Most people who do well at interview are not naturally better at talking about themselves. They have simply prepared. They know the role, they know their own experience and they have thought about the questions they are likely to be asked. That preparation shows, and it also makes the whole thing far less stressful.
This guide covers what to do in the days before an interview, how to approach the most common questions, and what to do on the day and afterwards.
Find out what kind of interview it is
Before anything else, find out the format. If you applied through a recruiter, ask them. They can usually tell you who you will meet, how long it will last and what the employer is looking for.
- Phone screening: a short call, usually to confirm your experience, availability and interest before a longer interview.
- Video interview: increasingly common for first and even final interviews. Treat it exactly like a face-to-face meeting.
- Face-to-face interview: one or two people from the business, often your future manager.
- Panel interview: three or more people, each of whom may ask questions on a different area.
- Competency-based interview: questions that ask for examples of things you have done, such as “Tell me about a time you solved a problem under pressure”.
- Practical assessment or site visit: common for technical, production and trade roles, where you may be asked to complete a task, a test or a short trial.
Research the employer and the role
You do not need to memorise the company’s history, but you should understand what they do, who their customers are and where the role fits in. Spend some time on their website, their LinkedIn page and any recent news.
Then read the job description again, slowly. Pick out the main responsibilities and the skills they ask for, and for each one, think of something from your own experience that shows you can do it. This is the most useful preparation you can do.
Know your own CV
Interviewers will ask about anything on your CV, so read it back and make sure you can talk comfortably about each role: what you did, why you moved on and what you learned. If there are gaps or short roles, decide in advance how you will explain them. A brief, honest answer is always best.
Prepare examples, not scripts
Many interview questions ask you to describe a real situation. The STAR method is a simple way to structure your answer so it is clear and complete:
- Situation: set the scene in a sentence or two.
- Task: explain what you needed to achieve or what the problem was.
- Action: describe what you did. This should be the longest part, and it should be about your actions, not the team’s.
- Result: say what happened as a result, with numbers or outcomes if you can.
For example: “We had a large order due out on a Friday and two people on the line were off sick (situation). I was asked to make sure the order shipped on time without affecting quality (task). I reorganised the shift so that the most experienced operators covered the critical stations, and I worked through my break to cover the packing area (action). The order went out on time with no quality issues, and my supervisor asked me to help plan cover for the next peak period (result).”
Prepare five or six examples you can adapt to different questions: a time you solved a problem, handled pressure, worked as part of a team, dealt with a difficult person, made a mistake and fixed it, and improved how something was done. Practise saying them out loud, but do not learn them word for word. You want to sound natural, not rehearsed.
Common questions and how to approach them
“Tell me about yourself.”
This is not an invitation to tell your life story. Give a short summary of your current or most recent role, your relevant experience and why you are interested in this job. Aim for about a minute.
“Why do you want this role?”
Be specific. Mention something about the work, the company or the opportunity that genuinely appeals to you, and connect it to your experience or where you want to go next.
“Why are you leaving your current job?”
Keep it positive and forward-looking. Talk about what you are moving towards, such as more responsibility, a permanent position or a different type of work, rather than criticising your current employer.
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Choose strengths that matter for the role and back each one with a quick example. For weaknesses, pick something real but not central to the job, and explain what you are doing to improve it.
“What are your salary expectations?”
Research the typical rate for the role and location before the interview so you have a realistic figure or range in mind. If you are working with a recruiter, they can usually advise you on this and discuss it with the employer on your behalf.
“Do you have any questions for us?”
Always have two or three ready. Good questions show you are interested and help you decide whether the job is right for you. For example:
- What would a typical day or week look like in this role?
- What would you expect someone to achieve in their first three months?
- How is the team structured, and who would I work most closely with?
- What training or support is there for new starters?
- What are the next steps in the process?
Video and phone interviews
Remote interviews bring a few extra things to get right.
- Test the link, your camera, microphone and internet connection the day before, and log in a few minutes early on the day.
- Choose a quiet room with a plain background and light in front of you rather than behind you.
- Put the camera at eye level and look into it when you speak, not at your own image.
- Turn off notifications on your phone and computer.
- Keep a copy of your CV and some brief notes nearby, but do not read from them.
- For phone interviews, stand up or sit upright and smile when you speak. It changes how you sound.
The practical details
Small things can throw you off on the day, so plan them in advance.
- Confirm the time, address and the name of the person you are meeting.
- Plan your journey and allow extra time for traffic or parking. Aim to arrive about ten minutes early.
- Check whether you need to bring anything, such as ID, copies of certificates or a printed CV.
- Dress one level smarter than you would expect to dress in the job. If you are unsure, ask your recruiter.
- Have your phone switched off before you go in.
On the day
First impressions matter. Be polite to everyone you meet, from reception onwards. Listen carefully to each question, and if you are not sure what is being asked, it is fine to ask for clarification or take a moment to think before you answer.
Keep your answers focused. If you notice you are going on too long, finish the point and stop. At the end, thank the interviewer for their time and ask about the next steps if they have not already explained them.
After the interview
A short email thanking the interviewer for their time is a nice touch, particularly after a final interview. If you applied through a recruiter, call them afterwards to let them know how it went. They can pass on your interest, follow up with the employer and get feedback for you.
Whatever the outcome, take a few minutes to note which questions you were asked and which answers went well. It will help you prepare for the next one.
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