How to prepare for a job interview
Preparation is what separates a good interview from a great one. Start by researching the company thoroughly. Read their website, check recent news, look at their social media, and understand what they do and who their customers are. This lets you speak with genuine knowledge rather than guessing.
Next, study the job description carefully. Identify the key skills and requirements, and think of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate each one. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers so they're clear and focused.
Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer. Good questions show you're genuinely interested and have thought about the role. Ask about the team, the day-to-day responsibilities, or what success looks like in the first six months. Avoid asking about salary or holidays in a first interview unless the interviewer brings it up.
Common interview questions and how to answer them
"Tell me about yourself" is often the first question and it sets the tone for the rest of the interview. Keep your answer to around two minutes. Briefly cover your background, your most relevant experience, and what brings you to this role. Don't recite your entire CV.
"Why do you want this job?" is your chance to show you've done your research. Connect something specific about the company or role to your own goals and experience. Generic answers like "it seems like a great opportunity" won't set you apart.
"What's your biggest weakness?" is not a trap. Choose something genuine but manageable, and explain what you're doing to improve it. Saying "I'm a perfectionist" is overused and unconvincing. Something like "I've found it difficult to delegate in the past, so I've been actively working on trusting my team more" is honest and shows self-awareness.
"Where do you see yourself in five years?" doesn't need a precise answer. Employers want to know you're ambitious and likely to stay. Talk about growing your skills, taking on more responsibility, and contributing to the company's goals.
Phone and video interviews
Phone interviews are often used as an initial screening step. Treat them as seriously as a face-to-face interview. Find a quiet place with good signal, have your CV and the job description in front of you, and stand up if it helps you sound more confident.
For video interviews, test your setup in advance. Check your camera, microphone, internet connection, and lighting. Make sure your background is tidy and professional. Look at the camera rather than the screen so it appears like you're making eye contact.
In both cases, speak clearly and pause before answering. It's fine to take a moment to think. Rushing your answers is more noticeable on a call or video than it is in person.
What to wear to an interview
When in doubt, dress one level above what you'd wear on the job. For office-based roles, this usually means smart business wear. For more casual workplaces, smart casual is fine, think neat trousers or a skirt with a clean shirt or blouse.
Avoid anything too casual (trainers, jeans, t-shirts) unless you're confident the company culture supports it. If you're unsure, check the company's social media or website for photos of their team to get a sense of the dress code.
The key is to look put-together and comfortable. If you feel good in what you're wearing, you'll come across more confidently.
Following up after an interview
Sending a short follow-up email within 24 hours of your interview is a simple way to leave a positive impression. Thank the interviewer for their time, mention something specific you discussed, and reiterate your interest in the role.
Keep it brief, three or four sentences is enough. Don't use it to add things you forgot to say in the interview. The goal is to be polite and memorable, not to reopen the conversation.
If you haven't heard back within the timeframe they gave you, it's perfectly reasonable to send a polite follow-up asking for an update. If no timeframe was given, wait about a week before checking in.
How to handle interview nerves
Some nerves before an interview are completely normal and can actually help you perform better. But if anxiety is holding you back, there are practical things you can do.
Preparation is the best antidote to nerves. The more you've rehearsed your answers and researched the company, the less you'll have to worry about on the day. Practice with a friend or family member, or record yourself answering questions and play it back.
On the day, arrive early so you're not rushing. Take slow, deep breaths before you go in. Remember that the interviewer wants you to do well. They've already seen something in your application that interested them, and the interview is your chance to build on that.
