Preparation helps you be yourself

Most people feel nervous about interviews. Preparation will not remove every nerve, but it will help you feel more confident, give clearer examples and make the conversation more useful for both you and the employer.

Before the interview

* Read the job description and identify the most important responsibilities and skills.

* Research the organisation, its work, values and current priorities. You do not need to memorise the website.

* Review your CV and prepare examples that show what you did, how you approached it and what happened.

* Confirm the format, time, location or link, who you will meet and whether there is a task or presentation.

* Plan your journey or test the video link, camera, sound and internet connection.

* Ask for any reasonable adjustments you need to take part fully.

* Prepare thoughtful questions of your own.

Using AI to prepare

AI can help you generate practice questions, turn a job description into likely themes or rehearse how to make an answer clearer. Use it to prepare, not to create a script that does not sound like you. Never invent an example, and be ready to explain your own thinking.

If an employer gives you a task, follow any instructions about whether AI may be used. If the rules are unclear, ask. Where you have used it, be prepared to explain how and how you checked the output.

Using the STAR approach

STAR is a simple way to structure answers when you are asked for a real example. It helps you give enough context without losing the point.

* Situation: Briefly explain what was happening.

* Task: Describe what you needed to achieve or what responsibility you held.

* Action: Explain what you personally did and why. This should be the largest part of your answer.

* Result: Describe the outcome, what changed and what you learned.

STAR example

Question: Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.

Situation: A customer contacted us after an order had failed to arrive before an important event. They were understandably upset.

Task: I needed to find out what had happened, keep the customer informed and find a practical solution that day.

Action: I listened without interrupting, checked the delivery record and contacted the courier. When it became clear the original order would not arrive, I found the stock at another location, arranged a same-day delivery and updated the customer at each stage.

Result: The replacement arrived in time. The customer thanked us for keeping them informed and later placed another order. I also suggested a change to our delivery-checking process, which the team adopted.

The example does not need to be dramatic. A clear, genuine example is usually stronger than a polished answer with very little evidence.

During the interview

* Listen to the whole question and ask for clarification if you need it.

* Pause to think; you do not have to answer instantly.

* Use specific examples and explain your own contribution.

* Be honest about what you know and what you would need to learn.

* If something did not go well, explain what you learned rather than pretending you have never made a mistake.

* Remember that you are deciding whether the role and organisation are right for you too.

Questions you might be asked

* What interested you about this role?

* Which parts of your experience are most relevant?

* Tell us about a problem you solved.

* Describe something that did not go to plan. What did you learn?

* Tell us about a time you adapted to change or learned something quickly.

* What kind of work gives you the greatest sense of achievement?

* What support or management helps you do your best work?

* How is AI affecting your work, and how do you check the quality of its output?

* What matters most to you in your next role?

Questions you could ask

* What would you like the successful person to achieve in the first six months?

* How would you describe the manager’s approach?

* What are the biggest challenges in the role?

* How does the team work together?

* How is AI currently being used in the organisation or role?

* What training and support will be available?

* What are the next stages and likely timescale?

In person and video interviews

Choose clean, appropriate clothing that helps you feel comfortable and confident. For video interviews, find a quiet place with reasonable light and as few interruptions as possible. If technology fails, stay calm, contact the interviewer or Jobshop and agree the best way to continue.

There is no single “correct” handshake, level of eye contact or interview style. Concentrate on communicating clearly, listening and being yourself.

Handling difficult topics

If you were made redundant, remember that it was the role that was made redundant, not you. Explain the facts simply and move on to what you are looking for next.

If you were dismissed, answer honestly and calmly. Take responsibility where appropriate, explain what you learned and avoid attacking a former employer.

If you do not have every piece of experience requested, focus on relevant transferable skills, evidence of learning and the potential you could bring. You were invited for a reason.