Careers Service Interviews

For most people interviews are nerve-wracking. Yet interviewers are actually quite nice people. Knowing you are well-prepared can help to lessen nerves.

To interview effectively you need to know what you have to offer. You also need to know what the employer is like and what the job will actually involve. You'll need to be able to tell them about the job, giving relevant details and examples.

We have lots of support with interviews on our Careers Toolkit. There is a short course that explains what to expect from different types of interviews. We also give advice on how to create presentations for interviews.

There is also our interview simulator. This lets you practice for your interview with timed questions. You can also watch your interview back. There is also the chance to browse interview questions, with advice on how to answer them:

Types of interviews

Presentations

It's quite common for a candidate to be asked to deliver a presentation as part of the interview. The topic may be specific to the role, or may be about the industry, or about yourself. Here are some resources to help prepare:

How to prepare

To help prepare for interviews:

Practice your interview technique

Try the interview simulation tool.

This tool allows you to select a bank of questions and then answer them under time pressure. You can even use your webcam to record your responses and then play them back. The tool also includes advice from employers about how to answer interview questions.

After practising with the tool, you may be able to arrange a practice interview with a Careers Consultant. Here you can get personalised feedback on your performance.

Useful resources

Virtual interview advice

COVID-related questions

Debut guides

Sector and industry guides

See also Assessment Centres for presentation skills

The Careers Service runs a range of seminars to help you with the application process. These include skills sessions delivered by employers as well as short briefing sessions on a regular basis. View our current programme and book online at MyCareer.

Advice on the Use of ChatGPT and other technologies in the application process

As new technologies evolve, so do the processes for looking at any application submission made to employers. We would advise against using ChatGPT and any AI technology or indeed copying any other person’s application submissions made to employers. This includes all submissions you make as part of the application process such as CVs, cover letters, application forms, essays, reports, psychometric assessments, and technical challenges. This is viewed as plagiarism by employers and as such would result in the rejection of your application.

We have many tools to support you in writing unique content for your applications and support you in preparing for the stages of the application process, so please use the service if you are unsure and don’t be caught out.