Interview tips

If you’ve been invited to interview, this means you're one step closer to joining an employer.

This guide will help you prepare and feel ready to do your best. 

Step 1: Get organised 

Start with the practical details like: 

  • checking the date, time and location of your interview - if it’s online, check the link and your internet connection.
  • noting what to bring, such as ID or qualification documents
  • letting the interviewer know as early as possible if you need any reasonable adjustments
  • planning your journey if you're attending in person - aim to arrive early

Step 2: Be yourself 

Interviews can make you feel nervous, but remember, you've been invited to interview for a reason. your interviewers want to get to know the real you.

Remember:

  • to speak honestly about your experiences and values
  • to take your time when answering questions - It’s okay to pause and think
  • if you do not understand a question, ask for clarification

Your interviewer are not looking for perfection, they’re looking for potential.

Step 3: Understand the role 

Knowing what the role involves helps you focus your answers:

  • re-read the job description and person specification
  • pay attention to the essential criteria - this is what you’ll be assessed against
  • review your supporting statement and remind yourself of the examples you gave
  • think about how your experience and skills relate to the role, and how you’ll expand on them in the interview

Step 4: Reflect the employer's values 

Values shape everything an employer does. 

During the interview, you may be asked about how your values align with the employer's. 

They’ll look for examples that show how you embody their values in your work. 

Think about times when you’ve lived these values and how you might bring them to life in your answers. 

Step 5: Use the STARR technique 

Structure your answers using STARR.

  • Situation – What was happening?
  • Task – What needed to be done?
  • Action – What did you do?
  • Result – What changed because of your actions?
  • Reflection – What did you learn? 

Prepare a few STARR examples in advance to help you stay focused, especially for competency-based questions. 

Step 6: Ask questions 

Interviews are a two-way conversation. Go prepared with a couple of questions about the: 

  • team you’d be joining
  • working culture
  • opportunities for development or support 

It shows you’re engaged and helps you decide if the role is right for you.