Interviewing Tips & Skills

Index

1. Coping mechanisms for nerves during a job interview

2. Types of interview questions to expect

3. Interview locations: Remote vs face to face

4. Using ChatGPT to prepare for interviews

5. Mock interviews with Adrian: Preparing for success

6. Summarised top tips

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1. Coping mechanisms for nerves during a job interview

Nerves during a job interview are a natural response to high-stakes situations. By addressing preparation, body physiology, and techniques to stay calm during the interview itself, you can significantly reduce anxiety and perform at your best.

 

How preparation helps manage nerves

Preparation is the cornerstone of reducing anxiety. When you feel confident in your knowledge and readiness, nerves are less likely to take over.

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• Understand the role: Research the job description thoroughly. Identify key skills, experiences, and qualifications the employer values, and prepare examples of how you meet those criteria.

• Know the organisation: Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission, culture, and recent achievements. Knowing you’ve done your homework can help you feel more in control. If you know someone at the organisation then rinse them for insight!

• Practice responses: Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers for common competency-based questions. Rehearse these with a trusted friend, or even record yourself to refine your delivery. Use AI to suggest questions.

• Prepare questions: Draft thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates genuine interest and can ease the pressure by shifting focus away from you temporarily.

• Mock interviews: Simulate the interview environment to desensitise yourself to the situation. Practice answering questions with time limits and even wearing your interview outfit to make it as realistic as possible. Practise in a mock interview with me.

• Logistics: Confirm the interview time, location (or online platform), and ensure you have any required documents ready. Being organised reduces last-minute stress. Test all your equipment before the actual interview.

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Preparing your body physiology to stay calm

Understanding how your body responds to stress (the fight-or-flight response) and managing it can keep your nerves under control.

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• Understand the role of the Amygdala: The amygdala, a part of the brain, activates your fight-or-flight response in response to perceived threats. In an interview, this can cause sweaty palms, a racing heart, and difficulty thinking clearly. To counteract this, you need to reassure your body that you are safe. This is a critical point and I can talk you through how to achieve this in a mock interview with me, deploying some of the techniques described below.

• Deep breathing exercises: Practise slow, diaphragmatic breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the fight-or-flight response. Try the 4-7-8 method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds.

• Visualisation: Spend time before the interview imagining yourself succeeding. Visualising a calm, confident performance can reprogram your brain to associate interviews with positive outcomes instead of fear.

• Progressive muscle relaxation: Systematically tense and release muscle groups to reduce physical tension. Focus on areas like your shoulders, neck, and hands, which often hold stress.

• Avoid stimulants: Limit caffeine on the day of the interview, as it can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety such as a racing heart or jitteriness. Opt for herbal teas or water instead.

• Exercise beforehand: Engage in light exercise on the morning of the interview. Physical activity burns off excess adrenaline and boosts endorphins, leaving you calmer and more focused.

• Look forward to the interview: Really engage yourself in looking forward to the interview and override any negative thoughts with positive feelings. Your body will respond, it will relax and it will ensure you get the blood directed to your brain, where its needed, and not to your fists or feet in response to the fight or flight response.

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Coping during the interview itself

Once the interview begins, there are practical strategies to keep nerves at bay and perform well under pressure.

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• Positive self-talk: Remind yourself that you’ve been invited because the employer believes you’re a strong candidate. Frame the interview as a conversation rather than a test.

• Pause and breathe: If you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to breathe before answering a question. It’s better to pause briefly than to rush and give a muddled response.

• Focus on listening: Tune into the interviewer’s questions and body language. Actively listening helps keep you present and reduces overthinking.

• Grounding techniques: Use simple grounding methods if you feel anxious. For example, play with a ring on your finger to remind yourself that you are a great candidate and highly employable. Practising this prior to the interview will enable this auto response.

• Smile and maintain open body language: Smiling not only makes you appear approachable but also sends calming signals to your brain. Keep your posture open and relaxed to exude confidence.

• Reframe mistakes: If you stumble over a question, don’t panic. Take a moment, reframe your answer, and continue. Most people won’t penalise you for small errors.

• Ask for clarification: If you don’t understand a question, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification. This shows you’re thoughtful and engaged, not unprepared.

• End on a strong note: Summarise your interest in the role and thank the interviewer for their time. Leaving a positive final impression can overshadow any earlier nerves.

 

By combining thorough preparation, physiological techniques to calm your body, and strategies to stay present during the interview, you can transform nerves into a source of focus and energy. Confidence grows when you approach the process with the mindset that it’s an opportunity to learn and connect, rather than something to fear.

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To watch a short YouTube video that covers some of the points above click HERE. The best preparation will always be a practice interview with an experienced career coach, so do please request a mock interview from myself.

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2. Types of interview questions to expect​

Interview questions typically fall into different categories, each designed to assess a specific aspect of your suitability for the role. Below is an explanation of the most common types of questions, with examples:

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1. Competency-based questions

These questions assess whether you have the specific skills and behaviours required for the role by asking you to provide examples of past experiences.

• Format: Often phrased as, "Tell me about a time when…"

• Purpose: To evaluate how you’ve demonstrated key competencies in the past, as this is seen as a predictor of future performance.

• Example:

  • "Tell me about a time when you had to solve a complex problem. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?"

• How to answer: Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

  • Example response:

    • Situation: "In my previous role, we experienced a sudden system failure during a client presentation."

    • Task: "It was my responsibility to ensure the presentation could continue without delay."

    • Action: "I quickly switched to a backup system and reassured the client while the issue was resolved."

    • Result: "The client was impressed with our speed of action, and we secured the deal."

• It is critical that your preparation includes preparing a portfolio of examples using the STAR methodology which will give you huge confidence in readiness for an interview.

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2. Skills-based questions

Skills-based questions focus on your technical abilities or specific knowledge relevant to the job. These are especially common in technical, IT, or specialist roles.

• Format: Direct questions about your expertise or hypothetical scenarios to test problem-solving skills.

• Purpose: To determine if you possess the hard skills or technical knowledge required.

• Example:

  • "How would you approach designing a marketing campaign for a new product?"

  • "What software tools are you proficient in, and how have you used them in your previous roles?"

• How to answer: Be concise and provide specific examples of your skills in action.

  • Example response:

    • "In my previous role, I used Adobe Photoshop to design a campaign that increased engagement by 20%. I also analysed the results using Google Analytics, refining future campaigns based on data insights."

 

3. General experience questions

These are open-ended questions designed to understand your background and how it relates to the role.

• Format: Broad and conversational, often starting with, "Can you tell me about…"

• Purpose: To gauge your experience, motivations, and career progression.

• Example:

  • "Can you tell me about your previous role and how it prepared you for this position?"

• How to answer: Highlight relevant experiences that align with the job description.

  • Example response:

    • "In my previous role as a sales manager, I developed strong leadership and customer relationship skills. I was responsible for leading a team of 10 and consistently exceeded sales targets, which prepared me for the challenges of this role."

 

4. Situational or hypothetical questions

These questions test how you would handle potential challenges in the role.

• Format: "What would you do if…" or "How would you handle…"

• Purpose: To assess problem-solving ability, judgement, and creativity.

• Example:

  • "What would you do if a project you were managing was behind schedule and over budget?"

• How to answer: Outline a logical, step-by-step approach. Demonstrate your thinking in your answer and summarise at the end.

  • Example response:

    • "I would first analyse the causes of the delay and overspend, then prioritise tasks to streamline the schedule. I’d also communicate with stakeholders to set realistic expectations while exploring ways to reduce costs without compromising quality."

 

5. Motivational and cultural fit questions

These questions aim to understand your motivations, work preferences, and alignment with the company’s values.

• Format: "Why do you want to work here?" or "What motivates you?"

• Purpose: To assess whether you’ll thrive in the organisation’s culture and are genuinely interested in the role.

• Example:

  • "Why do you want to join our company?"

• How to answer: Research the company’s culture, values, and achievements. Align your answer with their goals.

  • Example response:

    • "I admire your commitment to sustainability, which aligns with my personal values. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your innovative projects while continuing to grow professionally in a supportive environment."

 

By understanding these question types and preparing tailored responses, you can demonstrate your skills, experience, and suitability for the role while addressing the interviewer’s key concerns.

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3. Interview locations: Remote vs face to face

​The main differences between face-to-face (F2F) and remote (Zoom/Teams) interviews lie in the logistics, communication dynamics, and how you present yourself. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare for and perform well in each format:

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Preparation differences

Face-to-face interviews

• Logistics:

  • Plan your journey to ensure you arrive on time. Research transport options, parking, or walking routes. Always aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

  • Choose professional attire that suits the company’s dress code and ensure it is clean, ironed, and comfortable.

• Environment:

  • Familiarise yourself with the company’s location and surroundings to feel more confident on the day.

  • Bring physical copies of your CV, portfolio, or any required documents.

• Body Language:

  • Practise confident body language, such as a firm handshake, good posture, and maintaining appropriate eye contact.

 

Remote interviews

• Technology:

  • Test your equipment (camera, microphone, internet connection) well in advance. Use a stable device and ensure your software (e.g., Zoom, Teams) is up to date.

  • Practise using the platform, including muting/unmuting and sharing screens if required.

• Environment:

  • Choose a quiet, well-lit, and professional-looking space. Ensure your background is tidy or use a neutral virtual background if necessary.

  • Inform anyone in your household of the interview time to avoid interruptions.

• Appearance:

  • Dress professionally from head to toe to stay in the right mindset, even if only your upper body is visible.

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Performance differences

Face-to-face interviews

• Building rapport:

  • Leverage in-person interaction to build a connection. Smile, maintain steady eye contact, and show enthusiasm through your tone and expressions.

  • Take cues from the interviewer’s body language to adjust your own.

• Physical presence:

  • Use open and confident body language to appear approachable and engaged. Avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms.

  • Carry a notepad to jot down key points if needed, but avoid excessive note-taking to maintain engagement.

• Impressions:

  • Make the most of small talk opportunities at the beginning or end of the interview to leave a positive impression.

 

Remote interviews

• Communication:

  • Speak slightly more slowly and clearly than usual to ensure you’re easily understood.

  • Use verbal cues like nodding and brief acknowledgements (e.g., "That’s a great point") to show active listening, as body language is less visible.

• Eye contact:

  • Look directly at the camera when speaking rather than at the screen to simulate eye contact. When listening, glance at the interviewer’s image to observe their reactions. Position your PC at a higher level if you need to get eye contact at the right level. Some people even stack books and put the PC on top of that to achieve this position.

• Managing technology hiccups:

  • If technical issues occur, stay calm and professional. Politely inform the interviewer and attempt to resolve the issue quickly. Have a backup plan, such as a phone number to call if the connection fails.​

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Key similarities to prepare for both

Regardless of the format, some preparation steps are universal:

• Research the role and company: Familiarise yourself with the job description, company values, and recent news.

• Practise answers: Prepare responses to common interview questions and rehearse using the STAR technique for competency-based questions.

• Prepare questions: Have thoughtful questions ready to demonstrate interest and engagement.

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By understanding and adapting to the unique requirements of each format, you can ensure you present yourself confidently and professionally, regardless of whether the interview is face-to-face or remote.

 

For some quick tips on remote interviews click HERE for a YouTube video.

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4. Using ChatGPT to prepare for interviews

ChatGPT can be a powerful tool to help you prepare for job interviews. It can assist with generating tailored questions, improving your responses, and enhancing your overall readiness. (Also see ChatGPT: Work Smarter resource).

 

1. Provide ChatGPT with the role profile

Start by sharing details about the role you’re interviewing for, including the job title, key responsibilities, and required skills. ChatGPT can use this information to generate specific questions that align with the role.

• Example prompt:

  • "I am preparing for an interview for a Marketing Manager position. The role profile (pasted below) involves overseeing campaigns, managing budgets, and leading a team. What competency-based and general questions should I expect?"

• What ChatGPT can do:

  • Generate potential questions:

    • If you ask for example competency based questions you will get ones that are relevant to the role profile you gave it.

    • Similarly you can ask for skills based or general questions based on that role profile.

 

2. Share your CV or career background

Provide a summary of your CV or key achievements, and ask ChatGPT to create questions based on your experience. This ensures you’re prepared to discuss your own career history confidently.

• Example prompt:

  • "Here’s a summary of my CV: I have 8 years of experience in sales, including managing key accounts and achieving a 25% increase in revenue year-on-year. I recently transitioned into a team leadership role. What questions might I be asked based on this?"

• What ChatGPT can do:

  • Suggest questions such as:

    • "Can you describe how you achieved the 25% revenue increase?"

    • "What challenges have you faced as a team leader, and how did you overcome them?"

 

3. Practise answering questions

ChatGPT can act as a virtual interviewer by posing questions and providing feedback on your responses. Use it to refine your answers and improve their structure.

• Example prompt:

  • "Ask me a competency-based question about managing a difficult team situation, and provide feedback on my response."

• What ChatGPT can do:

  • Generate questions like:

    • "Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict within your team."

  • Offer feedback:

    • Highlight strong points in your answer, such as clarity or using the STAR technique, and suggest areas for improvement.

 

4. Generate questions for you to ask the interviewer

Asking thoughtful questions at the end of an interview demonstrates your interest and engagement. ChatGPT can help brainstorm ideas tailored to the role and company.

• Example prompt:

  • "What are some insightful questions I can ask the interviewer for a Senior Analyst position at a financial firm (role profile pasted below)?"

• What ChatGPT can do:

  • Suggest questions like:

    • "How does the company define success for this role?"

    • "What opportunities are there for professional growth and development?"

 

5. Get industry insights

ChatGPT can provide information about industry trends, challenges, or specific topics relevant to the job. This can help you prepare for questions about the sector or show awareness during the interview.

• Example prompt:

  • "What are the latest trends in digital marketing in the domestic energy sector, and how might they impact campaign strategies?"

 

6. Simulate a mock interview

Ask ChatGPT to conduct a full mock interview, including a mix of competency-based, technical, and general questions. After each response, you can request feedback or additional tips.

• Example prompt:

  • "Simulate a mock interview for a Project Manager role. Include questions about risk management, team leadership, and meeting deadlines."

 

7. Prepare for nerves

If you’re nervous about the interview, ChatGPT can offer practical tips to help you stay calm and focused.

• Example prompt:

  • "How can I manage nerves before and during a job interview?"

• What ChatGPT can do:

  • Provide advice on relaxation techniques, mindset shifts, and coping strategies for anxiety.

 

8. Tailor your responses

If you struggle to articulate certain experiences or skills, ChatGPT can help you refine your language and structure responses effectively.

• Example prompt:

  • "How can I explain my career gap in a positive way during the interview?"

• What ChatGPT can do:

  • Offer a polished explanation, such as:

    • "During my career gap, I focused on professional development, completing courses in data analysis and volunteering with a local charity to enhance my leadership skills."

 

9. Develop confidence through repetition

The more you practise with ChatGPT, the more confident you’ll feel. Use it as a safe, judgement-free environment to rehearse until you’re comfortable with your answers.

 

Using ChatGPT as part of your interview preparation can make the process more efficient, structured, and tailored to your needs. By leveraging its ability to generate questions, provide feedback, and simulate scenarios, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way on interview day.

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5. Mock interviews with Adrian: Preparing for success​

One of the most effective ways to prepare for a job interview is by experiencing a simulated interview environment. That’s why I always offer my clients the opportunity to undertake a mock interview—provided they are open to constructive feedback and guidance for improvement. Chat GPT can support this process in isolation, but absolutely nothing beats an experienced career coach testing you in a simulated environment.

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A mock interview replicates the conditions of a real interview, helping you refine your skills, enhance your confidence, and identify areas for development. It’s a safe and supportive way to test yourself, receive professional feedback, and fine-tune your approach before the big day.

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How the session works

1. Preparation

   • Prior to the session, I will carefully review the job description you provide, along with your CV. This enables me to tailor the mock interview questions to reflect the role’s requirements and align with your professional background.

2. The mock interview

   • The session begins with a formal interview lasting arpound 30 minutes. This is conducted in a professional manner to mimic the conditions of a real interview as closely as possible.

3. In-depth feedback and discussion

   • Following the interview, we’ll engage in a detailed discussion of your performance. Key areas of focus include:

     • The quality and structure of your answers.

     • Your communication style and delivery, including clarity and confidence.

     • Your body language and non-verbal cues.

     • Any additional elements that arise during the session and seem relevant to your development.

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Why mock interviews are so effective

This session provides a safe environment for you to practise delivering key responses. It’s where you can "fail fast" if necessary, learning from any missteps without the pressure of a real interview. The insights gained during the session allow you to "learn and launch" yourself again with increased confidence and capability.

 

That said, most clients perform well in these mock interviews because they take the preparation seriously. As a result, the feedback tends to focus on fine-tuning and polishing rather than addressing major gaps.

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Booking your mock interview

If you’re preparing for an important interview, don’t miss the chance to book a mock interview with me. It’s an invaluable opportunity to rehearse, receive personalised feedback, and ensure you’re fully prepared to make the best possible impression.

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Reach out to arrange a session, and we’ll schedule time. With practice, feedback, and refinement, you’ll approach your real interview with confidence and readiness to succeed.

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If you would prefer to watch a video then click HERE for a short 5 minutes YouTube video covering some key pointers on interview technique.

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6. Summarised top tips

 

Research thoroughly

• Understand the company: Research their mission, values, recent news, and competitors.

• Analyse the job description: Identify key skills and competencies the role requires.

• Investigate the industry: Stay informed about trends and challenges to demonstrate awareness.

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Tailor your answers

• Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for competency-based questions.

• Align your experience and achievements with the job requirements, emphasising how you can add value.

• Prepare answers for common questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want this role?”

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Practise, Practise, Practise

• Rehearse answers to likely questions with a friend, coach, or tool like ChatGPT.

• Simulate a mock interview with myself to refine your delivery and timing.

• Record yourself answering questions to evaluate your tone, clarity, and body language.

 

Prepare logistically

• For face-to-face interviews: Plan your journey, check the location, and prepare documents like your CV and portfolio.

• For remote interviews: Test your equipment, choose a distraction-free space, and ensure good lighting and a neutral background.

• Have a list of thoughtful questions for the interviewer to show your engagement.

 

Focus on mindset and nerves

• Visualise success: Imagine yourself confidently answering questions and connecting with the interviewer.

• Practise deep breathing or grounding techniques to calm pre-interview anxiety.

• Reframe nerves as excitement—remind yourself that the interview is an opportunity, not a test.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

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