How to Answer: What Did You Do to Prepare for This Interview?

Why Interviewers Ask This Question

When an interviewer asks, “What did you do to prepare for this interview?” they are not looking for a perfect script. They want to understand your level of professionalism, motivation, and seriousness about the role.

For pilot candidates, this question also helps the airline assess whether you approach important events with structure and discipline. A well-prepared answer suggests that you are likely to prepare the same way for line training, simulator assessments, and standard operating procedures.

What a Strong Pilot Interview Answer Should Show

A strong answer should demonstrate four things:

• Research: You learned about the airline, its operation, and the role.
• Self-review: You reflected on your background, logbook, and experience.
• Interview readiness: You practiced answering questions clearly and honestly.
• Professional attitude: You treated the interview as a formal aviation event, not a casual conversation.

Keep your answer specific. Broad statements such as “I just reviewed my experience” are too weak. The interviewer should hear evidence of preparation.

A Simple Structure for Your Response

A practical way to answer is to organize your response into three parts:

1. Research the airline
2. Review your own experience and documents
3. Practice interview and technical topics

You can then finish with a short closing line that shows enthusiasm for the role.

Example structure

• “I started by researching the airline’s operation, fleet, and route structure so I could understand the environment I’d be joining.”
• “I then reviewed my logbook, training history, and recent flying experience to make sure I could discuss my background clearly and accurately.”
• “Finally, I practised common interview questions and reviewed technical and non-technical topics so I could answer calmly and professionally.”

Examples of Good Answers for Pilot Candidates

Example 1: First officer interview

“I prepared by researching the airline’s network, fleet, and operating style so I could speak knowledgeably about the role. I also reviewed my logbook and recent flying experience to make sure I could discuss my background accurately. In addition, I practised answering behavioural and technical questions so I could respond clearly and professionally during the interview.”

Example 2: Experienced pilot interview

“I wanted to be fully prepared, so I spent time learning about the airline’s current operation and expectations for the position. I reviewed my previous command and multi-crew experience, along with the key examples I might use to explain my decision-making and teamwork. I also refreshed my knowledge of interview topics and made sure my documents were organised and ready.”

Example 3: Simulator and interview combined

“I approached this as a complete assessment process. I reviewed the airline’s background, studied the role requirements, and checked my own records so I could answer questions confidently. I also refreshed my technical knowledge and practised keeping my answers concise, because I know clear communication is important in both the interview and the simulator.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid answers that make you sound unprepared or casual. For example:

• “I didn’t really do much.”
• “I just hoped my experience would speak for itself.”
• “I looked at the website for a few minutes.”
• “I wasn’t sure what they would ask.”

These responses suggest a lack of motivation and poor professional discipline.

Also avoid overclaiming. Do not say you studied areas you did not actually review. Interviewers can usually tell when an answer sounds rehearsed but not genuine.

How to Tailor Your Answer to the Airline and Role

Your response should sound specific to the airline, not generic. Mention preparation that is relevant to the operation:

• Fleet type
• Route structure
• Base location
• Multi-crew or command expectations
• Training environment
• Company values or safety culture

If the role is for a simulator assessment, it is acceptable to mention that you reviewed procedures, raw-data flying, callouts, and CRM principles. If it is a HR-focused interview, emphasise your research, self-reflection, and preparation for behavioural questions.

The goal is to show that you understood what kind of interview you were attending and prepared accordingly.

Final Checklist Before the Interview

Before you walk into the interview room, make sure you can honestly say you have done the following:

• Researched the airline and role
• Reviewed your CV, logbook, and training history
• Prepared examples from your flying experience
• Practised concise, professional answers
• Read the interview instructions carefully
• Organised all required documents
• Arrived with a calm and professional mindset

Final Tip

The best answer to “What did you do to prepare for this interview?” is not a long list. It is a clear, structured response that proves you took the opportunity seriously and prepared like a professional pilot.