Preparing for a Job Interview: What Every Jobseeker Needs to Know

So, you’re invited to a job interview but unsure how to prepare or what to expect. Research indicates that interviewers often form opinions about candidates within the first few moments of an interview. Dealing with interview nerves is part of the process, but with the right preparation, you can increase your confidence and make a great first impression.

Remember, interviews are used to assess how well you match the role – not to catch you out. After seeing your skills on a CV or an overview of your work experience, employers want to learn more and see if you are a good fit for the team and company.

A successful interview is a structured conversation where you align your abilities with the job description clearly and authentically. It’s also an opportunity to show your interest in the organisation and showcase personal strengths that set you apart. Below, we show you how to bring it all together.

In this article, we cover:

• What to expect in a job interview.

• The importance of preparation.

• Top tips for job interview preparation.

• Common interview questions and how to answer them.

• Job interview preparation checklist.

• How to use artificial intelligence (AI) for job interview prep.

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What to expect in a job interview? 

Job interviews vary depending on the industry, company and role, but most follow a structured format. You could be interviewed by one or more interviewers. Depending on the recruitment stage or job you may be assessed by:

• a single hiring manager

• a panel of decision-makers or,

• an assessment centre where multiple candidates complete tasks.

One-to-one interviews are the most common, while panel interviews are used in roles requiring input from different departments. While the interview format is the decision of the hiring organisation, most interviews generally follow a similar running order:

• Welcome and introductions

• Your background and work history

• Questions to assess skills and experience or to dive deeper into your CV

• Time for your questions about the role, team or company

• Thank you and exit.

Be aware that interviewers may take notes as you speak; this is normal and should not distract you. Similarly, their reactions may be neutral or understated, as many hiring managers prefer to maintain professionalism and avoid giving too much away.

While most job interviews follow this standard format, there are some exceptions. The civil service interview process or NHS interview questions, often involve competency-based assessments or scoring frameworks specific to the field. Jobs in healthcare or finance may include scenario-based questioning or multi-stage evaluations.

Want to make sure your CV gets you an interview? Explore our CV examples and writing guides to help get you started:

• Nursing CV example

• Receptionist CV example

• Civil service CV example

• IT CV example

• Engineering CV example.

Why is it important to prepare for a job interview? 

Preparation is key to making a strong impression and gives you the best possible chance of success. Good job interview preparation involves understanding the role, anticipating questions and developing clear, confident responses.

• Get to know the job description thoroughly.

• Carefully identify the key skills and experience the employer is looking for.

• Practise your responses with a friend or family member or in front of a mirror.

• Mention relevant examples of core skills from your experience to demonstrate suitability.

• List key achievements, problem-solving or examples of teamwork or leadership.

It is also useful to research the company before your interview. Reviewing its website, recent press releases and social media activity can help you understand its values, current projects and industry position.

As well as keeping your own LinkedIn profile top-notch, try to find out who will be interviewing you and browse their LinkedIn for insights into their role and background. This could give you a better idea of what they might focus on during the interview.

10 tips to prepare for your next job interview 

When it comes to knowing how to prepare for your job interview, follow these tips to ensure a smooth conversation.

1. Understand the job description and company culture

Begin by thoroughly analysing the job description to identify the key responsibilities and required skills. This will help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the role. Additionally, research the company's mission, values and work environment to assess how well you fit within their culture. Understanding these aspects enables you to convey genuine interest and show that you're a good match for the organisation.

2. Research common interview questions and practise your answers

Familiarise yourself with frequently asked interview questions to reduce uncertainty and build confidence. One that comes up in almost all interview scenarios is the strengths and weaknesses interview question; we even have a whole article dedicated to answering it. Other common questions include:

• "Tell me about yourself."

• "What was it about this position/company that attracted your interest?"

• "Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge at work."

A good way to keep focused and answer questions effectively is by using the STAR method:

• Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge.

• Task: Explain the actual task or responsibility that was involved.

• Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task or challenge.

• Result: Share the outcomes or results of your actions.

Example of how to answer:

• Situation: "In my previous role as a project manager, our team faced a critical delay due to a supplier's sudden bankruptcy."

• Task: "I was responsible for finding an alternative supplier to prevent the project from falling behind schedule."

• Action: "I quickly researched and contacted several potential suppliers, evaluated their capabilities, and negotiated favourable terms with a new partner."

• Result: "This swift action allowed us to meet our original deadlines, and the project was completed successfully, resulting in a satisfied client."

Practising your responses using this framework can help you articulate your experiences clearly and concisely.

3. Plan your outfit to make a strong first impression

Your appearance plays a crucial role in forming a positive first impression with your potential employer. To ensure a favourable initial perception:

• Dress appropriately: Choose professional attire that aligns with the company's dress code. When in doubt, opt for more formal clothing.

• Grooming: Pay attention to personal hygiene and neatness. A study found that interviewers rated 40% of applicants as having grooming issues that created a negative first impression.

• Comfort: Ensure your outfit is comfortable and allows you to move naturally, helping you to feel more at ease during the interview.

4. Tackle video and phone interviews with ease

Virtual interviews have become increasingly common, not only due to the rise in hybrid work but also for hiring overseas, accessibility reasons and as a first-round screening tool. To excel in a video interview or telephone interview, keep the following in mind:

• Technical setup: Test your equipment beforehand to ensure a stable internet connection, clear audio, and proper lighting.

• Environment: Choose a quiet, distraction-free location with a neutral background.

• Presentation: Dress professionally, maintain eye contact by looking into the camera, and use natural gestures.

• Preparation: Keep your resume and notes nearby, and be ready to handle potential technical issues calmly.

5. Demonstrate confidence with body language and communication

Non-verbal cues significantly impact how your message is received. To convey confidence think about:

• Eye contact: Maintain appropriate eye contact to show engagement and sincerity.

• Posture: Sit or stand upright to project confidence and professionalism.

• Gestures: Use natural hand movements to emphasise points, but avoid excessive gestures that may be distracting.

• Tone and pace: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace, varying your tone to maintain interest

Being mindful of these aspects can enhance your communication effectiveness during the interview. But remember, it’s most important to be natural and don’t overthink.

6. Prepare smart questions to make a lasting impression

At the end of most interviews, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions. Preparing thoughtful questions to end your interview demonstrates your interest in the role and company. Consider asking about:

• The company's future projects or strategic direction.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

• The team structure and collaborative processes.

Avoid questions about salary negotiations or benefits in the initial interview unless the interviewer brings them up.

7. Know what to bring to your interview

Arriving well-prepared shows professionalism. Consider bringing:

• Copies of your CV: Have several copies on hand for multiple interviewers.

• Portfolio: If applicable, bring examples of your work to showcase your skills. Learn more about how to make a portfolio.

• Notepad and pen: To take notes or jot down important information.

• List of references: Have a prepared list in case it's requested.

• A bottle of water: Not only does it help you stay hydrated during the interview but you can pause by taking a drink and have a moment to collect your thoughts.

Organising these items in a professional folder or portfolio can help you present them neatly when needed.

8. AI for job interview preparation

Leverage AI tools to practice mock interviews. Platforms like ChatGPT can simulate common interview questions, helping you refine your answers and gain confidence before the big day.

• AI can analyse a job description and suggest potential questions.

• Polish your responses with an AI role play.

• Ask AI for industry-specific tips and trends for discussion points.

9. Use online tools to stay ahead of the competition

Leverage online resources to enhance your interview preparation:

• Company website and social media: Research the company's recent news, values, and culture.

• Professional networking sites: Platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company's employees and work environment.

• Interview preparation platforms: Utilise websites and apps that offer practice questions and interview simulations.

Staying informed and prepared can give you a competitive edge in the interview process.

10. Follow up with a thank you email

Sending a follow-up email after the interview reiterates your interest in the position and leaves a positive impression. In your message:

• Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview.

• Highlight a key point from the conversation that reinforced your interest.

• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the value you bring.

• Aim to send this email within 24 hours of the interview.

Bonus tip: Keep your senses open for red flags

Interviews are also a chance for you to assess the employer. Arriving at your interview ready to impress but with a mindset that the organisation should be on its best behaviour too can calm nerves and level the playing field. Here are a few questions to consider:

• What does the office and company culture feel like?

• How are they treating you in the interview?

• What kind of questions are they asking and are you comfortable answering them?

• Does the interview experience match your expectations?

• Is this somewhere you feel your skills will be valued?

It’s easier said than done, especially if you need to land a job soon, but walking away from a recruitment process which is not right for you is better in the long run. More interviews will come and you will be better for the experience.

Key takeaways 

1. Know what to expect: Interviews follow a structured format, with variations like one-to-one, panel or assessment centre interviews. Understand the company’s mission, values and recent projects. Read the job description so you can tailor your responses accordingly.

2. Preparation is key: Research the job description, practice common interview questions, and use the STAR method to structure your answers effectively.

3. First impressions matter: Eye contact, body language, and attire all influence perception, and studies show interviewers form opinions within seconds. Being late gives a bad impression while arriving too early can put pressure on the interviewer.

4. Follow-up and learn: A thank you email reinforces your interest, and asking for feedback after rejection helps improve future performance.

5. Assess the employer too: The interview is also your chance to evaluate the company’s culture, expectations and work environment for red flags. Thoughtful questions about the company, team or role show your enthusiasm and help you assess if the job is right for you.

Next steps?

To strengthen your interview skills and job search strategy, explore our career blog. Here you can find articles to achieve your career goals, organise your job search or find a job as a recent graduate or after a career break. Not every interview will result in a job offer. It’s important to learn how to handle rejection properly and see the value in the experience you have gained.

FAQs 

How should I prepare for an internal job interview?

Approach an internal interview as seriously as an external one. Highlight achievements, growth and contributions to the company. Research the role, understand how your experience aligns and be ready to discuss your future goals. Maintain professionalism – don’t assume familiarity with interviewers will guarantee success.

How long should you spend preparing for a job interview?

In short, give yourself enough time to prepare prior to the interview. The time required depends on the role and your experience, but ideally, dedicate several hours over multiple days. Research the company, review the job description, practice common interview questions and prepare examples using the STAR method. A well-structured approach ensures confidence and readiness without last-minute cramming.

How to prepare for an interview without a job description?

Focus on the company's industry, values and typical job requirements for similar roles. Review the original application, research competitors and prepare answers covering key skills like teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability. If possible, ask the recruiter or a company contact for insight into the role’s expectations.

How to prepare for my first job interview?

Start with the job description, researching the company’s mission and values. Practice common questions, focusing on strengths, achievements and how your skills apply. Dress professionally, maintain eye contact and prepare questions for the interviewer. Confidence comes with preparation—rehearsing answers and researching ensures you present yourself effectively.

How to prepare for a second job interview?

A second interview often means deeper discussions on skills, culture fit or problem-solving tasks. Review your first interview responses, research key company challenges and prepare thoughtful questions. If asked to complete an assignment or presentation, ensure your work demonstrates expertise, strategic thinking and alignment with company goals.