If you’re gearing up for a software engineering interview, real talk: brush up on data structures and algorithms. Sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many candidates underestimate this part. Practice with LeetCode or HackerRank—failing to solve even a couple of easy problems can raise major red flags.

Then there's the behavioral aspect. Don't be that person who walks in with no stories to tell. Prepare a few solid examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and teamwork. Prepare for those classic questions like 'Tell me about a challenge you faced.' Make them memorable—specific examples will set you apart more than generic responses ever will.