How to prepare for an interview: a calm, practical guide

Most people prepare for interviews by trying to predict the questions. The candidates who do best prepare differently: they make sure they understand the role, can tell their own story clearly, and arrive ready for a conversation rather than an examination.

Start with the role, not the questions

Read the job description twice. The first time, read it as written. The second time, ask: what problem is this business trying to solve by hiring? A growing team needs someone who can bring structure. A role replacing a long-serving colleague may need someone who earns trust quickly. When you understand the problem, your answers naturally become more relevant.

Then look at the business itself — its website, recent news, its people on LinkedIn. You're not trying to impress anyone with facts; you're looking for context that helps you ask better questions.

Prepare four or five stories

Most competency questions — "tell me about a time when…" — can be answered with a small set of well-chosen examples. Pick moments that show:

• A problem you solved and how you approached it
• A time you worked well with someone difficult or different from you
• Something that went wrong, and what you changed afterwards
• An achievement you're genuinely proud of
• A time you learned something quickly

For each, know the situation, what you did, and what happened as a result. Keep them short — two minutes is plenty — and be honest about your role.

Know why you want this job

"Why are you interested in this role?" is often the most important question, and it's the one people prepare least. A strong answer connects three things: what the role involves, what you enjoy and are good at, and where you want your career to go. If you can't answer it convincingly to yourself, it's worth pausing to think before the interview — not after.

Practical details matter

• Confirm the time, location, format and who you'll be meeting.
• Plan your journey and aim to arrive ten minutes early. For video interviews, test your camera, sound and lighting the day before.
• Bring a copy of your CV and a short list of your own questions.

Ask questions you actually want answered

Interviews are a two-way decision. Good questions include: What would success look like in the first six months? What do people enjoy most about working here? How does the team work together day to day? Listen carefully to the answers — they will tell you a great deal.

Afterwards

Make a few notes while it's fresh: what went well, what you'd add, what you learned about the role. If you're working with a recruiter, share your honest thoughts quickly — it helps them represent you well and gather useful feedback.

Preparation won't remove the nerves entirely, and it shouldn't. A little adrenaline helps. But walking in knowing your story and understanding the role means you can spend the interview doing what matters most: having a real conversation.