Nail Your Interview and Make a Lasting Impression

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation changes everything. When you understand what employers are looking for and arrive ready to show them your value, confidence follows. This guide combines insights from experienced recruiters to help you prepare, perform, and leave a lasting impression.

Prepare! Prepare! Prepare!

Preparation builds confidence. Before the day, find out as much as possible about the company. Look into its values, recent news, and culture. Researching your interviewer on LinkedIn can help you feel familiar and start the meeting on the right note.

One of the best tips I can give you is to reread the job description and align your experience with the requirements. For each key skill, have one clear example ready. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answers structured and easy to follow.

For additional guidance, explore the Prospects interview preparation guide or the National Careers Service interview tips for trusted UK-specific advice.

Quick checklist:

- Review your CV and know every detail you’ve included.

- Research the company’s goals, tone, and recent projects.

- Prepare 5–8 short examples that show your achievements.

- Practise answering common questions aloud until they feel natural.

Doing this preparation turns nervous energy into quiet confidence.

Perfect Your First Impression

Your first few seconds matter. They set the tone for everything that follows.

Be punctual. Arrive ten minutes early or log in five minutes before a virtual meeting. It signals reliability.

Dress appropriately. Choose bright, neat clothing that reflects the company’s style. For most UK roles, business or business-casual attire works well.

Use confident body language. Stand tall, smile, and offer a steady handshake. Keep your posture open and natural. Good eye contact and calm gestures show self-assurance.

First impressions show respect for the opportunity and professionalism in action.

Communicate

Strong communication keeps your message clear and memorable. Listen closely to every question and give yourself a second to think before answering. Speak with purpose, not speed.

Keep answers relevant and avoid long detours. Focus on examples that prove your point. Let your enthusiasm show; employers want to see someone who genuinely wants the role.

Avoid negative talk about past jobs or colleagues. Instead, highlight what you learned and how that experience shaped you as a professional.

Master Common Interview Questions

Being ready for common questions helps you stay composed and will stop you rambling. Here are the ones you’re most likely to face and how to handle them:

- Tell me about yourself.
Share a summary of your career, key skills, and what brings you to this role.

- Why do you want this job?
Connect your goals to the company’s mission. Show genuine interest in what they do.

- What are your strengths?
Choose two or three that match the role and provide examples.

- What’s your biggest weakness?
Be honest but constructive. Mention something you’re actively improving. Whatever you do, don't mention something completely unrelated.

- Describe a challenge you’ve faced at work.
Use the STAR format to explain what happened and how you handled it.

- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Show ambition and a desire to grow within the company or sector.

You can also review sample answers on Indeed’s UK interview advice hub for additional examples.

Practise these answers aloud so they sound natural and confident.

What to Ask at the End of an Interview

Thoughtful questions show you’re serious about the opportunity. Prepare two or three such as:

- What does success look like in this role?

- How would you describe the team culture?

- Are there training or development opportunities?

- What are the next steps after this interview?

Avoid discussing time off at first-stage interviews unless the interviewer brings it up. Thoughtful questions turn the meeting into a conversation.

Following Up the Right Way

A short thank-you sent within a few hours shows enthusiasm. Obviously keep it polite and specific though.

For more advice on following up, read our full guide on what to do after a job interview.

It keeps your name at the top of their mind and reinforces your interest in the position.

Insider Advice from Recruiters

After years of interviewing, recruiters see clear patterns in what works:

- Be polite to everyone you meet.

- Bring a copy of your CV and a notebook.

- Treat phone or video interviews as seriously as face-to-face ones.

- Smile, breathe, and keep your tone calm.

If you’re exploring opportunities, you can browse our current job listings to put your preparation into action.

Interview Preparation Checklist

FAQs

How do I prepare for a job interview?
Research the company, understand the role, and prepare example-based answers.

What do employers look for most?
Reliability and clear enthusiasm.

What should I wear to an interview?
Professional clothing that fits the company’s culture. If you are unsure, smart always beats casual.

How can I stay calm?
Arrive early and focus on what you can control. You'll do great if you simply slow yourself down.

Feel Ready?

Preparation and mindset make all the difference. Take these steps, practise often, and walk into your next interview ready to show who you are and what you offer.

If you’re getting ready for your next opportunity, our recruitment team can help. Register now for new job offers.