Career readiness

Prepare for a first interview

8 minute read·Updated 6 September 2026

Good preparation is not memorising perfect answers. It is understanding the role and choosing honest examples that show how you think and work.

A candidate practising interview answers with a mentor

Understand the role

Read the job description carefully. Mark the repeated skills and responsibilities. For each important requirement, write one example from a project, class, internship, volunteer activity or personal responsibility.

Prepare a short introduction

In about one minute, explain what you are studying or doing now, the skills most relevant to the role and why the opportunity interests you. Keep it specific to the employer.

Structure examples clearly

Use four parts: the situation, your task, the action you personally took and the result or lesson. “We” can describe a team, but interviewers also need to understand your contribution.

Research responsibly

Use the employer’s official website, reliable news and the job description. Note what the organisation does, who it serves and two thoughtful questions you can ask.

Practise aloud

Speaking answers reveals unclear points that silent reading misses. Record yourself or practise with someone you trust. Aim for a natural explanation, not a memorised speech.

Prepare the practical details

Confirm the time, location or meeting link. Test audio and internet for an online interview. Keep a copy of your résumé, the job description, identification requested by the employer and a notebook nearby.

Be careful with recruitment scams

Be cautious if someone demands payment for an interview or guaranteed job, asks for sensitive financial information too early, or contacts you only from an unverifiable personal account.

Practice: Select one project you are proud of. Write four lines covering situation, task, action and result, then explain it aloud in under two minutes.

This article offers general educational guidance. It does not guarantee an interview, offer or employment outcome.

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