Interview Preparation

Prepare real examples, structure them with STAR, and practise out loud until they feel natural.

Introduction

What this covers

Interviews reward preparation far more than talent. Almost every interview asks a small set of predictable questions, and behavioural questions can all be answered with the same four-part structure.

Most interviews for international and remote roles happen on video, so the technical setup is part of the preparation.

Why it matters

Prepared examples let you answer calmly instead of searching your memory under pressure.
STAR keeps answers to about 90 seconds and always ends on a result.
Researching the employer produces the questions that make you memorable at the end.

Step by step

How to do it, in order

Prepare five stories

Choose five real experiences covering a challenge, a success, teamwork, a mistake and leading something.

Write each in STAR

Situation (brief context) → Task (your responsibility) → Action (what you did) → Result (what changed, with numbers).

Rehearse the standard six

Tell me about yourself · strengths and weaknesses · a challenge you solved · why this role · why this organisation · where you see yourself.

Research the employer

Read their mission, recent projects and annual report. Prepare two or three genuine questions to ask them.

Test the technology

Camera, microphone, lighting, internet and the meeting link — an hour before, not five minutes before.

Practise aloud

With a friend, a mentor, a study circle or Google's free Interview Warmup tool.

Common mistakes

Answers with no result at the end.
Speaking for five minutes on one question.
Criticising a previous employer or teacher.
Answering "do you have any questions?" with "no".
Reading answers from a script — it is audible.

Best practices

Join the call five minutes early, in a quiet, well-lit place.
Keep one page of notes with your five stories and your questions, out of camera view.
Pause for two seconds before answering; it sounds considered, not slow.
Send a short thank-you message within 24 hours.

Free tools & templates