Preparing for a Job Interview
Good Preparation Helps You Succeed in an Interview
A job interview is your opportunity to present your skills and motivation, as well as to show what you could bring to the workplace. It is also your chance to learn more about the employer, the position, and whether this job and organisation are the right fit for you.
Thorough preparation is one of the most effective ways to influence the outcome of the interview. You are not expected to be perfect – rather, the aim is to be able to talk about yourself and your skills clearly, and to remain calm in a situation that might make you nervous.
When you are well prepared:
- you know your own story and do not have to improvise answers on the spot
- you can share concrete examples that demonstrate your suitability for the role
- you are confident enough to pause, listen, and respond clearly – even to unexpected questions
- your confidence increases, which comes across as calmness and credibility
The interviewer’s role is not to find your mistakes, but to understand who you are and assess whether you could be a valuable addition to their team. Good preparation helps them see exactly that.
Different Types of Job Interviews and What to Consider in Each
Recruitment processes vary depending on the employer and the role. Companies often use different interview formats at different stages of recruitment. In the beginning, video interviews or group interviews may be used to narrow down candidates, while one-to-one interviews are usually held in the final stages. Individual interviews are also the most common format for specialist and managerial positions.
Interview formats are designed to test various aspects of your skills and personality. For example, group interviews focus on teamwork and communication skills, while one-to-one interviews assess your motivation, expertise, and fit for the role and team.
Below, you will find descriptions of the most common types of interviews and tips for preparing for them.
Video interviews have become much more common, especially as an initial screening tool. In the pre-recorded version, you respond to set questions and record your answers.
What to consider if you receive a video interview invitation by email:
- Read the instructions in the email carefully and review the questions. For example, Recright provides clear instructions for candidates: Candidate’s Guide: Tips for Video Interviews | Recright
- Choose the device you will use to record your answers – you can use a computer or smartphone.
- Lighting and background affect first impressions. It’s a good idea to comb your hair and dress as you would for an in-person interview.
- You can practise your answers in advance, but try not to read them out directly. You can write down key points on a memo.
Look at the camera as this equals eye contact. Make sure your face is clearly visible and your voice is easy to hear
A Tip: Remember that in video interviews you can often record your answer multiple times, so use this option if necessary.
In a group interview, several candidates are interviewed at the same time. This is usually a discussion-based situation, which may include individual and group exercises. The purpose is to assess interaction, communication, and teamwork skills.
Group interviews are often used when hiring several people or an entire team at once. A group interview may take place in person or via video call.
What to consider:
- Be active, but don’t dominate the discussion. Remember to listen to others.
- Share your own opinion with reasoning. If someone shares the same view before you, say that you agree and add your own perspective.
- Show respect and a constructive attitude in the group. This demonstrates your teamwork skills.
- Recruiters pay attention to your reasoning, expression, and cooperation skills.
A Tip: A group interview is a chance to stand out in a positive way if you dare to take space, and give space to others, too.
The individual interview is the most common format, especially for specialist and supervisor positions. There may be one or more rounds, and the aim is to assess your skills, motivation, and suitability for the role and organisation.
What to consider:
- Be yourself but prepare to give concrete examples of your skills.
- Read the job advert carefully and link your experience to the job requirements.
- Prepare questions that show your genuine interest in the employer.
- Remember non-verbal communication: eye contact, body language, and gestures tell a lot.
A Tip: The individual interview is your chance to show the employer that you are motivated, skilled, and a team player.
How Should You Prepare for a Job Interview?
A job interview is an opportunity to present your skills and motivation for the position. Preparation helps you express your expertise more clearly and build a connection with the interviewer. Good preparation makes you more convincing, reduces nervousness, and increases your confidence.
When you have familiarised yourself with both the employer and your own application, you can focus on what matters most: explaining your skills in a way that matches the requirements of this role. You will stand out positively when you are prepared to answer likely questions clearly and naturally.
Read below for tips on how to prepare for your interview.
Start by reviewing the job advertisement for the position you applied for and that this interview is about. (Hopefully, you saved a copy for yourself!)
From the job advertisement, you can find details about:
- the skills and qualifications required for the role
- the main responsibilities and tasks included in the position
- the type of person the employer is looking for
A Tip: The advertisement often holds the key to what you should remember to mention in this interview. Write down 2–3 key points that you can return to in your self-introduction and answers.
Remind yourself what you have already told the employer. If you have applied for several jobs, it can be hard to remember exactly what you wrote in each application.
- How did you present your skills and strengths?
- What did you highlight as your main motivators?
- Is there something you would like to mention or add in the interview?
A Tip: When you know what the employer has already read about you, you can build on that and provide a more complete picture of yourself. This way, your interview answers connect naturally with your application and strengthen your overall impression.
Look up information about the employer before your interview:
- The company’s website, latest news, and current projects
- Values and vision – can you find these on the website or in recruitment texts?
- If possible, talk to someone who knows the organisation
- You might find more information about the company and its culture on LinkedIn
Tip! Inside information from your own network can give you useful insight for the job or the interview. Think if you know anyone who already works there or in the same field.
Knowing what to expect with the interview format and arrangements helps reduce unnecessary stress.
- When and where will the interview take place? Will it be a group interview or an individual interview? Will it be remote or in-person?
- Who will interview you? Is it an HR person, a supervisor, or possibly a future team member?
A Tip: Check your interviewer’s background on LinkedIn, for example. This can give you an idea of what topics or questions they might raise. It also helps to put a face to the name.
Make sure for a remote interview:
- You have the link to the interview and contact details for the interviewers in case of technical problems
- You have the interviewers’ contact details available in case of technical problems
- Your internet connection works, the space is quiet, and the background is tidy
Make sure for an in-person interview:
- You know how to find your way to the location
- You have the interviewers’ contact details in case of unexpected situations
Many interviews begin with the question "Tell me a little about yourself" or "Why are you applying for this role?" – and these can be tricky if you have not thought about your answer in advance. While you can’t predict every question, you can still prepare for the most common topics.
It’s a good idea to practise answering these questions in advance:
- "Can you tell me a bit about yourself?"
- "What are your strengths?" / "How do your skills match this role?"
- "Can you give me an example of when you used your skills?" / "What work experience do you have?"
- "What are your areas for development?" / "What is your weakness?"
- "Why should we choose you for this role?"
A Tip:The most important thing is not to memorise your answers but to be able to use your own words and examples to show your skills and motivation confidently.
Later on this page, you’ll find a more in-depth look at these common questions and how to answer them.
Typical Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
It’s a good idea to practise typical interview questions. Many seem simple, like “What is your biggest weakness?”, but exactly for that reason they can surprise you. If you haven’t thought about your answer beforehand, you might get confused or share something you didn’t mean to. Or worse, you might forget to mention your key strengths.
Preparation does not mean learning answers by heart but thinking in advance about what you want to say. It’s helpful to practise answering interview questions out loud:
- Speak alone or with a friend
- Record your answers and listen to how they sound
- Make use of artificial intelligence (see the exercise at the end of this page!)
A Tip: Remember, the interview is an opportunity – not an interrogation. Good preparation helps you make the most of it.
Many interviews start with “Tell me about yourself.” Prepare a short, clear introduction that focuses on your professional experience and why you are applying for this job.
- What you have done previously
- What you are good at and what your strengths are
- Why you want this position
A simple template you can use to practise a pitch:
“I have X years of experience in [industry/field – highlight for review]. My strengths are mainly in [skills/areas – highlight for review]. I have received feedback that I am [personal strengths – highlight for review]. Now I am looking for a role where I can use my strengths and continue to develop. This position matches exactly what I am looking for.”
An example pitch:
"I have five years of experience in customer service in retail. My strengths are customer-oriented communication and handling situations under pressure. My colleagues have described me as solution-focused and approachable. Now I am looking for a new role where I can develop my skills and make an even greater impact on customer experience – this position is of particular interest to me for that reason.”
Tip! Practise giving your introduction out loud, so it feels natural.
With this question, the recruiter wants to hear how you assess yourself and your skills related to this specific position. They also want to know what you bring with you to the new job. So, do not just list personality traits but link your strengths to the requirements of the job.
Remind yourself what skills or qualities were emphasised in the job advert.
A good answer includes:
- An important strength for the role
- A concrete example of when you used that strength
- (Optionally) Feedback you have received from a colleague or supervisor
Many candidates find this question difficult. The recruiter is not expecting perfection, but self-awareness and a willingness to develop. It’s best to choose your example carefully. Find an honest weakness, but avoid anything that would seriously harm your chances for this particular job.
Avoid:
- Turning a weakness into a strength (e.g. “I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I want to do everything so well that I might use too much time on tasks.”)
- Mentioning a weakness that would be a significant problem for the job (e.g. If the role needs good stress tolerance, don’t say that you get easily stressed.)
Instead:
- Choose a real development area
- Explain how you have worked on it and how you manage it now
- Show self-knowledge and learning or progress
Example answers:
"I’ve tended to take on too many tasks at once because I want to help others. In recent years, I have made a conscious effort to say no and to prioritise. This has improved both my work quality and my well-being significantly.”
"I used to spend too long polishing tasks, but I have learned to set time limits and ask for feedback early, so I can move forward without overthinking.”
"I am a bit shy by nature, so in new situations, it can take me some time to speak up. During my studies and internships, though, I have gained experience in group work and customer meetings, and I have noticed that courage grows with experience. Nowadays, I try to challenge myself to take part in discussions from the start to make it easier."
This is a typical behavioural question. The interviewer wants to hear how you act in real situations, not just what you think about the topic. You can use the STAR method, when answering this type of questions. Read more about the STAR-method here.
- Situation – What was the situation?
- Task – What was your role?
- Action – What did you do?
- Result – What happened?
Remember:
- Keep your example short but clear
- Think of a few examples to choose from, depending on how the interviewer asks the question
- Avoid talking negatively about a previous employer. This is often a major “red flag” for recruiters.
Example answer:
"I was part of a project where a colleague didn’t deliver their part on time. (S) My role was to ensure the project was completed on schedule. (T) I contacted my colleague and discussed the situation constructively. (A) I offered help and we agreed on a new way forward. (R) The project was delivered on time and our cooperation improved in the future.”
This question measures, among other things, whether your career plans align with the company’s interests and how committed you are to the company and the role. No one expects you to know exactly what the future holds, but your thoughts about your future are of interest.
A strong answer:
- Shows interest in developing yourself
- Relates to the sector or role you are applying for
- Does not give the impression that you plan to change jobs or industries immediately
Example answer:
"I hope that, in five years, I will still be working in this field, with more in-depth expertise. I would like to develop my skills, for example, in project management or team responsibilities. I see this role as a great step towards that.”
This question is often asked towards the end of the interview and it’s your chance to summarise your message. Be ready for this question, as this answer can make a lasting impression.
Tips:
- Combine your skills, motivation, and personality in your answer
- Emphasise 1–2 key strengths relevant to the role
- Avoid being too modest, but stay genuine
Example answer:
"I believe that my combination of customer understanding and an organised way of working makes me a good fit for this job. I am genuinely eager to develop myself and to add value to the team. I have received feedback that I learn quickly and take initiative without hesitation.”
What to Do During and After an Interview?
A good job interview is not just a series of questions and answers; it’s an interactive situation where both sides assess if they are a good match. Small things matter: listening, eye contact, following up on questions, and a positive mood afterwards.
During the Interview
The most important thing is to be present and to listen. Even if you feel nervous, you can show interest and respect through your attitude.
Checklist:
- Greet confidently, look your interviewer in the eyes, and smile. The first impressions are made in seconds
- Dress neatly and appropriately for the situation
- Listen carefully to each question and ask for it to be repeated if needed
- If you lose your train of thought, say: "Could you repeat the question, please? I would like to answer more precisely."
- Give clear and concise answers. Don’t be afraid of silence, take a moment to think before answering if needed
- Avoid long or rambling answers. Try to answer only what is being asked
- Prepare your own questions, for example:
- What will the team around me be like?
- How is success measured in this role?
- How is induction/training organised?
- Before you leave, make sure you know:
- What happens next
- Who will contact you and when
After the Interview
A job interview is also a learning opportunity. Whatever the outcome, you can always learn something for your next interviews. Right after the interview:
- Write down any questions you found difficult to answer
- Think about how you could answer them better next time
- Consider which answers went especially well
A Tip: Send a thank you message! Send a short, polite thank you note to the interviewer (for example, by email). Thank them for their time and the chance to meet. This leaves a positive impression and helps you stand out in their memory.
If You Are Not Selected
If you have attended a job interview but are not selected, you have every right to ask for and receive feedback. Requesting feedback also shows your motivation to develop and gives you valuable information for future job applications. You can send, for example, the following message to the interviewer:
"Thank you for the opportunity to attend the interview. If possible, I would appreciate hearing briefly which factors influenced the selection decision and in which areas I could improve for future applications."
How to Calm Yourself if You Feel Nervous Before an Interview
It is completely normal to feel nervous before a job interview. Most of us feel some nerves before something important – and a job interview is an important moment. It can be especially nerve-racking if the job feels like your dream job or you don’t have much experience with interviews yet.
Nerves often mean that this matters to you. It’s not a weakness; it’s a natural reaction. Some people simply feel more nervous than others, and that is totally fine. There are many ways to ease your nerves. One of the most effective is preparation:
- When you know when and where the interview is
- When you know who you will talk to
- When you have thought about what you want to say about yourself
...Usually, your nerves will begin to calm naturally. Uncertainty fuels anxiety, and by preparing, you can feel more confident.
Breathing exercises
For example, box breathing: breathe in for 4 seconds – hold for 4 seconds – out for 4 seconds – hold for 4 seconds. Repeat for 2–3 rounds.
Grounding
Calm your body before the interview. Feel your feet on the floor, notice your body weight on the chair.
You can also put your focus on your senses. Notice three things you can see, three things you can hear, three things you can feel, and three things you can smell. This will help you get out of your mind and into your body.
Visualisation
Close your eyes and imagine entering the room calmly and confidently. How does your body feel when everything goes well?
Reframing your thoughts
- “I’m not nervous – I’m excited.”
- “This is an opportunity – not an interrogation.”
Movement before the interview
A short walk, some stretching, or the “power pose” (stand in a wide stance with hands on your hips and breathe deeply for a moment) can calm your nerves.
Listening to music before the interview
Music can affect your mood, so try listening to music that puts you in the right frame of mind, whether you need something lively, fun, or calming.
Personal routine
You can do your usual morning routine to make you feel as prepared and calm as possible. Try wearing clothes that help you feel good and confident.
The recruiter may be nervous too. Not all interviewers are professional recruiters – they might be your future colleagues, supervisors, or HR staff who rarely hold interviews. Most often, they want the interview to go smoothly and for you to succeed.
If the interview feels uncomfortable or overly pressured, it may say something about the company’s work culture. A good job interview should be interactive, respectful, and show mutual interest.
Exercises to Prepare for a Job Interview
Interview skills improve with practice. Below you’ll find two tasks to help you develop your response techniques, organise your thoughts, and build your confidence before a job interview.
A common job interview question is: "Tell me about a challenging situation and how you dealt with it."
This question helps the employer understand how you act in difficult situations. You should respond with a short story. This way, the employer sees the context, your role, and the result. The STAR method helps to structure your answer clearly.
Exercise:
Choose one situation from your life, work, studies, or voluntary activities that was challenging for you in some way. Write a short answer using the following structure:
- Situation: Where and when were you, and what happened?
- Task: What was your role and responsibility in the situation?
- Action: What exactly did you do?
- Result: How did the situation end? What did you learn or achieve?
Other sample questions to practise:
- Tell me about a time you had to solve a problem
- Describe a situation when you had to work under pressure
- Tell me about a time when teamwork didn’t go smoothly, and what you did
Tip: Practise your answer out loud. You can also record and listen to your answer.
AI can be an excellent practice partner when preparing for a job interview. You can use it to simulate an interview situation and receive feedback on your answers.
How to do the exercise
- Find a job advertisement you are interested in (or use one you have applied to before).
- Open ChatGPT or another AI-based chat platform.
- Use the ready-made prompt below and attach the job advertisement.
- Start the exercise and answer the questions as realistically as possible.
- Review the feedback given by the AI, and if you wish, repeat the exercise with improved answers.
Practice prompt:
"Act as a job interviewer. We will practise a job interview. I will send you a job advertisement, and based on it, you can ask me 5–10 questions. These can be general or specific to the position. I will answer the questions one by one. After each answer, please give me feedback on what was good and what I could improve. Once you have given the feedback, ask me the next question. Do you understand the task?"
Tip: Practice speaking your answers out loud. Writing them down and thinking about them silently is different from actually saying them. If possible, practise with a partner, friend, or classmate—or record yourself on video to review your performance.