Job interview tips, questions and answers, 2026, guide, best

Passing a job interview requires thorough preparation, good communication, strategic storytelling, a confident delivery and strong performance. Interviews help employers see if you’re a good fit for their job, it’s an excellent opportunity to show them you are.

Interviewers want to see if you have poise, attitude, basic social skills, and the ability to communicate. All of these can carry as much weight as relevant work experience, qualifications, training, education and interests. Remember that the overall impression you make on the interviewer often can outweigh your actual credentials. The golden rule of any successful interview is to try to predict what the recruiters want to hear, and to then decide on how best to say that during the interview.

By: Iejaz Uddin – Updated: 30 June 2026

Page overview:

What is an interview
Job Interview Tips
Preparation is key
Answering interview questions
Use the STAR method to answer questions
Asking interview questions

What is an interview

An interview is essentially a discussion between you and a recruiter to find out if you are suitable for the job. It is a formal meeting and structured conversation where candidates are asked questions by prospective employers. Typically you will be called to a interview after getting over the first hurdle of having your CV template read by a an employer.

You will have been short listed by the companies human resources department, who after reading your CV or application form will have been impressed enough to want to meet you in person. This is a positive point, you must prepare in detail to get past the next hurdle which is the interview stage.

Job Interview Tips

Be confident in the knowledge that amongst all the other applications they have seen something in your CV that they like. They believe you are capable enough to do the job, and you have a real chance at being employed. However before they employ you they basically need more information from you. They will look to find your weaknesses and also your strengths to see which are most suited to the job, so be prepared for a tough grilling.

Below are practical and proven tips on how to successfully pass an interview and get onto he final selection panel.

Preparation is key

Your performance ultimately depends how well you prepare. Candidates should start to prepare the minute they get invited and not leave it until the last minute. Doing this will give you confidence, help you feel more relaxed on the day and ensure you won’t get caught out by surprise questions.

Interview can be traumatic and preparing for them can be stressful, time consuming and hard work. However there is no other way around it, to give yourself the best chance of successfully getting through one you have to practice and prepare in detail.

Read the job description in detail, what sort of role are they trying to fill?
Second guess what sort of technical or work related questions are they likely to ask a candidate?
Prepare your answers and have them ready and memorised.

During an interview you should:

Make sure you understand the question before answering it.
Turn off your mobile.
Not use slang.
Not argue with the interviewer.
Keep the conversation relevant to the job, do not discuss religion or politics.
If you are nervous then try to use breathing techniques to calm you down.
Have some questions that you should ask the interviewer at the end of the interview.
Not slouch or make excessive head shaking or nodding movements.
Not smoke or ask for drinks (unless offered some).

Before the interview:

Arrive 15 minutes before the interview is due to start.
Take a copy of the invitation letter with you.
Dress smart.
Make sure you know your CV inside out, just in case your asked detailed questions about it.

Answering questions

To ace your practice the answers you will give to questions. It’s vital that you identify the common interview questions and how to prepare for them. Here are some typical question you are likely to be asked:

Tell me about yourself?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you want to work here?
Why should we hire you?

Identify 3 core skills the company wants

Study the roles job description and highlight 3 core skills they are looking for in a candidate. Then prepare a real-world example from your past for each one of these. These responses will be stronger and more memorable than generic ones.

Identify the interviewers

Try to find out who will be interviewing you to find out more about their professional interests and experience. This way you’ll see if you have sommethhing in common that you can touch on in the interview. Check the ‘About us’ section of the company website and use tools like LinkedIn to find out.

Research the company

You can create an immediate bond with interviewer by talking about the sector it operate in, what challenges it faces and who competitors are. Find out this information from the latest news, recent press releases, social media and the company website. This kind of knowledge demonstrates a genuine interest in their operation and familiarizes you with their products.

Use the STAR method to answer questions

During an interview answer any behavioural questions using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result technique. This helps to keep your stories structured and concise.

Situation: Describe the context or the setting.

Task: Explain what needed to be done.

Action: Detail the specific steps you took.

Result: Share the positive outcome or what you learned

Speak slowly

By speaking slowly during a job interview you convey confidence and stops you from rambling and appearing unprofessional. When you are nervous, you naturally speed up, so pause before you answer, don’t speak too quickly.

Body language

You want to come across as calm, positive and friendly, so be mindful of body language. Smile, speak confidently and maintain good eye contact. Use your hands to emphasize your points more naturally, but avoid fidgeting and moving around on your seat. Upon arrival give a firm handshake to your interviewer(s) before and after the session. Maintain steady eye contact, sit upright, and don’t forget to smile. If you are feeling nervous use breathing techniques during the interview and meditation before it.

Be positive and show enthusiasm

Respond to all questions with positive statements, uplifting responses and engaging conversation.

Confirm the interview format

Once you receive the interview invitation email, confirm if it’s an in-person interview, a phone interview or a video interview. Face-to face interviews ate the most common and traditional form. Telephone interviews are often used by employers early in the application process. Video interviews are becoming increasingly popular amongst recruiters.

Arrive early

Always be early for an interview, present yourself 15 minutes before the start of any in-person interview, phone interview or video interview. Log into your virtual meeting or arrive in-person at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time. For in person interviews, plan your journey beforehand and check the timetables for any public transport you need to take.

Dress to impress

Better to be overdressed than underdressed. Remember that first impressions do count, so take time to wear formal clothes and ensure you look smart and presentable.

End of the interview

Thank the interviewer(s), by name for giving you the chance to attend. Ask them when you’ll be informed of the outcome. You can also ask any other thoughtful questions at the end of the interview, as this shows genuine interest in the role and the company.

Answering interview questions

During the interview always listed carefully to the question being asked of you, then give a relevant answer. Try not to go off the subject being talked about, otherwise you may start waffling. When answering any technical or work related question try to give them a example a scenario you have been involved in that will help answer the question.

A great interview technique is to assess your capabilities and strengths by writing them down and then analysing them to see how relevant they are to the job description.

One of the most common questions you may be asked is ‘Tell me about yourself?’ So have a mini speech ready for this, emphasis your strong points that are related to the job you are applying for, remember they don’t want to hear your life story.

If you are currently working then another question you may be asked is ‘Why are you considering leaving your current employment?’ Be prepared to answer this in a way without criticizing your current employer, be as honest as you can.

Asking interview questions

Ask about promotional prospects for the successful candidate, it will engage you more with the interviewer and show that you are interested in doing well in the company and getting promoted.

Before attending the interview research the company and see if there are any news stories in the press, for instance they may be opening a new local branch or have a new chairman. Ask how any of these stories will affect the job role.

Like wise research the industry the company is in as well as their competitors and ask them specifically about these new trends or new products that their competitors may have introduced that will affect the business. This will impress your potential employer by showing that you have a wider interest in the industry.

Ask the interviewer what plans the company has in the near future for new products or services, or how it is going to improve the service to its clients. By asking questions like this they are more likely to remember you than other candidates.