A job interview is a conversation, not a test with one right answer. Good preparation means knowing the role, having clear examples from your work and practising until your answers sound natural. Most candidates who do well have done the same three things: researched the company, prepared stories and rehearsed out loud.
Research the company and the role
- Read the job description and note the three or four skills it asks for most.
- Look at the company’s website, recent news and product or service range.
- Find out who will interview you, if possible, and check their professional profile.
- Prepare two or three questions that show you have thought about the role.
Prepare examples with the STAR method
Many interviewers ask behavioural questions such as “Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict.” The STAR method gives a clear structure:
- Situation: set the scene in one or two sentences.
- Task: explain what you were responsible for.
- Action: describe what you did, focusing on your part.
- Result: share the outcome, using a number where you can.
Prepare five to seven stories that cover teamwork, problem-solving, a mistake you learned from, leadership and a time you handled pressure.
Practise out loud
Rehearse your answers aloud, or with a friend, and time them. Aim for answers of about one to two minutes. Practise the opening question, “Tell me about yourself”, until it runs in under two minutes and ends with why you want this role.
On the day
- Arrive early, or log in early for a video interview, and check your camera and sound.
- Bring copies of your CV, a pen and a notebook.
- Listen to the full question before answering. A short pause to think is fine.
- Ask your questions near the end, and thank the interviewer for their time.
After the interview
Send a short thank-you message within a day, mentioning one specific point from the conversation. Then note what went well and what you would change next time.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I prepare?
For most roles, a few hours of research and practice across two or three days is enough. Senior or technical roles may need more.
What if I don’t know an answer?
Say so honestly, then explain how you would find out or what you would do first. Interviewers value clear thinking over a rehearsed answer you cannot back up.
