Interview Preparation — Skills Shape

1. Your interview

Start with the basics so you know exactly what you are preparing for.

Job or opportunity

Employer / organisation

Interview date

Interview format

2. Before the interview

Tick off the practical things that will help you arrive prepared.

Research the employer

Read the job description again

Plan travel or test online setup

Choose what to wear

Prepare documents / ID if needed

Prepare questions to ask

3. Know your strengths

Think about the strengths you want the interviewer to remember.

Strength 1

Prompt: Think about positive words an employer might use about you, such as reliable, friendly, hard working or organised.

Example that proves it

Strength 2

Prompt: You can use examples from school, college, work experience, volunteering, hobbies or family responsibilities.

Example that proves it

Strength 3

Prompt: Try to choose strengths that connect with the role you are applying for.

Example that proves it

4. “Tell me about yourself”

Build a short 30–60 second introduction: who you are, what you can offer and why this opportunity interests you.

My answer

Prompt: Keep it simple. Include who you are, 2 or 3 strengths, something relevant you have done, and why you are interested in the role.

5. STAR answer planner

Prepare one strong example you can use for interview questions about teamwork, challenges, responsibility or problem solving.

Situation

Task

Action

Result

6. Common interview questions

Write a few notes rather than trying to memorise a script.

Why do you want this role?

Prompt: Mention what interests you about the role, the employer, and how it fits your goals.

Why should we choose you?

Prompt: Pick 2 or 3 strengths and match them to what the employer needs.

Tell me about a challenge you faced.

Prompt: Use the STAR structure. Focus on staying calm, learning something, or solving a problem.

What would you like to improve?

Prompt: Choose something genuine, but show how you are working on it and willing to learn.

7. Questions you could ask the interviewer

Select the questions you like best, and add your own if you want to personalise them.

What does a successful first few months in this role look like?

What training or support would be available?

What do you enjoy most about working here?

What are the next steps in the process?

What skills or qualities are most important for this role?

What would a typical day in this role look like?

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone starting this role?

Is there any outstanding information, or are there any gaps you need me to fill in before we finish the interview?

My own question 1

My own question 2

Prompt: Good questions show interest. Try to ask about the role, training, expectations or next steps.

8. Confidence & next steps

Finish by deciding what you want to remember on the day.

What will help you feel confident on the day?

One action I will take before the interview

Add a few answers before creating your checklist.

Your Interview Prep Checklist

Your top strengths

Your introduction

Before the interview

Your STAR example

Questions to practise

Questions to ask the employer

Confidence reminder

Your next action

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