My Full Interview Prep Rundown for Grads: What I Wish I'd Known!

Hi everyone, Navigating graduate interviews can feel like a whole different ball game after uni, right? I've been through a fair few now, from those slightly awkward pre-recorded video ones to intense in-person panels, and I wanted to share my complete preparation strategy that really helped me feel confident and land some great offers. First off, know your format. You might start with a pre-recorded video interview – no human interaction, just you and a camera! For these, practice looking directly at your webcam, dress smartly from top to toe (even if only your top half shows!), and make sure your background is tidy. For live video calls (think Zoom or Teams) or in-person interviews, it's more about that two-way dynamic. Always test your tech beforehand for virtual ones, and plan your journey for in-person. Your tone and clarity are key for phone interviews, as they can't see your expressions. Next, question types. It's not just 'why this company?' anymore. Be ready for motivational questions, but also competency-based ones (using the STAR method here is a lifesaver!), hypothetical scenarios, and even technical questions if it's a specialist role. I found it super helpful to list out common questions and brainstorm examples from my degree, part-time jobs, or society roles that showcased relevant skills. Deep dive into your research. Beyond just the company website, check their recent news, social media, and even their main competitors. Knowing the wider industry landscape shows genuine enthusiasm and helps you formulate smarter questions and answers. Think about their values and how you align. And speaking of alignment, really think about yourself. What unique experiences, skills, and even hobbies do you have that link to the role or the company culture? Review your CV and application form; interviewers often pick up on points from there, so have expanded examples ready. Don't just list achievements, explain the 'how' and 'why'. Always prepare questions to ask them. This isn't just about showing interest; it's your chance to figure out if the role and company are right for you. I usually aim for a mix: some about the team culture, some about career progression, and one or two that show off my research into their recent projects. Practice, practice, practice! I can't stress this enough. If your university careers service offers mock interviews, grab the opportunity. Otherwise, get a friend or family member to quiz you. Even just talking through your answers aloud helps iron out awkward phrasing. Finally, the logistics and nerves. Plan your outfit the night before. Charge your devices. Know your travel route. Having all these practical things sorted reduces stress on the day. And nerves? Totally normal! It's okay to pause before answering, or even ask for clarification if you didn't quite catch the question. I often take a copy of my CV with me (or have it open for virtual calls) as a prompt if my mind goes blank. It's a lot, but breaking it down makes it manageable. What's your top tip for calming those pre-interview jitters?