think.

I’ve spent 13 years in recruitment, sitting across from thousands of candidates. I’ve seen people who over-prepared and sounded rehearsed, and others who walked in underprepared, hoping they could wing it. Neither approach works. So let’s break down the psychology behind interview preparation, why it matters, and how to use your time wisely.

Why preparation matters and what happens when you don’t do it right

Interviews aren’t just about answering questions. They are about proving that you are the right fit for the role and the organisation. That is hard to do if you haven’t taken the time to understand the company, align your experience, and anticipate what they will want to know about you.

Many people approach interviews thinking, "How do I present myself well?" when the real question should be, "How do I show them that I can solve their problems?" Employers aren’t just looking for someone qualified, they are looking for someone who fits into their team, understands their challenges, and can make an impact quickly.

Common pitfalls of poor preparation:

• Over-preparing: You sound robotic and over-rehearsed, making the conversation feel unnatural.

• Under-preparing: You ramble, struggle to connect your experience to the role, and leave a weak impression.

• Focusing on the wrong things: Spending too much time memorising answers instead of understanding what the interviewer wants to hear.

The key is focused, structured preparation, not hours of cramming.

What to consider when preparing

Before we talk about time, let’s talk about what actually matters in your preparation. A successful interview isn’t about listing every achievement you’ve ever had. It is about making it clear why you are the right person for this job at this company right now.

Key areas to focus on:

• Understanding the organisation’s goals and challenges What’s happening in their industry? What problems might they need this role to solve? How do your skills and experience align with that?

• Tailoring your experience to the role Instead of listing your career history, highlight the parts that are most relevant to the job.

• Anticipating and preparing for key questions Not just "What’s your biggest weakness?" but also "How have you handled [specific challenge]?" or "How would you approach [company-specific issue]?"

• Demonstrating cultural fit and communication style Companies want to hire people who work well within their team dynamics and leadership style.

How long should you actually spend preparing?

From working with professionals at all career levels, I have found that most people either prepare too little or too much. There is a balance between knowing your value and keeping it natural.

If you have limited time under two hours

You might not always have days to prepare, but even a focused 60 to 90 minutes can make a difference. Prioritise:

• Reviewing the job description Understand the key responsibilities and skills they are looking for.

• Researching the company Look at their recent updates, key priorities, and leadership team.

• Preparing answers to the top three to five most likely questions Think about how your experience aligns.

• Planning two to three questions to ask the interviewer Show you are engaged and thinking ahead.

If you have more time, four or more hours over a few days

For a structured approach, expand on these key areas:

• Deep-dive research Go beyond the job description. Read about industry trends, competitor challenges, and leadership insights.

• Refining your answers Use a framework like the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to keep responses structured but conversational.

• Practicing out loud Even without a mock interview, saying your answers aloud helps refine them.

• Considering cultural fit What do you need to highlight to align with the company’s values?

Common questions about interview preparation

Is one day enough to prepare for an interview?

If you are already familiar with the role and the industry, one day can be enough for a quick refresh. But if it is a senior or highly competitive position, you will benefit from more time to refine your approach.

What is the biggest mistake people make in interview prep?

Focusing too much on themselves rather than how they fit into the company’s needs. An interview isn’t just about listing accomplishments, it is about showing how you will solve problems and add value.

How should I prepare if I only have a few hours?

Prioritise understanding the company and role, refining answers to key questions, and preparing a few insightful questions to ask the interviewer.

What happens after the interview?

Preparation doesn’t stop once you walk out of the interview room. A strong follow-up email can reinforce your enthusiasm and remind the employer why you are the right fit. For tips on crafting an effective follow-up, read how to write an effective follow-up email.

If you are preparing for an interview, you are likely thinking about one of the most common opening questions: "Tell me about yourself." This question can set the tone for the entire interview. If you want to answer it in a way that makes an impact, check out how to answer: tell me about yourself in a job interview.

TLDR

Quality interview prep isn’t about the number of hours, it is about how you use them. Even an hour of focused effort is better than panicking the night before. If you have more time, use it wisely to refine and practise without overloading yourself.

At the end of the day, the best preparation is about confidence, clarity, and connection. You want to show up as the best version of yourself, ready to have a real conversation, not just recite answers.

Need more help?

If you want a structured, step-by-step approach to interview prep, my Four-Hour Interview Prep Guide walks you through the entire process, with exercises to refine your answers and help you feel prepared without the overwhelm. Join the waitlist now.