Interview practice

This practice will help you approach your interview with more confidence and a positive frame of mind.

Verbalise your answers fully

Get someone to ask you a range of possible interview questions and give them full answers. If you don't have someone to practise with, use a mirror or a video camera.

• Practising out loud will help you to choose the right words in the real interview.
• Don’t try to memorise your answers. Remember the key points using STAR and speak naturally.

Pause and plan your answer

Practise taking time to think and plan your answer.

• Before you start speaking, ensure the example you choose completely answers the question.
• If you require more thinking time for a difficult question, let the interviewer know.

Pace yourself

• Don’t talk too quickly. Speaking at a relaxed pace demonstrates confidence and control.

Practise posture

Use the same posture, eye contact and tone of voice that you want to use in the interview.

• Sit as you would in the interview. Don’t slump, or fidget.
• Breathe naturally while speaking calmly.

Be prepared to talk

• Avoid giving yes/no answers.
• If you are asked a closed question, expand on your answer.

Don't talk too much!

• One answer should last no more than 2 minutes.
• If the interviewer pauses for a long period, don't try to fill the space. Some interviewers use this as a technique to get you to reveal more than you planned to. Otherwise check if they want more information on a particular area. Sometimes they are just writing notes!

Be yourself

• Don't adopt a new persona for the interview.
• Behave as you would when addressing your manager in a professional workplace.

Be honest

If it is later discovered that you have been dishonest in your answers you could be dismissed.

• If negative incidents come up in the interview remain positive and show what you learnt from the situation.
• Don't bring up negative incidents or your weakness unless directly asked!

Show enthusiasm

• Let the employer see that you were pleased to be selected for an interview.
• Be confident, smile, nod, make eye contact, and use positive body language throughout.