Preparing for job interviews

Preparing for interviews

UAL students and 2020 graduates can access our online interview simulator. This tool provides advice, information, sample questions and a mock interview tool to help you prepare for face to face, telephone or video interviews.

The mock interview tool allows you to answer pre-selected questions, or you can custom build your own. Answer the questions by text or choose to record yourself with audio or video to review your performance. Set the timer to replicate a real-life scenario.

Look through common interview questions and read guidance on how to answer them. Hear advice from employers, and read advice on body language, video interview techniques, salary negotiation and many more.

You can create an account using your UAL email address. Log in to our online interview simulator.

Many people feel nervous about interviews but preparing in advance will help you to feel more relaxed.

Top 10 interview preparation tips:

1. Leave yourself plenty of time to prepare. This will help you to feel confident on the day.
2. Carefully read the interview invitation to see if they want you to prepare anything. If they ask you to bring a presentation or ideas, make sure you dedicate time to putting these together.
3. Research the company as much as possible; find out about its structure, culture, size, location and position within the industry.
4. Research the sector that the company operates in. Mentioning relevant trends, things you’ve read or examples from competitors when you answer their questions will demonstrate that you’ve done your research.
5. Find out about the person/people interviewing you. LinkedIn is a useful tool for this.
6. Re-read the job specification and think about of the types of questions they might ask you. Plan answers for any obvious questions and include relevant examples from your previous experience in your answers where possible.
7. If they’ve asked you to bring examples of work or a portfolio along, make sure you tailor it for the interview. Select high-quality work that’s most relevant to the job.
8. Practice your interview technique with a friend or family member. Get them to ask you the questions below to make sure you have good answers prepared.
9. Think carefully about what you wear. Even in the creative industries, it is better to dress smartly for an interview than to look too casual. Get your outfit ready the night before to save time and panic or rushing in the morning.
10. Plan your journey to the interview in advance and aim to arrive 10-minutes early.

Common interview questions

It’s worth preparing responses to these regularly asked interview questions:

Tell me about your experience…

Talk for a couple of minutes about your education, work history, relevant experience and skills.

Why did you apply for this job?

Explain what interested you about the role and working for the company. Demonstrate that you’ve researched what they do.

What do you think you can bring to the role/company?

This is a chance to explain how your skills, experience and/or ambitions match the job specification. Don’t be embarrassed to talk positively about yourself.

Do you have any questions for us?

Nearly every interview ends with this question and the answer should always be yes. Think of a list of questions about the company or the role that demonstrate that you’re keen to join the company.

During the interview

• Walk into the room with a positive attitude. Say hello, shake the panel members’ hands and smile.
• Listen carefully to questions, give yourself time to respond and don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question.
• Make sure you look the panel members in the eye and don’t focus too much on one person if there are several in the room.
• Ask questions to help you decide if the role and the company are a good match for you.
• Where possible, provide examples from your previous experience in your answers.
• If they don’t explain the recruitment process during the interview, ask them when you can expect to hear back.
• At the end of the interview, thank the employer for their time.

After the interview

If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe they said they’d contact you, follow up by email to see how things are progressing.

If you are not successful, ask for feedback as this will help you prepare for future interviews. If you are not successful, don’t be downhearted – interviews are a learning experience for everyone and they get easier the more you do. If you made a good impression and showed enthusiasm they may consider you next time they are recruiting.

Resources

• Download our Interviews learning guide (PDF 179KB)
• Online career centre

Useful links

• Prospects – How to prepare for an interview
• The Guardian – Four top tips for interview success
• TED - Talks to watch before an interview