How to answer interview questions, with real examples
Practical guides to the STAR method, the questions UK employers ask most, competency and civil service interviews, and what to ask at the end. Written to help you say it well, out loud.
Technique
Common questions
How to answer "Tell me about yourself", with example answers
A simple three-part structure for 'Tell me about yourself', with example answers for graduates, experienced hires and career changers.
How to answer "Tell me about a time you had a conflict at work"
How to answer conflict interview questions: what interviewers look for, choosing an example, and a full STAR example answer.
How to answer "What is your greatest weakness?"
How to answer 'What is your greatest weakness?' honestly: a simple structure, three example answers and the clichés to avoid.
Questions to ask at the end of an interview: 26 good examples
26 thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, grouped by role, team, culture, growth and next steps, plus which questions to avoid.
Interview types
Competency-based interview questions and answers
How competency-based interviews are scored, 30 common questions by theme with what interviewers look for, and an example answer.
Graduate scheme interview questions, and how to answer them
How graduate scheme recruitment works, from online tests and video interviews to assessment centres, with common questions, example answers and tips.
Civil Service Success Profiles: behaviours, examples and interview tips
Civil Service Success Profiles explained: the five elements, all nine behaviours with example questions, and how to write behaviour statements.
By role
Data analyst interview questions, with answer tips
Data analyst interview questions in the UK: SQL, Excel, statistics, dashboards and behavioural questions, with what each tests and how to answer.
Data scientist interview questions, with answer tips
Common data scientist interview questions in the UK: SQL, statistics, machine learning, case studies and behavioural, with answer tips.
Software engineer interview questions, and how to answer them
Software engineer interview questions in the UK: coding, system design and behavioural questions, with what each stage tests and how to answer well.
Product manager interview questions, and how to answer them
Product manager interview questions: product sense, prioritisation, metrics and stakeholder questions, with how to structure answers and an example.
Project manager interview questions, and how to answer them
Common project manager interview questions on delivery, stakeholders, risk, scope creep and Agile versus waterfall, with an example STAR answer and tips.
Audit and accountancy trainee interview questions
Audit and accountancy trainee interview questions: why audit, technical basics, commercial awareness and competency questions, with examples.
Consulting interview questions: case and fit interviews
Consulting interview questions: how case interviews work, market sizing and profitability cases, and the fit questions firms ask, with examples.
Trainee solicitor and training contract interview questions
Training contract and trainee solicitor interview questions: why law, why this firm, commercial awareness, case studies and competency questions.
Marketing executive interview questions, and how to answer them
Marketing executive interview questions on campaigns, channels and metrics, plus how to handle a marketing task or presentation, with examples.
HR interview questions for advisor and officer roles
HR interview questions for advisor and officer roles: employee relations, grievances, absence and scenario questions, with an example answer.
Nursing interview questions for NHS roles
NHS nursing interview questions: values-based, clinical scenario and competency questions, with example answers and how to use the NHS values and 6Cs.
Teacher interview questions, and how to answer them
UK teacher interview questions on behaviour, adaptive teaching, assessment and safeguarding, plus tips for the lesson observation and student panel.
Customer service interview questions, with example answers
Customer service interview questions, from handling an angry customer to working under pressure, with example answers for call centre and retail roles.