How to prepare for a job interview
Job interview preparation tips to help you stand out
Your pre-interview checklist
Your guide to a successful job interview
Ever walked into an interview and wished you’d prepared just a little more? Taking the time to get ready beforehand helps you feel confident, clearly articulate your experience, and show employers why you’re the right fit for the role. This simple step is often overlooked, yet skipping proper preparation can lead to missed opportunities, avoidable mistakes, and an interview that doesn’t reflect your true potential.
Have you done your research?
Before your interview, it's important to do your research:
Hiring Manager
What should I know?
Who the hiring manager is, what their role is, professional background, and what they are likely looking for in the role.
Where can I find the answers?
LinkedIn profiles, company website profiles, relevant industry content, or by simply asking your recruiter.
Company
What should I know?
What the company does, how it operates, who its customers are, its values and purpose, and its history.
Where can I find the answers?
Company website, annual reports, the company LinkedIn and social media pages, and recent news stories.
Industry
What should I know?
Industry trends, how the market is changing, and how this company fits within the wider industry.
Where can I find the answers?
Searching online for the latest Industry publications, market reports, news sites, and other competitors websites.
Job
What should I know?
The day-to-day responsibilities, key expectations, and any requirements/qualifications that may be needed.
Where can I find the answers?
The best sources are by reading the job description on the advertisment, and asking youir recruiter directly.
How should I introduce myself in a job interview?
One of the most important steps in interview preparation is planning how you’ll present yourself and clearly explain your career journey to date.
A clear, confident introduction sets the tone for a successful interview. So how should you introduce yourself in a job interview?
What you should do:
1
Professional snapshot
Briefly outline your current role, relevant experience, and background that position you for this opportunity. Keep it concise and focused on what matters most.
2
Highlight what makes you a good fit
Call out the key skills or strengths you bring to the role, backing them up with specific examples or outcomes that show your impact.
3
Close with intent and motivation
Explain what you’re looking for in your next role and why this position and organisation align with your career goals.
What you shouldn't do:
1
Giving your life story
Avoid walking through your entire CV or personal history. Interviewers want a clear snapshot of your relevance to the role, not every role you’ve ever had.
2
Don’t be vague
Steer clear of generic statements such as "I’m a hard worker” without evidence. Without examples or outcomes, these statements don’t show real value.
3
Speak negatively of past employers
Even subtle negativity can raise concerns about professionalism. Focus on what you learned and how it’s shaping your move.
What is the STAR interview technique?
During a job interview, you’re often asked situational or behavioural interview questions. These questions are designed to understand how you’ve handled real workplace situations in the past, or how you would approach challenges in the future. Employers use them to assess your problem-solving skills, communication style, decision-making, and how you perform under pressure.
For example:
- “Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult colleague.”
- “Can you describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline?”
- “How would you handle receiving critical feedback from your manager?"
Strong answers to situational and behavioural questions can be the difference between a good interview and a great one, as they give hiring managers insight into how you actually work, not just what you know.
The STAR interview technique is a simple and effective way to structure your answers to behavioural interview questions. Using the STAR method helps you stay focused, confident, and concise, making it easier for interviewers to understand your experience and see the value you bring to the role.
How to answer behavioural questions using the STAR technique
SITUATION
Set the situation:
"While working at X company, I was responsible for the digital promotion of a range of products. At one point, we identified that online sales for one product had dropped by around 25% compared to normal levels."
TASK
Your task and involvement:
"I was asked to review our digital marketing approach and make adjustments to help reverse the decline in sales."
ACTION
Your action:
"“I created new banner ads across our website and email signatures, boosted social media activity focused on promting the products, encouraged internal sharing, and launched a targeted email campaign to customers that would be interested.”
RESULTS
Show off your results:
"By the following week, online sales for the product had increased by approximately 40% and have remained consistent since then."
How to choose the right questions to ask in a job interview
What to ask, what to avoid, and how to tailor questions to the role
In most job interviews, you will be given the opportunity to ask your own questions, and this is a critical part of the interview process. Asking the right questions in a job interview shows preparation, genuine interest in the role, and a clear understanding of what you are looking for in your next position. Knowing what questions to ask, what to avoid, and how to tailor your questions to the role can help you stand out as a strong candidate and leave the interview with the information you need to make a confident career decision.
What questions should I ask in my job interview?
"What does success look like in this role in the first 3 to 6 months?"
"What are the biggest challenges that someone in this role will face?"
"How does this role contribute to the wider team or business goals?"
What questions shouldn't I ask in my job interview?
"How soon after I start, could I take time off or book annual leave?"
“How closely are your employees monitored or managed day to day?”
“Can the job responsibilities, working hours, or salary be changed?”
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to common questions candidates have during the job search and interview process.
How can I take time off work for a job interview?
Taking time off for a job interview can be managed professionally by using personal leave, annual leave, or requesting flexible hours if available. Many candidates choose to book a half-day, schedule appointments early in the morning or late in the day, or explain the absence as a personal appointment. It is not necessary to disclose the reason for the leave. Maintaining professionalism and giving reasonable notice helps protect privacy while keeping workplace relationships intact.
What should I wear to a job interview to make a good impression?
What to wear to a job interview depends on the industry, company culture, and role. Corporate and professional roles typically require business or business-casual attire, while creative or tech environments may allow for more relaxed but polished clothing. Candidates should aim for clean, well-fitted, neutral clothing that reflects the organisation’s culture. When unsure, dressing slightly more formal than the company’s everyday dress code is generally recommended.
How do I prepare my salary expectations before a job interview?
Preparing salary expectations starts with researching market rates for similar roles based on industry, location, and experience level. Candidates should consider their skills, years of experience, and the total package on offer, including benefits and flexibility. It is advisable to prepare a salary range rather than a fixed number and communicate expectations confidently while remaining open to discussion. Being informed helps candidates negotiate fairly and professionally.
How should I explain gaps in my CV during a job interview?
Gaps in a CV can be explained honestly and positively during a job interview. Common reasons include further study, career breaks, caring responsibilities, travel, or redundancy. Employers value transparency and are often more interested in what was learned during the gap than the gap itself. Candidates should briefly explain the situation, highlight any skills gained, and refocus the conversation on their suitability for the role.
Should I tailor my CV for every job application?
Yes, tailoring a CV for each job application significantly improves success rates. Customising a CV allows candidates to highlight the most relevant skills, experience, and keywords that align with the job description. This approach also helps optimise CVs for applicant tracking systems (ATS), making it more likely the application will be shortlisted.
How can I calm my nerves before a job interview?
Managing interview nerves involves preparation, practice, and planning ahead. Candidates can reduce anxiety by rehearsing answers, arriving early, and using breathing techniques to stay calm. Confidence often increases when candidates feel well prepared and know what to expect during the interview process.
What documents or materials should I bring to a job interview?
Candidates should bring printed copies of their CV, a list of references if requested, and any supporting documents relevant to the role. For virtual interviews, having digital copies easily accessible is recommended. Being organised and prepared reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
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