Getting a call for your first interview is exciting, and a little scary. The good news is that interviews are a skill, and like any skill, preparation makes a huge difference. Here is how to get ready.
The week before
- Research the employer. Learn what the organisation does, who its customers are and any recent news about it.
- Reread the job advert. List the main duties and requirements. For each one, think of an example from school, volunteering, church or community work, sport or a part-time job that shows you can do it.
- Practise common questions out loud with a family member or friend.
Questions you are likely to be asked
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why do you want this job?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Tell us about a time you worked in a team.
- Tell us about a time you solved a problem.
- Where do you see yourself in a few years?
For example-based questions, use the STAR method: describe the Situation, the Task, the Action you took and the Result. It keeps your answer clear and focused.
The day before
- Confirm the time and location, and plan how you will get there. Allow extra time for traffic or bus delays.
- Prepare neat, clean clothes suited to the workplace. Smart casual is usually safe; for office and banking roles, dress more formally.
- Print a copy of your CV and gather any certificates the employer asked for.
On the day
- Arrive ten minutes early and switch your phone to silent.
- Greet everyone politely, including reception staff.
- Listen to each question fully, take a moment to think, then answer honestly.
- If you do not understand a question, it is fine to ask the interviewer to repeat it.
Ask your own questions
At the end, you will usually be asked if you have any questions. Have two ready, for example: “What does a typical day in this role look like?” or “What training is provided for new staff?”
After the interview
Send a short thank-you email the same day, if you have the interviewer’s address. Then keep applying for other roles while you wait. Every interview, successful or not, is practice for the next one.
