The Career Academy10/10/2017

Interview prep that actually helps

Prepping for your interview

An interview is your chance to show your skills, experience, and personality. I want you walking in calm, prepared, and clear on what to say. Use the tools below to do the groundwork and make a strong first impression.

Company research sheet STAR answer builder Question bank Video interview set up Travel and timing plan UK docs and adjustments

When you save, it is saved on this device only. If you switch browsers or laptops, it will not carry over.

Planner

Make a realistic 7 day interview prep plan

Estimated time: 2 minutes. Tell me when your interview is, and I will generate a simple plan you can follow.

Interview date and time

If you do not know the time yet, pick an estimate and adjust later.

Interview format

Your plan will include format specific prep.

Days to go: add a date Focus this week: build your first STAR stories

    I keep this simple on purpose. The best prep is repeatable practice, not a massive checklist you never finish.

    Research

    Research the company in 10 minutes

    Estimated time: 10 minutes. This helps you sound confident and prepared, without overthinking it.

    Company name

    Role title

    Job advert link (optional)

    What I think they need most in this role

    Proof points I will use

    Questions I will ask them

    If you have LinkedIn, it is worth scanning the company page and recent posts to pick up tone, values, and priorities.

    Answers

    Write one STAR answer you can say out loud

    Estimated time: 12 minutes. Use this for competency questions like “Tell me about a time when…”

    Question I am answering

    Situation

    Task

    Action

    Result

    Aim for 60 to 90 seconds Keep action the biggest section 0 words

    My final answer (ready to speak)

    Make it sound natural, not scripted
    • Use simple words and short sentences.
    • Swap long numbers for clear outcomes: time saved, errors reduced, happier customers.
    • End with what you learned. That is what makes you sound employable.

    Practice

    Choose questions to practise

    Estimated time: 8 minutes. Pick a focus, then practise 6 questions using your STAR stories.

    Pick a focus

      If you can answer these clearly, you will be ready for most first interviews.

      On the day

      What I do on interview day

      These steps reduce nerves and prevent last minute mistakes.

      • Arrive early, or join the call 5 to 10 minutes before it starts.
      • Keep my phone on silent and out of reach.
      • Have the recruiter contact details saved, just in case something goes wrong.
      • Bring a notebook and a pen, even for online interviews.
      • If I need an adjustment (for example extra time or a different format), I ask early so it can be arranged.
      A simple way to calm nerves in 60 seconds

      Put both feet on the floor. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds. Repeat 4 times. It slows your breathing and makes your voice steadier.

      Logistics

      Plan travel and timing

      Estimated time: 5 minutes. Remove uncertainty so you can focus on answering well.

      Interview location (or video platform)

      How long will it take me to get there?

      My safe arrival time

      What I will do if I am delayed

      Video interview set up check
      • Test camera, microphone, and internet connection.
      • Put your device at eye level, with light in front of you.
      • Close noisy tabs and turn off notifications.
      • Have your CV and notes ready, but keep them short so you do not read.

      Presentation

      Dress for success, without second guessing

      Your outfit should help you feel confident, not distracted.

      • Pick something smart, clean, and comfortable enough to sit in for an hour.
      • Keep colours simple. Avoid anything that needs constant adjusting.
      • For video interviews, dress fully as if you are in person. It changes your mindset.
      • If you are unsure, aim slightly more formal than casual. It is rarely a mistake.
      What I prepare the night before
      • Outfit laid out, shoes ready, bag packed.
      • Notebook, pen, water, and any documents requested.
      • Alarm set, route checked, and a back up plan if travel changes.

      UK essentials

      Documents and adjustments

      This is the part many people forget, and it can slow things down later.

      Right to work: what to have ready
      • Have your identity and right to work evidence ready if the employer requests it.
      • If you have a share code, keep it saved with your date of birth, so it is quick to provide.
      • If you do not have an online share code, you may be asked to show original documents instead.
      Asking for a reasonable adjustment

      If you are disabled and need support in the interview process, you can ask for reasonable adjustments. This could be extra time, a quieter room, a different communication format, or changes to a task. Ask as early as you can, and keep it clear and practical.

      Draft message I can send

      Employers often try to keep interviews fair by asking candidates similar questions. That is why practising clear, structured answers works so well.

      Mock interview

      My 20 minute mock interview routine

      This is how I build confidence fast, even if I hate interviews.

      Step 1: Warm up

      2 minutes

      • Say your name and the role you want.
      • Answer: Tell me about yourself, in 30 seconds.

      Step 2: Core questions

      14 minutes

      • Pick 4 questions from the question bank.
      • Answer using STAR, out loud, with a timer.

      Step 3: Close well

      4 minutes

      • Ask 2 thoughtful questions.
      • Finish with a clear reason you want the role.

      Timer (minutes)

      Ready

      If your timer ends mid answer, finish your sentence. Then practise again and tighten your story.

      What I will improve next time

      Want a simple way to feel ready?

      If you are applying for roles right now, build a small library of STAR answers and practise them each week. That one habit makes interviews feel far less stressful.

      Do this next

      Pick one tool above and complete it today.

      You can copy everything into your notes app, or save it here on your device.

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      The Career Academy
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