Interviews feel less frightening when you know what is coming. Most interviewers ask variations of the same questions. Prepare honest, specific answers in advance and practise saying them aloud.
Before the interview
- Research the organisation: what it does, its products or services, recent news and values.
- Study the job description and match each requirement to an example from your experience.
- Plan the logistics: the location and how long it takes to get there, or for online interviews, a quiet place, charged device, stable internet and a working camera and microphone.
- Prepare your documents: copies of your CV and certificates if requested.
- Dress appropriately for the organisation. When in doubt, dress formally and neatly.
The STAR method
For questions that start with "Tell me about a time…", use STAR:
- Situation: the background, in one or two sentences.
- Task: what you needed to achieve.
- Action: what you did. Focus on your own actions, not the team's.
- Result: what happened, with numbers if possible, and what you learned.
Common questions
"Tell me about yourself."
Not your life story. Give a 60 to 90 second summary: your education, your most relevant experience, one or two strengths and why you are interested in this role.
"Why do you want to work here?"
Mention something specific about the organisation from your research and connect it to your goals.
"What are your strengths?"
Choose two strengths relevant to the job and support each with a short example.
"What is your weakness?"
Be honest but choose a real, non-critical weakness and show what you are doing to improve it. For example: "I used to find public speaking difficult, so I volunteered to present our group project and joined the debate club. I am much more confident now."
"Tell me about a time you worked in a team / handled a challenge."
Use STAR with a clear example from your project, SIWES, a student association or a job.
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
Show ambition that fits the organisation: growing your skills, taking on responsibility, perhaps professional certification.
"Do you have any questions for us?"
Always ask one or two, for example about training, what success looks like in the role in the first six months, or the team you would join.
During the interview
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, or log in early for an online interview.
- Greet everyone politely, maintain good eye contact and sit upright.
- Listen to the full question. It is fine to pause briefly before answering.
- If you do not know something, say so honestly and explain how you would find out.
After the interview
Send a short thank-you email within a day, mentioning your interest in the role. Then note the questions you were asked and how you could answer better next time. Every interview is practice for the next.