Job Interview Tips: How to Prepare and Answer Common Questions
Job interview tips that work: how to prepare, answer common questions with the STAR method, handle video interviews, ask good questions and follow up after.
This guide is general information only, not professional financial, legal or technical advice. Menus and rules can vary by device and country.
To prepare for a job interview, research the employer, study the job description, practise answers to common questions out loud, and prepare real examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). On the day, arrive or log in early, listen carefully, ask a few thoughtful questions, and send a short thank-you message afterwards.
Good preparation matters more than natural confidence. The steps below follow advice from public employment services and university careers teams, and they work for in-person, phone and video interviews in most countries.
Quick answer
- Research the company's products, values and recent news.
- Match your skills to the job description and prepare 2–3 strong examples.
- Practise common questions out loud, ideally with someone you trust.
- Use STAR to structure answers about past experience.
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer and write them down.
- Follow up with a thank-you message, ideally within 24 hours.
Step 1: Confirm the Details
- Check the date, time and location, and whether the interview is in person, by phone or by video.
- Find out who you will meet and, if possible, how long it will last.
- If you need adjustments, for example because of a disability, ask the employer in advance.
- Plan your route or test your video link so nothing surprises you on the day.
Step 2: Research the Employer and the Role
- Read the job description closely and highlight the skills and experience it asks for.
- Explore the company website, especially the "About us" pages, to learn its products, services and values.
- Look for recent news, projects or priorities you can mention.
- Re-read your own resume and cover letter. The interviewer may ask about anything in them.
Step 3: Prepare Examples With the STAR Method
Many interviewers ask "Tell me about a time when…" questions. The STAR method gives your answer a clear shape.
| Letter | Stands for | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| S | Situation | The background: where you were and what was happening |
| T | Task | What you needed to achieve or were responsible for |
| A | Action | The specific steps you took (say "I", not just "we") |
| R | Result | What happened, ideally with a number, and what you learned |
Example (teamwork and leadership):
- Situation: Few customers were signing up for our newsletter.
- Task: I was asked to increase sign-ups.
- Action: I ran a team brainstorm and led a social media campaign based on the best ideas.
- Result: Sign-ups rose 25% in three months, and another department copied the approach.
Prepare several STAR stories that show different skills, such as solving a problem, working in a team, handling pressure and taking initiative. If you have little work history, use examples from study, volunteering or personal projects.
Step 4: Practise Common Interview Questions
Practise out loud, not just in your head. You can rehearse with a friend, record yourself or use a free mock interview service if one is offered near you.
| Question | What the interviewer wants | How to answer |
|---|---|---|
| "Tell me about yourself." | A short overview | A brief, job-focused summary of your background, key skills and why this role |
| "Why do you want to work here?" | Proof you did your research | Mention specific products, values or projects |
| "What are your strengths?" | Skills that match the job | Pick 2–3 relevant strengths and back each with an example |
| "Do you have any weaknesses?" | Honesty and self-awareness | Name a real weakness and what you are doing to improve |
| "Tell me about a challenge you faced." | Problem-solving | Use a STAR story with a positive result |
| "Why did you leave your last job?" | Your attitude | Stay positive and explain why this role fits you better |
| "Why should we hire you?" | A confident summary | Link your strongest skills to the employer's needs |
Never criticise a previous employer. If something went wrong, explain what you learned and how you handled it.
Step 5: Prepare Your Own Questions
Interviewers usually ask whether you have questions, and having none can look like a lack of interest. Write down three or four, such as:
- What does a typical day in this role look like?
- How is success measured in this position, and by whom?
- What training or development opportunities are available?
- What are the team's biggest priorities or challenges right now?
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Step 6: On the Day
- Dress for the workplace and the role. If in doubt, ask the recruiter what people usually wear. Our guide on how to tie a tie can help if you need one.
- Arrive early. Aim to be ready about 10 minutes before the start, and allow extra travel time.
- Bring the basics: a notebook, a pen and a copy of your resume. Silence your phone.
- Make a good first impression. Make eye contact, smile and offer a firm handshake if one is offered.
- Listen carefully. It is fine to pause and think, or to ask for a question to be repeated.
- Close well. Say you are interested in the job, briefly restate your strengths, and ask about next steps.
Tips for Video and Phone Interviews
- Test your camera, microphone, internet and the meeting software beforehand, including mute and screen sharing.
- Log in early so you have time to fix problems.
- Choose a quiet room with good light, and place the camera at eye level. A laptop or computer is usually steadier than a phone.
- Close other windows, silence notifications and consider headphones.
- Look at the camera when you speak, sit up straight and speak clearly, not too fast.
- If the connection fails, tell the interviewer calmly and reconnect.
Some employers use pre-recorded interviews, where you record answers to set questions within a time limit. Read each question carefully, practise first and check whether you can re-record.
After the Interview
- Send a thank-you email, ideally within 24 hours. Thank each person by name, repeat your interest and mention a key qualification.
- Note two or three things that went well and two or three to improve.
- If you have not heard back by the date they gave, follow up politely by email or phone.
- If you get an offer, ask for it in writing and confirm the start date, salary and working arrangements before accepting.
- If you are not successful, ask for feedback. Rejection is common and every interview is practice for the next one.
Common Interview Mistakes
- Not researching the company. Generic answers are easy to spot.
- Rambling. Use STAR to keep answers focused, and stop once you have given the result.
- Memorising scripts word for word. Know your key points, but speak naturally.
- Speaking badly of past employers. Keep it professional and forward-looking.
- Having no questions. Always prepare a few.
- Ignoring nerves. Breathe slowly and practise beforehand. Our tips to improve your public speaking can help you feel calmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I answer "Tell me about yourself"?
Keep it short and job-focused. Cover where you are now, one or two relevant achievements, and why you are interested in this role. Avoid repeating your whole resume.
What is the STAR method?
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. It is a way to structure answers about past experience so they are clear and show what you did and what happened as a result.
How early should I arrive for an interview?
Plan to be ready about 10 minutes before the start time, and allow extra time for travel delays. For video interviews, log in early so you have time to test your setup.
What should I do if I don't know the answer to a question?
Take a moment to think, and ask for clarification if the question is unclear. Be honest about what you do not know, then explain how you would find out or handle the situation.
Should I send a thank-you note after an interview?
Yes. A short email, ideally within 24 hours, thanks the interviewer, shows you are still interested and gives you a chance to restate your strongest qualification.