Interview Guide
Congratulations you have been shortlisted for an interview with a potential new employer. Your CV has already shown that your experience and skills meet the job description. Now it is your time to shine and make a strong impression in front of your future manager.
Remember that an interview is a two-way process. They are assessing whether you are right for the role, but you are also deciding whether the company and the opportunity are right for you.
A good interview is not about having perfect answers. It is about showing that you understand the role, can explain your experience clearly and can present yourself in a professional and confident way. This guide will help you prepare, practise and perform better in interviews, whether they are in person, by phone or online. [Source]
- Research the company
- Review the job description
- Prepare examples using STAR
- Clear answers
- Professional body language
- Better questions to ask
Better preparation
Reading the job description carefully, researching the employer and reviewing your CV can help you understand what the interviewer is likely to ask and what strengths they want to see. [Source]
Stronger answers
Using examples from work, education, volunteering or everyday life can help you answer questions more clearly and show that you have the skills the employer needs. The STAR method is especially useful for structuring interview answers in a clear and relevant way. [Source]
Weak answers such as “Yes, I have done that before” are usually not enough. Explain how, when and why you did it, whether it was successful, and what you learned from the experience.
More confidence on the day
Knowing how to conduct yourself, what to bring, how to answer calmly and what questions to ask can help you feel more in control and make a more professional impression. [Source]
Why use this interview guide?
Interviews can feel stressful, especially if you are not sure what to expect. The National Careers Service recommends preparing by understanding the job description, researching the company, reviewing your application and preparing examples from your experience. Taking these steps can help you feel more confident and better able to explain why you are a good fit for the role. [Source]
What this guide covers
1. How to prepare for an interview
Good preparation can make a big difference. Before the interview, take time to understand the role and think about how your experience matches what the employer is looking for. The National Careers Service advises job seekers to read the job description carefully, research the company, review their CV or application form and prepare examples from previous experience. [Source]
Preparation checklist
- Read the job description carefully
- Highlight the skills and qualities the employer wants
- Research the company website, values, products or services
- Review your CV or application form
- Prepare examples that show your skills and achievements
- Practise answers to common interview questions
- Write down 2 or 3 questions to ask the interviewer
- Check the interview type: in person, phone or video
2. Useful interview hints and tips
Small things can make a strong difference in an interview. Employers are not only listening to what you say, but also how clearly and professionally you communicate it.
Practical interview tips
- Arrive with plenty of time to spare
- Be ready 5 to 10 minutes early
- Turn off your phone or remove distractions
- Listen carefully to each question
- Ask for the question to be repeated if needed
- Take a moment before answering
- Use examples that are relevant to the role
- Keep your answers focused and easy to follow
- Stay polite, positive and professional throughout
3. How to answer interview questions more effectively
Many interview questions are designed to see how you think, communicate and respond to real situations. Employers often ask about your work history, strengths, motivation, interest in the company and how you have handled challenges in the past. [Source]
About the employer
You may be asked what you know about the company, why you want to work there and why you would be a good fit. Researching the employer’s website, values and services can help you answer these questions more naturally and show genuine interest. [Source]
About your experience
You may be asked about challenges, achievements, teamwork, initiative or mistakes. Use positive, relevant examples and connect them back to the role you are applying for. [Source]
About your strengths
Employers may ask what your strengths are or why they should hire you. Pick 2 or 3 strengths that match the job and support them with examples. [Source]
About your weaknesses
Be honest, but show that you are working to improve. A good answer explains the weakness briefly and then focuses on what you are doing to manage it better. [Source]
4. Use the STAR method to structure your answers
A simple way to answer interview questions clearly is to use the STAR method. This helps you explain what happened, what your role was, what you did and what the outcome was. The National Careers Service recommends the STAR method because it helps candidates give structured examples without sounding too rehearsed. [Source]
STAR stands for
- Situation – the situation you had to deal with
- Task – the task you needed to complete
- Action – the action you took
- Result – what happened and what you learned
Best ways to use STAR
- Choose examples that match the job
- Keep the example clear and relevant
- Focus most on the action you took
- End with a result or learning point
- Be ready for follow-up questions
5. How to conduct yourself in the interview
How you conduct yourself can affect the overall impression you make. You do not need to act overly formal, but it helps to be calm, respectful, engaged and professional.
Good interview behaviour
- Greet the interviewer politely
- Listen without interrupting
- Speak clearly and at a steady pace
- Sit up straight and look interested
- Maintain good eye contact
- Avoid rushing your answers
- Stay positive when discussing past roles or setbacks
- Thank the interviewer at the end
If you feel nervous
It is normal to feel nervous in interviews. Taking a breath before answering, preparing well in advance and practising your examples can help you feel more settled and confident on the day. [Source]
6. Questions to ask the interviewer
At the end of the interview, you will often be asked if you have any questions. This is a good opportunity to show interest in the role and learn more about the company. [Source]
Good questions to ask
- What does a typical day in this role involve?
- What training or development opportunities are available?
- What do successful people in this role do well?
- How do you see the company developing over the next few years?
- What does success in this role look like over the first 90 days?
7. Phone interview tips
Phone interviews often happen at an earlier stage of the hiring process, but they still need proper preparation. The National Careers Service recommends knowing the interview details, reviewing the role, preparing prompt cards and finding a quiet place to take the call. [Source]
Phone interview tips
- Confirm the date, time and caller details
- Keep your CV and notes in front of you
- Find a quiet place with no interruptions
- Speak clearly and do not rush
- Smile while speaking so you sound engaged
- Leave a small pause before answering
- Ask if you need the question repeated
- Thank the interviewer for their time
8. Video interview tips
Video interviews need the same preparation as face-to-face interviews, plus a few extra checks. The National Careers Service advises candidates to test their equipment, choose a quiet location, make sure the lighting is good and position the camera at eye level. [Source]
Video interview tips
- Test your camera, microphone and internet connection in advance
- Use a neutral or professional background
- Log in early so you can fix any issues
- Choose a quiet space with a tidy background
- Use good lighting so you can be seen clearly
- Wear smart, simple clothes
- Centre the camera and look at it to create eye contact
- Speak clearly and do not talk too fast
- Keep notes nearby if they help, but do not read from a script
- If the connection drops, stay calm and get back in touch to resume or rearrange the interview
9. Common interview mistakes to avoid
Even strong candidates can lose marks by making avoidable mistakes. Preparing properly and staying focused can help reduce these.
Common mistakes
- Not researching the company
- Giving answers that are too vague
- Talking too much without making a clear point
- Not linking examples to the role
- Speaking negatively about a previous employer
- Forgetting to prepare questions
- Arriving late or being unprepared for the interview format
- Letting nerves cause rushed or unclear answers
10. After the interview
After the interview, it can help to reflect on what went well and what you could improve next time. The National Careers Service also suggests asking for feedback if you are unsuccessful, as this can help you improve in future interviews. [Source]
After-interview checklist
- Email the interviewer or recruiter to thank them for their time and re-state your interest in the role, ideally within a few hours of the interview
- Write down the questions you were asked
- Note 2 or 3 things that went well
- Note 2 or 3 things to improve
- Follow up if appropriate
- Ask for feedback if you did not get the role
Frequently asked questions
How do I prepare for an interview?
Read the job description carefully, research the employer, review your application and prepare examples that show your skills and experience. Practising common questions can also help you feel more confident. [Source]
What is the best way to answer interview questions?
A clear and practical approach is to use the STAR method so your answers are structured, relevant and easier for the interviewer to follow. [Source]
What should I do if I do not understand a question?
It is fine to ask the interviewer to repeat the question or explain further. This is better than guessing and giving an unclear answer. [Source]
Should I ask questions at the end of the interview?
Yes. Asking thoughtful questions shows interest in the role and helps you understand whether the job and company are right for you. [Source]
Try this guide before your next interview
Use this interview guide to prepare your examples, practise your answers and feel more confident before the day. Good preparation can help you speak more clearly, show your strengths more effectively and make a stronger overall impression. [Source]