Interviews

Successful interviews start long before the interview itself.

Before your interview, take time to:

• Research the organisation, industry and role
• Review the job description and your application
• Identify the skills and qualities the employer is seeking
• Prepare examples that demonstrate your skills, achievements and experience
• Practise answering common interview questions
• Plan your journey or test your technology if the interview is online

Your examples can come from many different experiences, including coursework, part-time jobs, volunteering, clubs and societies, sports teams, placements, internships and personal projects. Learning how to recognise and communicate the skills you have developed through these experiences is a key part of interview success.

If you have been invited to interview, the employer already believes you have the potential to do the job. The interview is your opportunity to bring your application to life and demonstrate why you are the right person for the role.

Interviewers are typically looking to understand:

• Can you do the job?
• Do your experiences support what you have written in your CV or application?
• How do you demonstrate the skills and qualities required?
• Will you be a good fit for the team and workplace culture?
• Are you genuinely interested in the role and organisation?

Many interview questions are designed to help employers understand how you think, solve problems and work with others.

Preparing a range of examples in advance can help you answer questions clearly and confidently. It can also make it easier to explain your experiences in a structured way.

Two popular approaches for answering competency-based questions are:

STAR

• Situation – Set the scene
• Task – Explain what needed to be done
• Action – Describe what you did
• Result – Explain the outcome

CARR

• Context – Set the scene
• Action – Explain what you did
• Result – Describe the outcome
• Reflection – Explain what you learned

There is no single right approach. Choose the framework that helps you tell your story clearly and confidently.

Other interview question types to be aware of are: motivational questions, strengths-based questions Ttechnical questions  and specific postgraduate interview questions. 

Many employers use competency-based interviews to assess the skills and behaviours needed for the role.

Common areas they may explore include:

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Resilience

By preparing examples in advance, you will be better equipped to demonstrate your skills and provide evidence of your experiences.

Interview processes continue to evolve, and many employers now use digital technologies as part of their recruitment process.

You may be asked to complete:

• Live online interviews
• Recorded video interviews
• Digital screening interviews
• AI-assisted recruitment assessments

This section includes guidance on preparing for different interview formats, presenting yourself professionally online and using AI responsibly as part of your interview preparation.

Applying for a taught master's programme or research degree?

Postgraduate interviews often explore your academic interests, motivations, future goals and understanding of your chosen subject area.

Preparation can help you discuss your interests, experience and aspirations with confidence and demonstrate your suitability for the programme.