Interviews are used to assess whether you can communicate clearly, think on your feet, and demonstrate relevant skills and interest. Different types of interview require different preparation. This page explains the main formats and how to approach each one.
Types of interview
The most common interview types you will encounter are: competency-based interviews (where you are asked for specific examples from your experience), strength-based interviews (where you are asked what you enjoy and what you are good at), video interviews (recorded or live via a platform), panel interviews (with two or more interviewers), and technical interviews (where you solve a problem or demonstrate knowledge). Assessment centres often include a combination of interviews alongside other activities.
The STAR method
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. It is a structure for answering competency interview questions clearly. Describe the Situation briefly, explain the Task you were responsible for, describe the specific Actions you took, and share the Result or outcome. Practise preparing a range of STAR examples from school, volunteering, part-time work, sport, or personal projects. Strong STAR answers are specific, not vague.
How to prepare your examples
Before any interview, identify eight to ten strong examples from your life that demonstrate different skills: leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, resilience, initiative, and attention to detail. Write each one out in STAR format. Practise telling them aloud so they feel natural, not memorised. You do not need to read them — you need to know them.
Research the employer
Most interviews include questions like "Why do you want to work here?" or "What do you know about us?". Prepare by reading the employer's website, recent news, annual reports if available, and their stated values. Identify one or two specific things that genuinely interest you. Generic answers like "you are a well-known company" do not stand out.
Practical preparation on the day
Prepare your answers, but do not try to memorise a script. Know your examples, know your CV, and know the employer. Arrive or log in early. Speak clearly and do not rush. If you do not understand a question, it is fine to ask for clarification. If you do not know an answer, acknowledge it honestly rather than guessing wildly. Follow-up with a thank-you email if the context feels appropriate.
Checklist
- Prepare at least six STAR examples covering different competencies
- Research the employer — know what they do and why you are interested
- Practise answering common questions aloud
- Prepare two or three thoughtful questions to ask at the end
- Know the interview format in advance (in-person, video, panel)
- Test your technology early if it is a video interview
- Review your CV so you can speak to anything on it
Common mistakes to avoid
- Giving vague answers without specific examples
- Over-rehearsing so answers sound scripted
- Not preparing questions to ask the interviewer
- Not researching the employer before attending
- Talking for too long or going off-topic