Interview Preparation

Build an answer bank

Prepare six real examples covering teamwork, problem-solving, a mistake, pressure, initiative and learning. Use Situation, Task, Action and Result (STAR). Spend most of the answer on what you personally did. Keep client, patient and former employer information confidential.

Common questions and adaptable answers

• “Tell me about yourself.” Structure: current background, relevant experience, then why this role. Example pattern: “I recently completed [qualification]. In [real project], I [contribution]. I am applying because this role needs [skill] that I have practised through [evidence].”
• “Describe a challenge.” Briefly set the scene, explain your responsibility and actions, then give the actual outcome and lesson. A modest, genuine example is better than an invented success story.
• “What is a weakness?” Choose a genuine development area, explain what you are doing about it and give a real indication of progress. Avoid pretending that perfectionism is always a weakness.
• “Why should we hire you?” Link two relevant strengths to evidence and the vacancy’s requirements. Do not promise results you cannot substantiate.
• “What salary do you expect?” Clarify responsibilities and the total package, research the role and state a reasoned range if appropriate. Do not misrepresent previous pay.

Graduate trainee preparation

• Review the actual programme requirements and your application before practising.
• Prepare examples from coursework, NYSC, volunteering, projects or employment.
• Practise numerical, verbal or reasoning tasks only where the employer confirms that assessment format. Explain your thinking without claiming to know leaked questions.
• Research the employer’s products, customers and recent official announcements.
• Prepare questions about rotations, supervision, learning objectives and assessment criteria.

Banking interviews

• Practise explaining customer service, confidentiality, accuracy and ethical judgement.
• Scenario: a customer requests an exception you are not authorised to grant. Explain how you would verify the request, follow procedure and escalate, without promising an unauthorised action.
• For a numerical task, state assumptions and check calculations. Do not claim regulatory expertise or certifications you do not hold.

Healthcare interviews

• Review the scope of your qualification, current registration requirements and the actual role.
• Prepare examples of communication, infection prevention, documentation and escalation of concerns.
• Scenario: you notice a change in a patient’s condition. Explain observation, prompt escalation and documentation within your role and local protocol. Do not propose treatment beyond your competence or share identifiable patient stories.

Teaching interviews

• Prepare a short lesson with a clear objective, explanation, learner activity and check for understanding.
• Explain how you adapt instruction and assess progress, using genuine classroom examples.
• Practise a safeguarding scenario: recognise the concern, follow the school’s reporting procedure, record facts and avoid promising secrecy.

NGO interviews

• Read the programme context, role responsibilities and organisation’s code of conduct.
• Prepare examples of community engagement, accountable record-keeping and working with limited resources.
• Practise discussing consent, confidentiality, inclusion and safeguarding. Escalate concerns through the designated process rather than conducting your own unsupported investigation.

The day before and after

• Confirm the invitation, venue or meeting link through an official channel. Test audio and plan transport or a quiet online setting.
• Bring only requested documents; do not pay an agent for access.
• Ask about success measures and next steps. Send a concise follow-up if the employer provides an appropriate contact.