Prepare for an interview

• Re-read the advert and job description. Pick out the main duties and the skills or experience the employer asks for.
• Choose three or four requirements and think of an honest example of how you meet each one.
• Examples can come from employment, volunteering, education, caring or everyday responsibilities. Looking for your first job does not mean you have no relevant experience.
• Read the employer’s own website and think about why this role interests you. If something is unclear, make a note to ask.

These are examples, not a prediction of what you will be asked. Practise a few answers aloud, using short notes rather than memorising a script.

“Tell me about yourself.”

Give a short introduction focused on your relevant experience, strengths and why this role interests you. You can draw on education, volunteering or responsibilities at home, not just paid work.

“Why do you want this job?”

Connect something real about the work or employer to your interests and skills. Be specific about what appeals to you.

“What strengths would you bring?”

Choose a strength that matters for this job and give an example of when you used it.

“Tell me about a challenge or a mistake.”

Explain what happened, what you did and what you learned. Focus on your own actions without blaming others.

“What would you like to improve?”

Choose something genuine and explain the steps you are taking to improve it.

STAR gives an answer a simple shape. It is useful when you are asked for an example, such as a time you solved a problem or helped someone. You do not need to use it for every question.

Situation:

What was happening?

Task:

What did you need to do?

Action:

What did you personally do?

Result:

What happened, or what did you learn?

Focus on what you did. A small, truthful example is better than an impressive invented one. If the result was not what you hoped for, explain what you learned.

An interview is also a chance to find out whether the job suits you. Choose two or three questions that have not already been answered.

• What would a typical day look like?
• What would you like the person to achieve in the first few months?
• What training or support is available when someone starts?
• How is the team organised?
• Could you explain the working hours or shift pattern?
• What are the next steps, and when should I expect to hear?

Nerves are common. Feeling nervous does not mean you cannot do the job, and you do not have to give a perfect performance.

• Try a brief practice with someone you trust. Saying an answer aloud can help it feel more familiar.
• Before you start, take a few slow breaths and remind yourself of two or three strengths you bring.
• It is fine to pause, take a sip of water, or ask for a question to be repeated or explained.
• If you need an adjustment or support to take part, ask the employer in advance. Focus on what would help you; you do not need to share private health details in your interview answers.

These ideas may help, but they do not have to remove every nerve. Give yourself credit for showing up and having the conversation.

• Check the date, time, interview format, location and who to ask for when you arrive.
• Plan your travel, including buses or ferries where relevant, and allow extra time. Aim to arrive around 10 minutes early. If you are delayed, contact the employer as soon as you can.
• Choose clean, comfortable clothing suitable for the role. You do not need expensive clothes, and formal clothing is not always necessary. It is fine to ask what is appropriate.
• Take any documents you have been asked to bring, your questions and a copy of your application if useful.
• For a phone or video interview, check the link, sound, battery charge and connection beforehand. Find a quiet space if possible.

• Write down what went well and anything you would like to improve while it is fresh in your mind.
• If appropriate, send a short thank-you message to the person who interviewed you.
• Follow the employer’s stated timescale. If it passes and you have not heard, send a polite follow-up asking for an update.
• If you are unsuccessful, you can ask for feedback, although the employer may not always be able to provide it.

One outcome does not define your abilities. Use what you have learned, give yourself time and keep exploring other opportunities.