A job interview is easier to prepare for when you know which examples to use and why they matter to the employer. This seven-day plan starts with the vacancy, then moves through research, rehearsal and the practical details that affect how you perform.
Seven days before: understand the job
Read the vacancy carefully and highlight the main responsibilities, technical skills and behavioural qualities. For each major requirement, write down one example from your experience that shows you can handle similar work.
Six days before: research the organisation
Use the organisation’s official website, recent reports and verified public channels. Understand what the organisation does, who it serves, its main products or programmes and any developments relevant to the role. You do not need to memorise everything; focus on information that helps you understand the job.
Day 5: Prepare STAR examples
The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. Prepare several examples covering teamwork, problem solving, leadership, conflict, deadlines, customer service, mistakes and achievements. Keep each example concise and truthful.
Day 4: Practise common interview questions
Prepare for questions such as “Tell us about yourself,” “Why are you interested in this role?”, “What is your greatest relevant achievement?” and “Describe a challenge you handled.” Do not memorise scripts word for word. Aim to remember key points so your answers sound natural.
Day 3: Prepare your questions
Most interviews give candidates time to ask questions. Good questions can focus on priorities for the role, the team, performance expectations, onboarding or current projects. Avoid asking only about benefits in the first conversation unless compensation is specifically being discussed.
Day 2: Run a mock interview
Ask a friend, mentor or colleague to interview you, or record yourself answering questions. Check whether your examples are clear, whether you speak too quickly and whether you give enough evidence. Practise shorter versions of answers that have become too long.
Day 1: Handle logistics
- Confirm the interview time and time zone.
- Plan transport or test the video-call link.
- Prepare your clothes.
- Print or save copies of your CV and requested documents.
- Charge your phone and laptop if needed.
- Get enough rest.
On the interview day
Arrive or join early enough to avoid rushing. Listen fully to each question before answering. If a question is unclear, ask for clarification. It is acceptable to pause briefly to organise your thoughts.
After the interview
Write down the questions you were asked while they are still fresh. This helps you improve for future interviews. If appropriate, send a short thank-you message. Then continue with other applications rather than assuming one interview will result in an offer.
Interview confidence usually comes from preparation, not memorisation. The more clearly you understand your own experience and the employer’s needs, the easier it becomes to answer with relevant evidence.
Prepare your 60-second introduction
Many interviews begin with a version of “Tell us about yourself.” A useful answer connects your current role or background, one or two relevant strengths and why the opportunity makes sense as a next step. It is not necessary to describe your entire life history.
Prepare for competency-based questions
Competency questions ask for examples of past behaviour, such as handling conflict, meeting a deadline or solving a difficult problem. Use STAR to keep the answer structured. Spend most of the time on the action you personally took and the result, rather than giving a long description of the situation.
Prepare for technical questions
For technical roles, revise the tools, processes and concepts named in the job description. Do not pretend to know something you do not. If you have not used a particular tool but have worked with a similar one, explain the transferable knowledge and how you would learn the new system.
Salary and availability questions
Research the role and local market before the interview if possible. If asked about salary expectations, give a realistic range or explain that you are open to discussing the full package and responsibilities. Be truthful about notice periods, relocation and start dates.
Video interview checklist
- Test camera, microphone and internet connection.
- Use a quiet, well-lit location.
- Keep the camera near eye level.
- Close unnecessary applications and notifications.
- Have the job description and CV available for reference.
- Use a backup connection if possible.
Handling difficult questions
If you do not know an answer, do not panic. Explain how you would approach the problem or what information you would need. For questions about mistakes, choose a genuine example, take responsibility and focus on what changed in your behaviour afterward.
Interview preparation worksheet
Before the interview, write down the five most important requirements from the vacancy, one example for each, three questions for the employer and two achievements you definitely want the panel to remember. This one-page summary can keep your preparation focused.
Worked STAR interview answer (fictional example)
Question: “Tell us about a time you handled a difficult deadline.” Situation: A small communications team had two days to prepare updates for an event after a speaker changed. Task: I was responsible for ensuring attendees received an accurate schedule. Action: I confirmed the revised agenda with the organiser, made a checklist of website and social changes, assigned a colleague to proofread the copy and published the updates in priority order. Result: All published channels reflected the new schedule before registration reopened. This is an illustrative answer, not an event the reader should claim to have experienced.
Score your own practice answer
| Test | Score (0–2) |
|---|---|
| Did I answer the question asked? | 0 / 1 / 2 |
| Did I explain my own contribution? | 0 / 1 / 2 |
| Did I provide concrete evidence or a credible result? | 0 / 1 / 2 |
| Was the answer concise and understandable? | 0 / 1 / 2 |
| Did I connect the example to the target job? | 0 / 1 / 2 |
Give yourself 0 when an element is missing, 1 when it needs work, and 2 when it is clear. A low score identifies what to practise; it is not a prediction of whether an employer will hire you.
Questions to ask before accepting an offer
Confirm the job title, reporting line, location or remote-work terms, pay arrangements, expected hours, probation conditions and start date in writing. Verify that the offer comes from an official employer channel. Do not pay for a purported guaranteed placement or provide banking PINs, passwords or one-time security codes to a recruiter.