How to ace your job interview in 2025

Start by finding out a bit about the company. Look at their website, social media, or any news about them. Knowing what they do and what they care about will help you answer questions like “Why do you want to work here?” or “What do you know about our company?” This shows you are interested and ready to join their team.

Think about the job you are applying for. Write down examples of times you’ve used the skills they are looking for so that you have them to hand if they ask.

The STAR method is a simple way to answer interview questions clearly. It stands for:

• Situation: Describe what was happening.
• Task: Explain what you needed to do.
• Action: Say what you did.
• Result: Share what happened because of your actions.

For example, if asked about teamwork, you could say:

“In my last job (Situation), I was asked to organise the team away day with a few others (Task). I made a plan and helped everyone understand their roles and what they needed to do (Action). We pulled together a successful day and got great feedback from the attendees. (Result).”

Practising answers using STAR makes it easier to remember your examples and feel confident.

You'll also get a chance to ask your interviewer questions - have a think and prepare a few questions which show you're interested and engaged.

Be punctual

Arriving on time is very important, so aim to get there a few minutes early. Being punctual shows the employer you are organised, respectful, and serious about the role.

Dress and act professionally

First impressions can make a big difference! Wear clean, smart clothes that suit the job. Greet the interviewer politely, smile, and make eye contact. Even standing or sitting up straight can show confidence and readiness.

Managing your stress or anxiety

It’s normal to feel nervous before an interview. A simple technique to help calm your mind is box breathing:

• Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds.
• Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
• Breathe out slowly for 4 seconds.
• Hold again for 4 seconds.

Repeat a few times. This can help you feel calmer, focus better, and speak more clearly during your interview. Remember, a little nervousness is normal - it shows you care about doing well!

Ask questions
At the end of the interview, you might get a chance to ask questions. This is a great opportunity to show your interest. You could ask about the team, the training you might get, or what a normal day looks like. Asking questions shows you are curious and enthusiastic about the job.

After the interview, sending a short thank-you email is a nice touch. Say thank you for the opportunity and that you enjoyed meeting them. It leaves a good impression and shows you are polite and professional.