Interview Preparation Tips: How to Feel Calm, Confident and Ready for Your Next Interview

Got an interview coming up? Whether it’s your first in years or one of many, good preparation makes all the difference.

In this free 40-minute webinar, we share practical interview preparation tips to help you feel calm, confident and fully ready to perform at your best.

If you’re job hunting, returning to work after a break, or simply planning your next career move, this session will give you clear, actionable advice you can apply straight away.

What You’ll Learn

How to Prepare Thoroughly for an Interview

Strong interview performance starts long before the meeting itself. We talk through:

• How to research a company properly
• Understanding the job description in depth
• Anticipating the questions you’re likely to be asked
• Preparing structured examples that demonstrate your impact

Preparation isn’t about memorising scripts — it’s about building confidence through clarity.

How to Answer Competency-Based Interview Questions

Competency-based interviews are now standard across many sectors. If you’ve ever been asked:

“Tell me about a time when…”

You’ll know how tricky they can feel.

In the webinar, we explain how to structure your answers clearly and confidently, so you stay focused and demonstrate real value rather than rambling or underselling yourself.

How to Handle Career Gaps and Salary Questions

Career breaks, flexible working patterns and salary expectations are common concerns for candidates — especially returners.

We cover:

• How to talk about career gaps positively and professionally
• Reframing breaks as experience, not setbacks
• Approaching salary questions with confidence and realism

These are often the questions that cause the most anxiety, but with the right preparation, they can become opportunities to reinforce your strengths.

Watch the Full Interview Skills Webinar

This session offers practical guidance to help you perform at your best.

If you want to improve your interview technique, build confidence, and feel more in control of the process, the recording is ready for you below.

Watch our webinar ‘Perfect Your Interview Skills’, with Ten2Two’s Jo Gregory and Deborah O'Sullivan linked below.

Interview Preparation FAQs

How do I prepare for a competency-based interview?

Start by reviewing the job description carefully and identifying the key skills and behaviours required. Prepare structured examples that clearly demonstrate your experience — ideally using a simple framework to keep your answers focused and concise. Practice saying your examples out loud so they feel natural and confident, rather than scripted.

How do I explain a career gap in an interview?

Be honest, positive and forward-looking. Briefly explain the reason for the gap, highlight any skills gained during that time, and then steer the conversation back to what you bring to the role now. Career breaks are increasingly common — confidence and clarity matter far more than perfection.

What questions should I ask at the end of an interview?

Strong closing questions show genuine interest and commercial awareness. You might ask about team priorities, measures of success in the first six months, current challenges, or company culture. Avoid questions that could easily be answered on the website — focus on insight rather than information.

How can I feel more confident before an interview?

Preparation is the biggest confidence builder. Research the organisation thoroughly, practise your key examples, and plan your opening introduction. On the day, allow plenty of time, breathe slowly and remember — interviews are a two-way conversation, not an interrogation.

Want More Personalised Interview Support?

Watching a webinar is a great start — but sometimes a bit of tailored support makes all the difference.

If you have an interview coming up and would value 1:1 guidance, we offer personalised interview coaching designed to help you refine your answers, build confidence and present your experience clearly and convincingly.

Whether you’re returning to work, changing direction or stepping up to the next level, a focused session can help you feel calm, prepared and ready to shine.

You can find out more about our interview coaching support here.