CareerCraftAI
Back to BlogInterviews

UK Job Interview Preparation: The 2025 Checklist

9 min readJanuary 2025

Before the Interview

Research the company thoroughly

  • Read the company website, especially the About, Mission, and News sections
  • Check their LinkedIn page for recent updates and company culture
  • Google "[Company name] news 2025" to find recent developments
  • Read Glassdoor reviews to understand the culture and interview style

    • Understand the role

  • Re-read the job description carefully
  • Identify the 3–5 most important requirements
  • Prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate each requirement

    • Prepare your STAR answers

    The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is the standard framework for competency-based interview questions in the UK. Prepare 5–8 strong examples that you can adapt to different questions.

    Common questions to prepare for:

  • "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult colleague"
  • "Describe a project you're particularly proud of"
  • "Give an example of when you had to meet a tight deadline"
  • "Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it"

    • Prepare your own questions

    Always have 3–4 questions ready to ask. Good options:

  • "What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"
  • "What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?"
  • "How would you describe the culture here?"

    • On the Day

    Logistics

  • Plan your route and aim to arrive 10 minutes early
  • For video interviews, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection 30 minutes before
  • Have a copy of your CV and the job description in front of you

    • Presentation

  • Dress one level above what you'd wear on the job
  • For video interviews, ensure your background is clean and professional

    • During the Interview

  • Listen carefully to each question before answering
  • It's fine to pause and think before responding
  • Use the STAR method for competency questions
  • Be specific — vague answers are forgettable
  • Show enthusiasm for the role and company

    • After the Interview

    Send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours. Keep it short — thank them for their time, reiterate your interest, and mention one specific thing from the conversation that reinforced your enthusiasm.

    Use CareerCraftAI

    A strong interview starts with a strong CV. If your CV got you the interview, make sure it accurately reflects what you'll say in the room. Use CareerCraftAI to ensure your CV and cover letter are aligned with the role before you walk in.

    Put this advice into action

    Generate a professional UK CV or cover letter in under 30 seconds — free to try.