Preparing for Interview

What to Expect During the Interview Process

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For competitive positions, such as graduate programs or high-demand placements, employers may use multiple interview stages. Often, this begins with an asynchronous video interview, followed by one or more in-person or online interviews for shortlisted candidates. In some cases, an interview may be part of an assessment center—visit our Assessment Centres information page for more details.

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For other roles, the selection process may be simpler and involve just one interview. Given the variety of interview formats, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with each type. The tips below include specific advice on different interview types, as well as a checklist for preparation that’s applicable across formats.

 

Interview Preparation Checklist

 

Preparation is essential, so here’s a checklist to guide you:

 

Research the Organisation

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• Understand the company’s services, products, and industry position. Who are their competitors?

• Stay informed on recent developments or global events impacting the company.

• Familiarise yourself with their mission statement, values, and recent news. Check their press releases and social media, including LinkedIn and Twitter.

 

Understand the Role

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• Thoroughly review the job description. Look up any unfamiliar terms or consult someone knowledgeable.

• Consider the job’s responsibilities—what might be challenging, and what opportunities could it offer?

• Reach out to someone in a similar role or use industry-specific resources (e.g., prospects.ac.uk) to deepen your knowledge.

 

Organise Your Evidence

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• Make a list of the job criteria and jot down your evidence or examples for each.

• Practice using the STAR technique to frame your answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Prepare a few key selling points to highlight your suitability for the role.

 

Plan Practical Aspects

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• Choose a professional outfit, leaning towards formal if you’re unsure.

• If you need a pause during the interview, use phrases like, “Could I take a moment to organize my thoughts?”

 

Managing Interview Nerves

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It’s natural to feel nervous about important opportunities. Interviewers expect this, but if anxiety significantly affects your performance, try these tips:

 

• Reflection: Notice how your body reacts when you’re nervous. Does it impact your performance? Understanding this can help you find ways to counteract it.

• Physiological Techniques: Use breathing exercises, such as inhaling for 3 seconds, holding for 2, and exhaling for 3. Run cool water on your wrists beforehand to calm your nerves, or ground yourself by focusing on the sensation of your feet on the floor.

• Cognitive Techniques: Write down any negative thoughts about the interview, then reframe them with positive or realistic alternatives. If you’re still feeling anxious, explore additional strategies on managing anxious thoughts.

• Visualisation: Spend a few minutes picturing a successful interview. Imagine how you’ll feel during and after, and make the visualisation detailed and positive.

• Preparation and Practice: Familiarity with the material and interview process helps ease nerves. Each interview becomes a learning experience that contributes to your overall growth.

 

Practicing for Interviews

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• Use tools like the Interview Question Identifier on reading.ac.uk to tailor your practice.

• Role-play with someone to rehearse speaking aloud.

• Record yourself answering a sample question (e.g., “Why do you want this job?”) and evaluate your performance.

• Schedule a mock interview with a career advisor for additional feedback.

 

Eye Contact and Non-Verbal Communication

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Making eye contact can feel challenging, especially under stress. Recruiters understand that this may be difficult for some, and accommodations can often be made. For those who find it helpful, you might mention at the start of the interview, “I sometimes find eye contact challenging in new or stressful situations, so please be aware of this.”

 

Additional tips:

• In in-person interviews, angle your chair slightly towards the interviewer.

• Lean forward while listening to questions, then lean back to respond.

• Try focusing on the interviewer’s forehead if direct eye contact feels uncomfortable.

 

Don’t worry if you tend to fidget. Consider ways to limit distractions, such as stabilizing a swivel chair, keeping both feet on the floor, or using a quiet fidget item during online interviews.