Interviews & Assessments
Practical guidance to prepare for video interviews, assessment centres and competency questions.
Video interviews
Most companies now use video as the first interview stage
Key tips for success
Test your setup beforehand (camera, microphone, lighting)
Dress professionally from the waist up
Look at the camera, not the screen
Have notes nearby but don't read from them
Practice with your phone's video recorder
Ensure a clean, neutral background
Async vs Live video
Async: Record yourself answering questions. You'll often get 2-3 attempts per question. Live: Real-time conversation via Zoom/Teams. Treat it like an in-person interview.
Assessment centres
Full-day evaluations with multiple exercises
They're assessing teamwork, commercial awareness, and how you handle pressure. Focus on contributing value, not dominating.
Group exercises
Collaborate to solve problems. They watch how you contribute, not who 'wins'.
Case studies
Analyse business scenarios. Show your thinking process, not just conclusions.
Presentations
Present on a topic with limited prep time. Structure and clarity matter most.
In-tray exercises
Prioritise tasks under time pressure. Show logical decision-making.
Partner interviews
Final stage with senior leaders. Research them and ask thoughtful questions.
Pro tip
Assessors are watching for how you behave when you think no one is watching. Be helpful, engaged, and professional during breaks and lunch too.
Interview types
Competency
• "Tell me about a time when..."
• Focus on specific examples
• Use STAR method
• Prepare 5-7 stories
Motivational
• "Why us?" "Why this role?"
• Research is essential
• Show genuine interest
• Connect your goals to theirs
Technical
• Industry-specific questions
• Problem-solving exercises
• Case studies
• Test your technical knowledge
The STAR Method
The gold standard for answering competency questions
S
Situation
Set the scene briefly. When? Where? What was the context?
T
Task
What was your specific responsibility or challenge?
A
Action
What did YOU do? Be specific about your actions, not the team's.
R
Result
What happened? Quantify impact where possible.
Example answer structure
"During my final year project (S), I was responsible for coordinating our 4-person team (T). I set up weekly check-ins and created a shared task board (A). We delivered 2 weeks early and got the highest grade in our cohort (R)."
What should I do next?
Networking can open doors that applications alone can't. Learn how to build genuine connections.
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If you have a question, want advice on your situation, or just want to chat about applications, feel free to reach out. I read every message and am always happy to help.