A guide to help you improve your chances of a successful interview
Interviews can make you nervous. They are not an everyday task. You must recall your daily work under pressure. Lack of preparation is the main reason people fail at this stage.
This guide covers:
- Step 1 – Research
- Step 2 – Compare job description and CV
- Step 3 – Prepare for a competency interview
- Step 4 – Tests and presentations
- Step 5 – Questions to ask
- Step 6 – Manage your nerves
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Step 1: Research
- Research your interviewers. Check their LinkedIn profiles for their roles and backgrounds.
- Plan your route. Know where you’re going and how long it takes. Leave extra time for delays.
- Research the company. Read “About Us,” “Careers,” and recent news on their site. Google recent news stories.
- Visit a store or see their product in real life if they sell goods.
- Ask your recruiter what interview format to expect (panel, competency, case study).
- Confirm the dress code. Ask to avoid over- or under-dressing.
- Ask what to bring. You may need your CV or ID for security.
Step 2: Compare job description and CV
- Read your CV. Know every detail of your experience and achievements.
- List your daily tasks, key projects, and proud results.
- Read the job description closely. Note each requirement.
- Match your experience to each point. Prepare concrete examples (e.g., “I led a 3PL tender: I drafted requirements, managed bids, and saved 10% on costs”).
- If you lack direct experience, note transferable skills or similar tasks.
Step 3: Prepare for a competency interview
A competency interview asks for examples of your work or how you would handle a task.
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List examples for each of these:
- Your greatest achievement
- A key project you led
- A process you improved
- A cost saving you made
- A challenge you overcame
- A skill you developed
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Use the STAR method for each example:
- Situation: Describe the context.
- Task: Explain your responsibility.
- Action: State what you did, using “I” statements.
- Result: Share the outcome with facts or numbers.
Practice each story out loud. Aim for two to three minutes per answer.
Step 4: Tests and presentations
Testing
Reasoning tests often filter candidates. Here is how to prepare:
- Practice online sample tests in verbal, numerical, and logical reasoning.
- Find a quiet place. Tests are timed and cannot pause.
- Work methodically. Note your time per question and stick to it.
- Focus on accuracy. If time runs low, a wrong guess can hurt your score.
Sample sites:
- graduatesfirst.com/numerical-reasoning
- assessmentday.co.uk/aptitudetests_verbal.htm
- assessmentday.co.uk/logic/free/LogicalReasoningTest1
Presentations
Some interviews include a presentation. Use these tips:
- Read the brief and all data. Answer the question fully.
- Confirm the format: email, USB, laptop, or printouts.
- Ask a colleague to review for errors or layout issues.
- Limit text on slides. Use bullet points, images, or charts with speaker notes.
- Highlight your relevant experience on the topic.
- Time your talk. Practice to fit the allotted time.
Step 5: Questions to ask
Prepare questions that show your interest and help you learn:
- What does success look like in this role in the first six months?
- Why did you join the company?
- What are your main challenges in this department?
- If you could improve one process here, what would it be?
- What traits make someone a good fit for this team?
- What are the team’s goals for the next year?
Step 6: Manage your nerves
Feeling nervous is normal. Use these strategies:
- Prepare fully. The more you prepare, the more confident you will feel.
- Finish prep the night before. Don’t cram on the interview day.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to settle in a nearby café or car.
- Make small talk at reception. A brief chat can ease tension.
- Allow pauses. If you draw a blank, pause, breathe, and collect your thoughts.
- Avoid long rambling answers. If you wander, say, “To sum up...” and finish your point.
Key Takeaways
- Research your role, company, and interviewers in advance.
- Match your CV to the job description with clear examples.
- Use the STAR method for competency questions.
- Practice reasoning tests and track your time.
- Keep slides simple for presentations and rehearse your talk.
- Ask questions about success metrics, challenges, and culture.
- Manage nerves by arriving early, pausing to think, and avoiding last-minute prep.
FAQs
Q: How long should I spend on prep?
A: Aim for one to two hours per interview. Divide time among research, example stories, test practice, and slide prep if needed.
Q: What if I blank on a question?
A: Pause and take a breath. Ask for a moment to think or clarification. Then use the STAR steps to structure your answer.
Q: Should I bring printed or digital copies of my CV?
A: Ask your recruiter. If unclear, bring both: printed copies and a digital file on a USB or in your email.
Q: How many questions should I prepare?
A: Have three to five questions ready. Focus on role expectations, team goals, and company culture.
Q: How can I improve my test scores?
A: Practice with online sample tests. Time yourself and review mistakes to learn faster methods.
Q: What is an ideal STAR answer length?
A: Aim for two to three minutes per example. Cover each STAR element without extra detail.
Q: Is it okay to admit I lack direct experience?
A: Yes. Highlight transferable skills and similar projects. Show how you can learn and adapt.