Interview Cheat Sheet
Walk into any interview feeling prepared
What's inside
- ✓Top 20 interview questions answered
- ✓STAR method explained with examples
- ✓Virtual interview setup and body language do's and don'ts
- ✓Questions to ask the interviewer
- ✓Pre- and post-interview checklists
Who is this for?
Anyone preparing for a job interview, assessment centre, or apprenticeship interview — from first-timers to those returning after a break.
Published January 2026 · Version 1.0
Key takeaways
- →STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is the single most useful structure for any competency question.
- →Prepare 5–6 STAR examples before any interview, covering: teamwork, a challenge, initiative, communication, time management.
- →Interviewers form an impression in the first 30 seconds — your body language starts at reception, not when you sit down.
- →"Do you have any questions for us?" is part of the interview, not a formality — always have at least one ready.
1. The STAR framework
Use this structure for every competency question — the ones that start with "Tell me about a time when…". Keep spoken answers to 90–120 seconds; longer and you risk losing the interviewer's attention.
- Situation — set the scene. Where were you? What was the context? "During my part-time job at a local supermarket last summer…"
- Task — what was your responsibility? "I was responsible for serving customers and keeping my till accurate."
- Action — what did YOU specifically do? Focus on your actions, not the team's. "I stayed calm, apologised to the customer, and called my supervisor."
- Result — what happened? Include numbers or a specific outcome where you can. "The customer left satisfied and my manager praised how I handled it."
Tip
No paid work experience? Use school, sport or volunteering — the STAR structure works identically. What matters is that the Action and Result are genuinely yours, not the group's.
2. Top 20 questions to know before you walk in
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want this role?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What are your strengths?
- What is your biggest weakness?
- Tell me about a time you worked in a team.
- Describe a challenge you overcame.
- How do you handle pressure or stress?
- Give an example of good customer service.
- Tell me about a time you showed initiative.
- What motivates you?
- Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
- What do you know about our company?
- How do you manage your time?
- Tell me about a mistake and what you learned.
- How do you take feedback from others?
- What makes you stand out from other candidates?
- Are you comfortable working independently?
- What are your career goals?
- Do you have any questions for us?
What employers actually think
"Tell me about yourself" is a 60-second summary, not your life story — cover who you are, your relevant experience, and what you're looking for, in that order. "Why this role?" is your chance to show real research; a generic answer here is the fastest way to signal you applied everywhere. And never say "for the money" — even if it's honestly part of the reason.
3. Strong vs weak answers
| ✓ Strong | ✗ Weak |
|---|---|
| "I'm really organised. When studying for GCSEs I built a revision timetable, stuck to it, and got the grades I needed. That discipline carries into everything I do." | "I'm a people person and I work hard." — no example, no evidence. Anyone can say this. |
| "A group project member wasn't contributing. I spoke to them privately, found out they were struggling, and rearranged the workload. We delivered on time." | "I can't really think of one." — a preparation failure. Always have 2–3 STAR examples ready. |
| "I've been interested in engineering since a robotics project at school. Your structured training programme is exactly what I'm looking for." | "I don't want to go to university and this pays well." — shows no genuine interest in the role or company. |
Build your own STAR answer
Pick a real question, walk through the four parts, and see the timed answer take shape. Save 5–6 to build a bank you can revisit before any interview.
STAR answer builder
Pick a question, fill in each part, and watch your answer take shape. Aim for 60–90 seconds spoken aloud — this tool estimates it for you.
Pre-interview checklist
Complete the day before. Do not leave it to the morning.
Are you ready?
Tick items off as you apply them to your own CV. Your progress is saved in this browser.
The day before (0/7)
The day of (0/6)
4. Virtual interview guidance
Same standards, different setting. A few things matter more on camera than they do in person:
- Test your camera, mic and internet connection the day before — not five minutes beforehand.
- Camera at eye level, not looking up from a laptop on your knees. Look at the camera when speaking, not at your own face on screen.
- A window in front of you, not behind — backlighting turns you into a silhouette.
- Close every other tab and app before the call, and keep your phone on silent and out of sight.
- Join 2–3 minutes early and wait in the lobby, exactly as you would arrive early in person.
5. Body language do's and don'ts
Interviewers form an impression in the first 30 seconds — your body language starts at reception, not when you sit down.
| ✓ Do | ✗ Don't |
|---|---|
| Smile when you enter — it signals confidence | Cross your arms — it looks defensive |
| Sit up straight — open posture shows engagement | Fidget with hands, pen or hair |
| Pause before answering — signals thinking, not panic | Look at your phone or watch |
| Speak at a steady pace — nerves make people rush | Interrupt the interviewer |
6. Smart questions to ask them
"Do you have any questions for us?" Always say yes. Avoid questions already answered in the job advert — it signals you didn't read it.
- "What does a typical day or week look like in this role?" — shows practical thinking, not just wanting the job.
- "What does success look like in the first three months?" — signals ambition from day one.
- "What are the main challenges someone in this role typically faces?" — shows maturity, not assuming it'll be easy.
- "How would you describe the team culture here?" — shows you care about fit, not just salary.
- "What opportunities are there to develop skills or progress?" — a strong signal of long-term thinking.
Note
Questions about pay, benefits and holiday are completely reasonable — but are usually best raised at offer stage rather than the first interview.
7. What to do after the interview
Most candidates do nothing after the interview. That's your opportunity.
- Write down the questions you were asked while it's fresh, and note what you'd do differently.
- Send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours.
- If you get the role: confirm the start date and ask what to prepare.
- If you don't: ask for feedback — most employers will give it, and it's the fastest way to improve for the next one.
Thank-you email template
Subject: Thank you — [Role Title]
"Hi [Name], thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I really enjoyed learning more about [specific thing] and I'm even more excited about the opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, [Your name]"
Don't take rejection personally. One is data. Ten is a pattern worth reflecting on.
Frequently asked questions
What if I go blank mid-answer? Pause, take a breath, and say "let me think about that for a second" — a short pause reads as thoughtful, not weak. Rushing into a bad answer is worse than a 3-second silence.
Should I bring notes into the interview? A single printed page with your STAR examples as bullet points is fine to glance at — don't read from a script.
What if I genuinely don't know the answer to a technical question? Say so honestly, then talk through how you'd find out. Interviewers rate honesty and problem-solving approach far higher than a bluffed answer.
How long should I wait before following up if I hear nothing? One polite follow-up email after 5–7 working days is completely normal and expected.
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