Interviews Preparation & Tips

Preparing for an Interview

Being invited to an interview means an employer, college or training provider wants to find out more about you.

Interviews are an opportunity to explain your skills, experience, interests and motivation and to find out whether the opportunity is right for you.

Good preparation can help you feel more confident and make a positive impression.

Before the Interview

Before your interview:

• research the employer, college or organisation

• read the job description, course information or apprenticeship details again

• think about why you are interested in the opportunity

• prepare examples of your skills and experience

• plan what you are going to wear

• check the interview date, time and location

• plan your journey and allow extra time

• take any documents you have been asked to bring.

If you are unsure about anything, contact the organisation before the interview rather than guessing.

Research the Organisation

Employers and providers may expect you to know something about them.

Before your interview, find out:

• What does the organisation do?

• What services or products does it provide?

• What does the role, course or apprenticeship involve?

• What skills or qualities are they looking for?

• Why are you interested in this particular opportunity?

You do not need to memorise lots of information. Focus on understanding the organisation and being able to explain why the opportunity interests you.

Common Interview Questions

You cannot predict every question, but preparing for common questions can help.

You might be asked:

• Tell me about yourself.

• Why are you interested in this role/course/apprenticeship?

• Why would you like to work or study here?

• What are your strengths?

• What skills could you bring?

• Tell me about a time you worked successfully as part of a team.

• Give an example of when you solved a problem.

• Tell me about a challenge you have faced.

• How do you organise your time?

• What are your future plans?

• Why should we choose you?

Try to give specific examples rather than simply listing qualities.

Using STAR

The STAR method can help you structure answers when you are asked to give an example.

S – Situation

Briefly explain what was happening.

T – Task

Explain what you needed to achieve or what your responsibility was.

A – Action

Describe what you did.

R – Result

Explain what happened and what you learned.

For example:

Situation: During a group project at school, our team was falling behind.

Task: We needed to finish our presentation by the deadline.

Action: I helped divide the remaining tasks between the group and checked that everyone understood what they needed to do.

Result: We completed the presentation on time and worked more effectively as a team.

Your examples can come from:

school • work experience • volunteering • clubs • sport • hobbies • part-time work • responsibilities at home

You do not need to have had a paid job to demonstrate useful skills.

During the Interview

Try to:

• arrive or join on time

• be polite and professional

• listen carefully to each question

• take a moment to think before answering

• speak clearly

• give examples where possible

• show enthusiasm

• be honest if you do not know something

• ask for a question to be repeated if you do not understand it.

Remember that an interview is a two-way conversation. It is also your opportunity to decide whether the role, course or organisation is suitable for you.

First Impressions

You do not need expensive clothes to make a good impression.

Choose something that is:

clean • comfortable • suitable for the setting • professional

Also remember that employers may notice:

punctuality • communication • attitude • manners • enthusiasm • preparation

Online Interviews

Some interviews may take place online.

Before an online interview:

• test your camera, microphone and internet connection

• check which platform will be used

• choose a quiet location

• make sure your background is appropriate

• position the camera at a suitable height

• make sure your device is charged

• close unnecessary apps and notifications

• join a few minutes early.

Treat an online interview in the same professional way as a face-to-face interview.

Questions You Can Ask

You will often be asked:

“Do you have any questions for us?”

Preparing one or two questions can show that you are interested.

You could ask:

• What would a typical day look like?

• What training would I receive?

• What skills are most important for this opportunity?

• What opportunities are there to progress?

• What do you enjoy most about working here?

• What happens next in the selection process?

Avoid asking questions that could easily have been answered by reading the organisation's website.

After the Interview

After an interview, think about:

• What went well?

• Which answers were strongest?

• Was there anything you found difficult?

• What could you improve next time?

Every interview provides useful experience, even if you are not offered the opportunity.

If you receive feedback, use it to help prepare for future interviews.

Interview Checklist

Before your interview, check:

☐ I know where and when the interview is taking place.
☐ I have researched the organisation.
☐ I understand the role, course or apprenticeship.
☐ I can explain why I am interested.
☐ I have examples of my skills and qualities.
☐ I have practised some common questions.
☐ I understand how to use STAR.
☐ I know what I am going to wear.
☐ I have prepared a question to ask.
☐ I know who to contact if there is a problem.

Need Some Help Preparing?

Students who would like help preparing for an interview 

can speak to:

Miss Hanson – Careers Leader
Telephone: 01740 651554
Email: careers@ferryhill.school

You may also find the following pages useful:

Applying for a Job

Skills & Qualities

Part-Time Work & Volunteering

Current Vacancies