Job Interviews

There are different types of interviews.  The most common are:  

• Face-to-face 

• By telephone 

• Virtual interviews 

• Video interviews 

• As part of an assessment centre 

Interviews may include tasks like presentations, group work, written exercises, case studies, portfolios, or psychometric tests to assess your skills and strengths.

Find out more:  

Interview tests and exercises  

Interview tips | Prospects.ac.uk 

Top Tips

• Start early - don't leave it to the last minute
• Research the employer and role
• Match your skills to the job description
• Identify likely questions and think how you will answer them
• Prepare questions to ask
• Practice with a mock interview (book with the Careers Team)

Using A1 to Prepare for an Interview

AI can be an invaluable tool for interview preparation and recruiters are increasingly using it too. Find out more here:

Using AI in job applications: tips for CVs and cover letters | Prospects.ac.uk

Preparing for a Video Interview 

Video interviews are often used early in the recruitment process to help employers decide if they would like to invite you to the next stage of the recruitment process. They can be pre-recorded allowing employers to assess your suitability for the role remotely without the need to attend in person, or they may be live and held virtually between you and the interviewers. Preparing well can help you to succeed at video interviews.

Read these Top Tips:

Video interview tips | Prospects.ac.uk 

Expert video interview tips | targetjobs 

 Additional Resources 

How to prepare for an interview | Prospects.ac.uk 

How to prepare for a job interview | targetjobs 

Targetjobs Pathway: How to take the guesswork out of your interview preparation  

Secrets of a great job interview | Q&A - Future You: achieve your career goals | Podcast on Spotify 

How to research a company | targetjobs 

Interview clothes tips for graduates | targetjobs 

It's natural to be nervous before an interview. The key to being confident and overcoming your nerves in an interview is to be well prepared. There are lots of strategies you can use to help manage your nerves and boost your confidence such as positively visualising your success, or by using techniques such as ‘power poses’ explained by Amy Cuddy in her TED Talk (see below). For more advice and top tips on boosting your confidence in interviews, check out the following resources: 

Tips for graduates: how to deal with job interview nerves 

Last-minute interview confidence boost: if you don't feel it, fake it! 

7 Tips for Staying Calm Before Your Interview 

Amy Cuddy: Your body language may shape who you are | TED Talk 

Top Tips

1. Understand the question before you answer it. Take a moment to process what’s being asked. If you're unsure, it's okay to ask for clarification as this shows you're thoughtful and engaged.
2. Use the STAR Technique to structure your answers using STAR:

• Situation – What was the context?
• Task – What was your responsibility?
• Action – What did you do?
• Result – What was the outcome?

3. Tailor your answers to the role by linking your experiences and skills directly to the requirements set out in the job description. Show how what you've done before makes you a great fit for what the employer is looking for.
4. Always be professional, honest and positive. If you are asked about challenges you have faced or your weaknesses, be honest—but always focus on what you learned or how you improved.
5. Prepare your answers in advance. You can rehearse common questions so you feel confident, but try to avoid sounding scripted. Aim for a natural, conversational tone when answering a question.
6. Show your interest in the role and the company as employers want to employ people who are genuinely excited to join their team/organisation.
7. Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interview panel at the end. This shows you’ve done your research and highlights your interest the opportunity and the employer.
8. Take your time and try to stay calm. It’s okay to pause and think before answering a question. Staying composed helps you give better responses and shows professionalism.
9. Highlight your transferable skills even if you don’t have direct experience. Focus on skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
10. Follow up and send a polite thank-you email after the interview. It reinforces your interest and leaves a positive impression.

Learn more

Teaching interview advice | targetjobs

Teaching interview questions | Prospects.ac.uk

Teacher interview questions: what will I be asked? | Tes

Interview question examples: How to stand out with strong answers | Prospects.ac.uk

7 good questions to ask at an interview | Prospects.ac.uk

Tough interview questions and answers | Content service

How to use the STAR Technique in interviews video

As well as interviews, employers may use a variety of tests or exercises to assess your suitability for the role you are applying for. This could be done alongside your interview, or as part of an assessment centre.  You may be asked to deliver a presentation, take part in a group exercise, undertake an in-tray or written test or complete psychometric tests. You will normally be notified if you will be required to undertake exercises or tests beforehand.  Good preparation is key to help you complete these tasks with confidence.   

Find out more here: 

Interview tests and exercises | Prospects.ac.uk 

6 steps to a successful presentation | Prospects.ac.uk 

3 tips for successful group work | Prospects.ac.uk 

Psychometric tests | Prospects.ac.uk 

What are psychometric tests? | targetjobs 

Assessment Centres 

Assessment centres are common in graduate recruitment as employers can assess more applicants and a wider range of skills than during a stand-alone interview.  

The key to succeeding is to be well prepared. Find out how here:

Assessment centres | Prospects.ac.uk 

Interviews and Assessment Centres advice | targetjobs 

How to prepare for an assessment centre 

Virtual assessment centres: what to expect and how to succeed 

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