Interview technique

Being interviewed for a course, an apprenticeship or a job. A skill, and practisable.

What it is

A structured conversation assessing suitability — for a sixth form place, an apprenticeship, a university course or a job.

Where it applies

Anyone applying for a competitive place post-16.

How it works

Most interviews use predictable question types: why this course or role, what you have done that is relevant, a strength and a weakness, a problem you solved, and what you want to ask them.\n\nCompetency questions want a structured answer — situation, task, action, result — with a real example.

How to use it in your work

Prepare three examples you can adapt to almost any question. Most candidates prepare answers to questions instead, and get stuck when the wording changes.\n\nUse the STAR structure and finish with the RESULT. Candidates describe the situation at length and never say what happened.\n\nHave two questions ready to ask. "No, I'm fine" is a wasted opportunity.\n\nAsk about adjustments in advance if you need them — extra time, questions in advance, a quieter room. Employers and colleges must consider them.

Where to get help

The National Careers Service has free interview guidance. Your school's careers leader will usually run practice interviews if asked.