Interview preparation
Walk in prepared.
How to research an employer, prepare strong examples, handle each type of interview and follow up well.
Before the interview
Three kinds of preparation
Research
Read the job description line by line. Look at the employer's website, recent news, products and leadership. Know why the role exists and what the team is trying to achieve.
Your examples
Prepare six to eight stories that show results, leadership, a difficult problem, a mistake you learned from and a time you influenced others. Each should take about two minutes to tell.
Logistics
Confirm the format, the interviewers' names and roles, timing, and how to join. For video interviews, test your camera, sound and connection the day before.
Answering well
The STAR method
Competency questions usually start with "Tell me about a time when…". The STAR method keeps your answer clear and complete:
- Situation: the context, in one or two sentences.
- Task: what you were responsible for.
- Action: what you did. Use "I", not "we", and spend most of your answer here.
- Result: what changed, with numbers where you can, and what you learned.
Interview formats
What to expect at each stage
| Format | What it tests | How to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Recruiter or HR screen | Motivation, experience, notice period, salary expectations | Have a two-minute summary of your career and clear, researched salary expectations. |
| Technical or case interview | Skills applied to real problems | Practise problems from the role. Think aloud and state your assumptions. |
| Competency interview | Behaviour in past situations | Use STAR examples matched to the job description. |
| Panel interview | How you engage several stakeholders | Address the person who asked, but include everyone. Note each panel member's role. |
| Presentation | Structure, judgement and communication | Keep to time, lead with your recommendation, and prepare for challenge. |
| Final or leadership round | Fit, ambition and long-term potential | Talk about what you want to achieve in the role and ask about the team's direction. |
On the day
During the interview
- Arrive or log in ten minutes early.
- Bring or keep open a copy of your CV and the job description.
- Listen to the whole question before answering, and ask for clarification if needed.
- Keep answers to about two minutes, then check if they want more detail.
- Be honest about gaps in your experience, and explain how you would close them.
- Avoid criticising a current or former employer.
- Take brief notes; it shows you're engaged.
- Close by restating your interest and asking about next steps.
Your questions
What to ask them
Prepare three or four questions about the role, the team and how success is measured. Good questions show how you think and help you decide whether the job is right for you.
- What would success look like in the first six months?
- What is the biggest challenge the person in this role will face?
- How does the team make decisions when people disagree?
- What are the next steps, and when should I expect to hear back?
Read seven questions to ask at the end of an interview for the full list and why each one works.
Afterwards
Follow up the right way
Send a short thank-you note on the same day if you have the interviewer's email. If you applied through Believers HR, tell your consultant how it went straight away: what went well, any questions you found hard, and how your interest has changed. We pass on feedback in both directions and tell you the outcome as soon as we have it.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How early should I discuss salary?
Be ready to give a researched range at the first screen. Leave detailed negotiation until an offer is likely; your consultant can handle it for you.
What if I don't know the answer to a technical question?
Say what you do know, explain how you would find the answer, and don't guess facts.
How should I explain why I'm leaving?
Focus on what you're moving towards: scope, learning, location or the type of work. Keep it brief and positive.
Will Believers HR prepare me?
Yes. When you're shortlisted, your consultant briefs you on the format, the interviewers and what the employer is looking for.
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