You’ve made it to the interview stage—congratulations! This means the employer is already impressed by your CV and wants to know more. The interview is your chance to show them who you are, how you fit the role, and why you’d be an asset to their team.
But let’s face it—interviews can be nerve-wracking. From unexpected questions to first impressions, a lot rides on your ability to perform under pressure. The good news? With the right preparation, you can walk into any interview with confidence. Here are three simple but powerful steps to help you give an amazing job interview.
1. Plan your answers
An interview is your opportunity to sell yourself, and like any great salesperson, you need to anticipate questions and prepare your responses. While you can’t predict every question, certain ones are almost guaranteed to come up. For example:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Crafting thoughtful answers in advance will ensure you don’t get caught off guard. Instead of vague, generic responses, focus on tying your answers to the role and the company. For instance, when asked “Why do you want to work here?”, you could say:
“I admire how [Company] has positioned itself as a leader in [industry/market]. Your recent initiatives, like [specific example], align closely with my values and expertise. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to such forward-thinking projects.”
Bonus tip: address potential concerns
Think about areas where the interviewer might see gaps in your CV or qualifications. For example, if you lack a specific skill mentioned in the job description, be ready to address it positively:
“While I don’t have direct experience with [specific skill], I’ve worked on similar projects that required quick learning and adaptability. I’m confident I can master this skill in a short time.”
How to refine your answers
- Write them out: Start by jotting down key points for each likely question.
- Practise aloud: This will help you get comfortable with the phrasing and timing of your responses.
- Use the STAR method: For behavioural questions (e.g., “Tell me about a time you handled a challenge”), structure your answer by describing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
With thorough preparation, you’ll not only feel more confident but also come across as polished and professional. And when the interviewer throws a curveball, you’ll have a solid foundation to adapt your response on the spot.
2. Be inquisitive
An interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s your opportunity to show genuine interest in the company and the role. Employers are looking for candidates who are not only qualified but also enthusiastic about joining their team. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your curiosity, engagement, and commitment to the opportunity.
Why asking questions matters
When you ask well-considered questions, you do more than gather information. You show that you’ve researched the company, thought critically about the role, and are invested in your future with them. On the flip side, failing to ask questions can make you seem disinterested, even if you’ve given strong answers throughout the interview.
What to ask and when
Timing is everything. While some questions can be asked during the interview, particularly if they arise naturally from the discussion, the end of the interview is typically the best moment. Most interviewers will ask, “Do you have any questions for us?”—this is your chance to shine.
Here are a few examples of impactful questions to ask:
- “What does success look like in this role over the first six months?”
- “What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?”
- “Can you tell me more about the company’s culture and how this role fits into it?”
- “Are there opportunities for professional development or progression within the organisation?”
These questions not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate that you’re thinking about how you can contribute and grow within the company.
How to prepare questions in advance
- Research the company: Review their website, recent news articles, or LinkedIn updates to identify specific areas you want to learn more about. For example, if they’ve recently launched a new product, ask how it’s performing or what the future plans are.
- Tailor to the role: Think about what you need to know to decide if this job is the right fit for you. For instance, if the role involves managing a team, ask about the team’s structure or challenges.
- Bring a notebook: Having questions written down shows that you’ve prepared. It also ensures you don’t forget key points in the moment.
Bonus tip: questions to avoid
While it’s great to be curious, there are certain topics that should be avoided early in the process, such as salary, holiday allowance, or other benefits. These are important but are better discussed once an offer is on the table. Focus instead on questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and company.
By preparing thoughtful questions and knowing when to ask them, you’ll leave a lasting impression as someone who is genuinely invested in the opportunity. This simple step could set you apart from other candidates and move you one step closer to securing the job.
3. Practice makes perfect
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but confidence grows with preparation—and one of the best ways to prepare is to practise. While there’s no substitute for the real thing, rehearsing in advance can help you refine your answers, polish your presentation, and boost your confidence when it matters most.
Why practice is essential
Many candidates rely on “winging it” in interviews, but this approach often leads to rambling answers, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress. Practising allows you to:
- Identify and refine your key messages.
- Become comfortable speaking about your skills and experiences.
- Work on managing nerves and presenting yourself confidently.
How to practise effectively
- Rehearse in front of a mirror: Practising alone in front of a mirror lets you observe your body language and facial expressions. Are you smiling? Do you look approachable? Pay attention to how you sit, gesture, and hold eye contact.
- Record yourself: Use your phone or computer to record a mock interview. This method allows you to evaluate not only your delivery but also your tone of voice, pace, and clarity. For instance, you might notice you’re speaking too quickly or using filler words like “um” or “like” too often.
- Role-play with a friend or mentor: Practising with someone else is one of the most effective ways to prepare. Choose someone who can give honest feedback—ideally someone with managerial or recruitment experience. Provide them with a list of common interview questions and ask for constructive criticism on your responses.
- Simulate tricky questions: Don’t just practise the easy ones. Challenge yourself with tough questions like “What is your greatest weakness?” or “Why should we hire you over other candidates?” Having polished answers to these will help you stay calm and confident under pressure.
Bonus tip: practise in your interview outfit
What you wear can influence how you feel. Practising in your interview outfit gives you a chance to check that it’s comfortable, fits well, and projects the professional image you want. Feeling good in what you’re wearing can also boost your confidence on the day.
What to do with feedback
When you practise with others, always ask for detailed feedback. For example, did your answers address the question directly? Were your examples clear and compelling? Use this input to adjust and refine your responses. If possible, go through multiple rounds of practice to track your improvement.
Building confidence through preparation
The more you practise, the more prepared and confident you’ll feel when you walk into the interview. By identifying areas for improvement and refining your delivery, you’ll not only reduce nerves but also present the best version of yourself to potential employers.
Remember, an interview is as much about how you say things as what you say. Practice helps you master both.
Finally …
An interview is your chance to stand out, and with the right preparation, you can make a lasting impression. By planning thoughtful answers, asking insightful questions, and practising your delivery, you’ll walk into any interview feeling confident and ready. Remember, interviews are as much about showcasing your personality and enthusiasm as they are about your skills and experience. With these three steps, you’re not just preparing for the interview—you’re setting yourself up for success.
