Interviews can feel challenging, especially if you haven’t had one before or it’s been a while since your last interview. The good news is that preparation can make a huge difference! The more prepared you are, the more confident and comfortable you are likely to feel.
Remember, employers aren’t expecting perfection. They want to get to know you, understand your skills and experience, and see whether you would be a good fit for the role.
Why Do Employers Use Interviews?
Interviews help employers:
- Learn more about you
- Understand your skills and experience
- Find out how you approach situations and challenges
- Assess whether you would fit well within their team
- Give you the chance to ask questions about the role
Think of an interview as a two-way conversation. It’s your opportunity to find out whether the role is right for you too.
Common Types of Interview
Not all interviews look the same. You may be invited to attend:
1-1 Interviews
A conversation between you and one interviewer.
Panel Interviews
Two or more interviewers asking questions from different perspectives.
Phone Interviews
Often used as an initial screening stage.
Video Interviews
Completed online using platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
Skills-Based or Competency Interviews
Focused on examples of when you’ve demonstrated particular skills.
Presentations
Some employers may ask you to prepare and deliver a short presentation as part of the selection process.
Before Your Interview
Research the Organisation!
Spend some time learning about:
- What the organisation does
- The people they support or serve
- Their values
- Recent news or developments
- Why you would like to work there
Research shows employers that you are interested and motivated.
Read the Job Description
Look carefully at what the employer is asking for.
Ask yourself:
- What skills are they looking for?
- Which experiences do I have that relate to these skills?
- What examples can I use?
Highlight keywords that appear throughout the job description. These are often clues about what the employer values most.
Prepare Examples
Many interview questions ask you to provide examples.
For example:
- Tell us about a time you worked in a team.
- Describe a situation where you solved a problem.
- Give an example of good customer service.
- Tell us about a challenge you faced.
Preparing examples in advance can help you feel more confident on the day.
Using the STAR Method
The STAR Method is a simple way to structure your answers. It helps you stay focused and provide enough detail.
S – Situation
What was happening?
T – Task
What did you need to do?
A – Action
What actions did you take?
R – Result
What happened as a result?
Example
Question: Tell me about a time you solved a problem.
Situation: I was working on a group project where team members disagreed about how to complete the task.
Task: I wanted to help the group stay focused and meet the deadline.
Action: I encouraged everyone to share their ideas and helped create a plan that combined the strongest suggestions.
Result: We completed the project on time and received positive feedback for our teamwork.
Common Skills Employers Ask About
Many interview questions are designed to assess key employability skills such as:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Organisation
- Time management
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Customer service
- Digital skills
- Attention to detail
Think about examples from:
- Work
- Volunteering
- College
- Caring responsibilities
- Community activities
- Everyday life
Everyone has experiences that demonstrate skills!
Top Interview Tips
Practise Out Loud
- Speaking your answers out loud can help you become more confident and improve your communication.
Plan Your Journey
Know:
- Where you are going
- What time you need to arrive
- Who you are meeting
- What documents you need to bring
For online interviews, test your technology beforehand.
Dress Appropriately
- Wear something that helps you feel comfortable, confident, and professional.
Arrive Early
- Aim to arrive around 10 minutes before your interview start time.
Take Your Time
- It’s okay to pause and think before answering a question.
Be Yourself
- Interviewers want to meet the real you. Be honest about your skills, experiences, and goals.
Questions You Could Ask the Employer
At the end of many interviews, you will be asked:
“Do you have any questions for us?”
Good questions might include:
- What does a typical day look like?
- What training opportunities are available?
- What would success look like in this role?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- What are the next steps in the recruitment process?
Asking questions shows interest and enthusiasm.
If You’re Nervous
Feeling nervous before an interview is completely normal.
Try to:
- Prepare in advance
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Arrive early
- Take deep breaths
- Remember that employers understand candidates may be nervous. You won’t get marked down for nerves!
Most interviewers want you to succeed because they want to see what you can offer.
For Career Changers and Returners
If you’re changing careers or returning to work after a break, focus on:
- Your transferable skills
- Recent learning and qualifications
- Volunteering experience
- Life experience
- Your motivation to learn
Don’t underestimate the value of skills gained through work, study, caring responsibilities, and community involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know the answer to a question?
- Be honest. You can explain how you would approach the situation or draw on a similar experience.
What if I don’t have much work experience?
- Use examples from education, volunteering, hobbies, family responsibilities, or community activities.
How long do interviews usually last?
- This varies, but many interviews last between 30 and 60 minutes.
Can I take notes into an interview?
- Yes. Bringing a few notes can help you remember key points, although you should avoid reading directly from them.
What if I need adjustments for an interview?
- You can request reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process if you have a disability, health condition, or additional support need.
What should I do after an interview?
- Take some time to reflect on what went well and what you would do differently next time. Every interview is a learning opportunity.
Need More Support?
If you would like support with:
- Interview preparation
- Mock interviews
- Understanding interview questions
- Building confidence
- Practising the STAR method
- Career planning
you can contact our Careers and Progression Coordinator for individual support.
Email: robyn.dawes@fircroft.ac.uk
Telephone:
Whether you’re applying for work, volunteering, apprenticeships, further study, or university, support is available to help you prepare for your next step.
Mock Interview Practice
A simple way to prepare is to choose three skills from a job description and think of one example for each using the STAR method. For example:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
Having these examples ready means you’ll be prepared for many common interview questions.
Further Support
Interview tips | Prospects.ac.uk
How to prepare for an interview | Prospects.ac.uk
Interview tips | Finding a job | The King’s Trust
