How to Prepare for an Interview: Tips to Stay Calm and Shine

Interviews can feel daunting — but with the right preparation, you can turn nerves into confidence. Learn how to structure your answers using the STAR method, handle tricky questions and make a brilliant impression in your next interview.

It doesn’t matter how experienced you are — interviews can make even the most confident professionals feel a little on edge. Whether you’re returning to work after a career break, changing direction, or simply exploring new opportunities, that mix of excitement and nerves is completely normal.

But here’s the good news: confidence in interviews isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared.

Why interviews can feel so daunting

An interview can feel like a high-stakes conversation where all eyes are on you — but it’s worth remembering that employers want you to succeed. They’ve already seen something they like in your CV, and the interview is their chance to get to know the person behind it.

The trickiest moments often come with competency-based questions — those “Tell me about a time when…” examples designed to explore how you’ve handled real-life situations.
Questions like:

“Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult colleague.”
“Describe a situation when you had to adapt to change.”

These can throw you off balance if you haven’t prepared your answers.

The STAR method – your secret weapon

A simple but powerful framework for answering competency questions is the STAR method:

• Situation – set the scene briefly
• Task – explain what needed to be done
• Action – describe what you did
• Result – share the outcome and what you learned

This structure keeps your answers clear, focused and memorable — without drifting into unnecessary detail.

Preparation makes all the difference

Before your next interview, take time to:

• Research the organisation and its values so you can tailor your examples.
• Review your CV and remind yourself of achievements you’re proud of.
• Practise aloud – saying your answers helps you sound natural, not scripted.
• Plan a few questions to ask the interviewer – it shows genuine interest and curiosity.

Build confidence with expert support

If you’d like to boost your confidence even further, try one of our mock interview sessions. They’re a safe, supportive way to practise, get constructive feedback, and refine your approach before the real thing.

And for a quick refresh, read our latest Top Interview Tips — perfect for anyone brushing up their skills or preparing for a big opportunity.

So as you plan your next move, make interview prep part of your plan. A little time spent now could make all the difference when the right opportunity comes along.