​Interview Tips and Tricks: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Discover expert tips on how to prepare for any job interview, from video to panel, with guidance tailored for UK job seekers.

Preparing for a job interview is one of the most important steps you can take to set yourself up for success. Whether it’s your first interview or your tenth, putting in the effort beforehand can make all the difference. Thoughtful preparation not only helps you present your skills and experience more clearly but also boosts your confidence and reduces anxiety. It shows potential employers that you’re serious about the role, helps you communicate more effectively and allows you to answer challenging questions with ease. Most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to highlight your value and leave a lasting impression. By walking into your interview feeling ready and informed, you’ll be in a much stronger position to showcase your strengths and secure the job.

General Interview Preparation Tips

Interview success starts well before you walk into the room (or log into the video call). The more prepared you are, the more confident and natural you'll feel on the day. Preparation not only helps you manage nerves but also shows your genuine interest in the role and organisation. Whether it’s researching the company, planning your outfit or thinking through common questions, these small actions can make a big impact. Use the steps below as your personal checklist to feel ready, focused and in control.

Research the Company and Role

Go beyond the basics you gathered when applying and take a deeper dive into the organisation. Look at their website, recent news coverage, social media channels and any current projects or partnerships. Find out what their values are, who their clients are and what challenges they may be facing. If you know who will be interviewing you, a quick look at their LinkedIn profile might help ease your nerves and give you a better idea of what to expect. This kind of preparation not only shows initiative but also allows you to tailor your responses more effectively.

Review Your CV and Experience

Revisit your CV and application to refresh your memory on what you’ve submitted. Be ready to talk confidently about your experience, skills and achievements. Read the job description again and think about how your background matches up with what they’re looking for. If the role mentions specific skills, prepare examples that demonstrate them. Consider any personal projects, interests or hobbies that relate to the job as these can help you stand out and show more of your personality.

Practice Common Interview Questions

Think about questions you’re likely to be asked and prepare clear, structured answers. Look at the job description and use it as a guide; what would you ask someone applying for this role? Writing your answers down or saying them aloud can help you feel more prepared. If possible, ask a friend, family member or mentor to help you rehearse. Tools like My Interview Practicecan also be a great way to build confidence and identify areas to improve.

Research Career Progression and Training Opportunities

Try to understand how the role fits within the wider team or company. Is there room to grow? Are there any learning and development opportunities you could explore? This shows long-term thinking and helps you answer questions like, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” If appropriate, you could mention a relevant qualification or training you'd be interested in pursuing but just keep it balanced so the focus stays on the current role.

Sort Out Any Extra Support You Might Need

If you need adjustments for accessibility, such as large print documents, sign language interpretation, specific seating arrangements or access to ramps, reach out to the employer in advance. Being clear about your needs ensures the process runs smoothly and allows you to perform at your best. Employers want to provide an inclusive and supportive experience, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Plan Your Route

If it’s an in-person interview, make sure you know exactly where you’re going and how long it will take to get there. Check public transport schedules or do a trial run if possible. Always build in extra time so you arrive calm and collected as running late can increase nerves and throw you off before you’ve even started.

Figure Out What to Wear

Choose your outfit a few days in advance so you’re not rushing around the morning of your interview. Pick something you feel confident and comfortable in and make sure it’s appropriate for the company’s culture. Planning ahead helps you focus on more important things and leaves one less thing to stress about on the day.

Think of Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Interviews are a two-way conversation. Asking questions shows you’re engaged and genuinely interested in the role. As you research the company, jot down anything you’d like to know more about, whether that’s about the team structure, company culture or upcoming projects. Aim to prepare at least two or three thoughtful questions to avoid drawing a blank when asked.

Practice with Friends or Family

Rehearsing with someone you trust can make a big difference. It helps normalise the experience and makes you more comfortable responding to unexpected questions. You don’t have to memorise every answer as the goal is to become familiar with your talking points and get feedback on how clearly you communicate.

Read Through Your Notes the Day Before

The night before your interview, go over your notes, key points and the questions you’ve prepared. You don’t need to learn everything word for word, just remind yourself of the core messages you want to get across. You can also create a short bullet-point list of skills, qualities and achievements to mentally refer to during the interview.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

It might sound obvious but rest is essential. A good night’s sleep helps you stay alert, focused and more emotionally resilient. You’ll be better equipped to handle tricky questions or last-minute changes without becoming overwhelmed. Try to wind down early, avoid screens before bed and aim to wake up refreshed and ready to go.

How to Prepare for Specific Interview Types

Different interview formats come with their own challenges, so knowing what to expect can make all the difference. Whether you're meeting one person in an office or speaking to several people over a video call, adjusting your approach to suit the setting helps you feel more in control and make a confident impression. Here's how to tailor your preparation for different types of interviews.

Face-to-Face Interviews

In-person interviews are still common, especially for roles where interpersonal skills are key. Make sure you know exactly where the interview is taking place, how long it takes to get there and allow extra time for unexpected delays. Dress appropriately for the company's culture and remember it's always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual. Bring copies of your CV, a notebook and pen and any documents requested. Body language matters: maintain good eye contact, smile and be aware of your posture. Practising your answers aloud beforehand can help you feel more comfortable and reduce nerves on the day.

Panel Interviews

A panel interview involves being interviewed by multiple people at once, this is often a mix of managers, team members or HR representatives. This can feel intimidating but preparation helps. Try to find out who will be on the panel (check your interview invite or the company website) and address them by name when answering if possible. Make eye contact with everyone, not just the person who asked the question. Panel interviews tend to include a mix of question types so be ready to talk through your experience, answer scenario-based questions and demonstrate how you’d fit into the wider team. Bring enough printed CVs for everyone in case they don't have them to hand.

Phone Interviews

Phone interviews are often used as a first stage to screen candidates so it’s important to make a strong first impression. Choose a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed and keep your CV, job description and any notes in front of you for easy reference. Without body language cues, your tone of voice and clarity of speech carry more weight so try to sound calm, enthusiastic and confident. Standing up while you speak or smiling as you talk can help project more energy and engagement over the phone. Also, make sure your phone is fully charged and that you have good reception.

Zoom and Remote Interviews

Video interviews require many of the same skills as in-person ones just with the added layer of technology. Check your internet connection, webcam, microphone and login details well in advance, or deally do a test call with a friend. Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a clean background and dress as you would for an in-person interview. Position your camera at eye level and look into it while speaking to help simulate eye contact. Keep notes nearby but avoid reading directly from them. Close unnecessary tabs and apps to reduce distractions and have a backup plan in case your tech fails (such as a phone number you can call).

Competency-Based Interview Preparation

Competency-based interviews are designed to assess how you’ve used specific skills in real-life situations. Instead of focusing on what you would do, the interviewer wants to know what you have done including clear, structured examples. These questions are common across many sectors and roles especially where soft skills like teamwork, communication or leadership are essential. With the right preparation and a simple answering technique you can tackle these questions with clarity and confidence.

What Are Competency-Based Questions?

Competency-based questions ask you to describe how you’ve handled certain tasks or challenges in the past. They often start with phrases like “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give an example of…” and are tied to specific skills or behaviours listed in the job description. For example, you might be asked to describe a time when you solved a problem, handled conflict or worked under pressure. The key is to provide a real example from your experience, whether it’s from a previous job, education, volunteering or personal projects that demonstrates the skill in action.

Using the STAR Method to Answer Competency-Based Questions

The STAR method is a simple framework that helps you structure your answers clearly and logically:

S – Situation: Set the scene. What was the context?

T – Task: What was your role or responsibility?

A – Action: What specific steps did you take?

R – Result: What was the outcome? What did you learn?

For example, if asked about teamwork, you might explain a time you collaborated on a group project, what your responsibilities were, how you contributed and what the result was. Practising your STAR responses in advance by using examples that reflect the key skills in the job description will help you feel prepared, sound polished and stay on track during the interview.

Mental Preparation for an Interview

Preparing mentally is just as important as planning what you’ll say. Feeling calm and confident helps you stay focused, think clearly and respond naturally. In the days leading up to the interview you should take time to review your notes without overloading yourself. Visualise the interview going well and imagine arriving prepared, answering questions with ease and leaving feeling positive.

On the day, use simple techniques like deep breathing, a short walk or listening to calming music to manage nerves. Avoid last-minute cramming and remind yourself that you’ve done the work. Repeating a grounding phrase, like “I’m ready for this” or “I’ve prepared and I’m capable” can help steady your mindset.

Common Interview Questions and How to Prepare for Them

While every interview is different there are certain questions that come up time and time again. Preparing thoughtful answers in advance can help you feel more confident and avoid being caught off guard. The key is to keep your responses clear, relevant and tailored to the role while showing a bit of your personality too. Here’s how to approach some of the most common questions effectively.

Why Do You Want to Work Here?

This question is your chance to show you’ve done your research and that you’re genuinely interested in the company. Focus on what draws you to the organisation, is it their values, culture, recent work, or mission, and connect that to your own goals or interests. Mention what excites you about the role itself and how it fits into your career path. Avoid vague answers like “I need a job” or “It seems like a good company” instead, show you’ve thought about why this opportunity matters to you.

Tell Me About Yourself

This is often one of the first questions you’ll be asked and it sets the tone for the rest of the interview. Keep your answer concise and focused on your professional background, key skills and what brings you to this role. Think of it as your personal elevator pitch, a short summary of who you are, what you’ve done and what you’re looking for. Tailor it to the job you’re applying for and highlight your most relevant experience without listing your entire CV.

Strengths and Weaknesses

When asked about your strengths, choose one or two that are genuinely relevant to the role and back them up with examples. Avoid generic answers like “I’m a hard worker” instead, be specific such as “I’m great at staying organised, even under pressure.”

For weaknesses, aim to show self-awareness and a willingness to improve. Pick something you’ve actively worked on and explain how you’re developing that area. For example, “I used to struggle with public speaking but I’ve been taking steps to build my confidence by volunteering to present in team meetings.”

Final Interview Preparation

The final round of interviews often involves meeting senior leaders and making a strong lasting impression. It’s your chance to demonstrate not just your skills but also your fit with the company culture and your potential to contribute long-term. Preparing carefully for this stage can help you stand out and secure the job offer.

Research Senior Leadership

Find out who you’ll be meeting, their roles and backgrounds. Look up their LinkedIn profiles or any recent company updates featuring them. Understanding their priorities and interests helps you tailor your answers and build rapport during the conversation.

Review Previous Interview Notes

Reflect on earlier interview questions and your responses. Think about how you can expand on your answers or clarify anything that might have needed more detail. This shows you’re engaged and eager to improve.

Prepare Strategic Questions

Senior leaders appreciate candidates who ask insightful questions about company vision, challenges and growth opportunities. Prepare thoughtful questions that show you’re thinking about how you can add value and align with the company’s goals.

Demonstrate Leadership and Cultural Fit

Be ready to discuss examples of leadership, teamwork and problem-solving. Highlight how your values and work style align with the organisation’s culture. Senior leaders want to see that you’ll be a positive influence on the team.

Plan Logistics and Presentation

Confirm interview details and plan your route carefully to avoid stress. Dress professionally and arrive early to make a confident first impression. Bring any necessary documents and if it’s a virtual interview make sure to test your equipment beforehand.

Preparing for an interview doesn’t have to feel overwhelming and with the right steps you can walk in feeling confident, capable and ready to impress. From understanding the format and practising your answers to researching the company and managing your mindset, every bit of preparation adds up. Whether you’re heading into your first interview or aiming to progress to a final stage these strategies will help you show up as your best self.