Opening
The interviewer will often start with small talk: How was the drive in? or Did you find us okay? A short, friendly answer is perfect: Yes, thanks, the directions were really clear.
"Tell me about yourself"
Keep it to about a minute: present, past, future.
I'm currently working as a warehouse supervisor at a large retailer, where I manage a team of six. Before that I spent four years in logistics in Mumbai. I'm now looking to move into a larger operations role, which is why this position really interested me.
Behavioural questions and the STAR method
Many employers often ask "Tell me about a time when…". Answer with STAR:
- Situation: where and when
- Task: what you had to do
- Action: what you did (say "I", not just "we")
- Result: what happened, with a number if possible
Useful phrases
| To… | Say… |
|---|---|
| Buy thinking time | That's a good question. Let me think for a second. |
| Ask for clarification | Just to check, do you mean…? |
| Talk about strengths | One thing I'm known for is… |
| Admit a gap honestly | I haven't used that system yet, but I learned a similar one in two weeks. |
| Show interest | What does a typical day look like in this role? |
| Close | Thanks so much for your time. I'm really keen on this role. |
Interview habits that usually work
Interview customs vary by country and company, but these habits work almost everywhere.
- Be on time. Arrive 5–10 minutes early.
- First names are normal. If the interviewer says "Call me Dave", do.
- Modesty plus evidence works well. Give facts and results rather than big claims.
- Ask a question at the end. It shows interest.
Practise saying your answers
Write your answers, then say them out loud with our speaking recorder. It shows how quickly you start and how often you pause, the same fluency skills interviewers notice.
Frequently asked questions
What questions are common in job interviews?
Tell me about yourself, why do you want this job, and behavioural questions like 'Tell me about a time when…'.
How should I answer behavioural questions?
Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Should I ask questions at the end?
Yes. Ask one or two, like 'What does a typical day look like?'