Research, STAR answers and good questions

Do your research

• Re-read the job posting and note the skills it mentions most.
• Read the company's website, including its mission and its products or services.
• Look for recent news about the company.
• If you know who will interview you, look at their professional profile.

The STAR method

Behavioural questions often start with "Tell me about a time when…" and ask for real examples. STAR keeps your answer clear and complete:

Situation

Set the scene briefly: where you were and what was happening.

Task

Explain what you needed to do.

Action

Describe what you did. This is the most important part, so say "I", not "we".

Result

Share the outcome, with numbers if you can, and what you learned.

Common questions to prepare for

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want this job?
• What are your strengths?
• What is an area you're working to improve?
• Tell me about a time you solved a problem.
• Tell me about a time you worked on a team.
• Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
• Do you have any questions for us?

Phone and video interviews

• Find a quiet spot with a plain background and light in front of you.
• Test your camera, microphone and internet connection beforehand.
• Keep the camera at eye level and look at it when you speak.
• Keep your résumé and notes nearby, but don't read from them.

Ask good questions

• What does success look like in the first 90 days?
• What is a typical day or week like in this role?
• How does the team work together?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Follow up

Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours. Thank the interviewer for their time, mention something specific you discussed and confirm your interest in the role.