Interview Preparation

Preparing for Your Interview

• Confirm the arrangements. Check the date, time, location, interview format and who you’ll be meeting.
• Plan your journey. Check parking, public transport and travel times. If you’re unfamiliar with the location, consider a practice journey.
• Research the business. Explore its website, LinkedIn profile, products, services and recent news.
• Know your interviewers. Review their professional backgrounds on LinkedIn to understand their roles within the organisation.
• Understand the vacancy. Read the job description carefully and prepare examples showing how your experience meets the requirements.
• Prepare your questions. Think about what you’d like to know about the role, the team and the business.

Making a Great First Impression

• Arrive on time. Aim to arrive around 10 minutes early for an in-person interview. For video interviews, test your equipment and connection beforehand.
• Dress appropriately. Consider the company’s culture and dress code. Smart, comfortable and professional is usually a good starting point.
• Put your phone away. Switch it to silent before the interview begins.
• Be courteous. Treat everyone you meet, including reception and support staff, with respect.
• Build rapport. A friendly greeting and natural conversation can help everyone feel more comfortable.
• Be yourself. You’ve been invited because your experience has caught the employer’s attention. Now’s your opportunity to demonstrate what you can bring to the business.

The STAR Interview Technique

Competency-based questions often ask you to describe situations you’ve handled in previous roles. The STAR technique helps you give structured, relevant answers that demonstrate your achievements.

• Situation: Set the scene and explain the background.
• Task: Describe the challenge or responsibility.
• Action: Explain what you personally did.
• Result: Share the outcome, ideally with measurable results.

Read Our Full STAR Interview Guide →

Finishing Strongly

• Ask thoughtful questions. Show genuine interest in the position, the team and the organisation.
• Clarify the next steps. Ask about the recruitment process and when you can expect feedback.
• Thank the interviewer. Express your appreciation for their time and the opportunity.
• Follow up professionally. A short thank-you email can reinforce your interest in the role.