You’ve made it through the first hurdle and landed yourself an interview. You’ve researched the company, read the job spec back to front, and even picked out your outfit. But the difference between a good interview and a great one often comes down to how well you’ve prepared for the day itself.
At Verus, we speak to candidates every day who are more than capable but sometimes overlook the basics when it comes to interview prep. That’s why we’ve pulled together this straightforward guide. No fluff, just clear, practical steps to help you feel more confident and make a strong impression.
Plan Your Journey
If the interview is in person, this is non-negotiable. Know exactly where you’re going, how long it will take, and what backup plan you’ve got in case something goes wrong.
- Aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, not 30 minutes, and definitely not late.
- Double-check parking or public transport options the night before.
- Save the address, postcode and a contact number for reception, just in case.
Running through the door flustered and breathless isn’t the look you want. Giving yourself a buffer means you walk in calm, collected and ready.
Dress Like You Mean Business
Even if the company has a relaxed dress code, you should still show up looking sharp and professional. You want to feel confident and leave no doubts that you’re taking this seriously.
- Keep it simple, clean, and appropriate for the role or industry.
- Avoid anything too loud or overly casual.
- Make sure it fits well and is comfortable enough to sit in.
When you feel comfortable and polished, it comes through in your body language and confidence.
Bring the Basics (Even if You Don’t Use Them)
A lot of interviews are paperless these days, but being prepared never goes unnoticed:
- A printed copy of your CV – even if they already have it.
- A notepad and pen – useful for taking notes or jotting down names.
- A few bullet points or prompts if you’ve got specific examples or achievements you want to mention.
- Any documents they’ve asked you to bring (ID, portfolio, etc.)
It might seem small, but turning up with the right things shows you’re organised and switched on.
Understand the Format
Not every interview is the same. Before the day, check with your recruiter or point of contact:
- Is it in-person, Teams, Zoom, or phone?
- Is it a one-to-one, panel, or group interview?
- Will it be more of a relaxed chat, a technical test, or structured competency questions?
Knowing the format means you can prepare the right tone, examples, and mindset.
Use the STAR Method
If you’re asked to explain how you handled a particular situation in the past, use STAR to keep your answer on track:
- Situation – what was going on?
- Task – what were you responsible for?
- Action – what did you do?
- Result – what was the outcome?
It’s the best way to avoid rambling and show exactly how you added value.
Read our full STAR method guide here
Ask Questions That Show You’re Interested
Don’t fall into the trap of saying, “No, I think you’ve covered everything.” Interviews are a two-way street – they’re not just deciding if you’re right for the role, you’re also deciding if it’s right for you.
Ask a few smart, genuine questions that show you’ve thought about the job and the company. Not sure what to ask?
We’ve got a full list of smart questions to ask here
After the Interview
Once you’ve left the interview, it’s not quite over:
- Take a few notes while it’s still fresh in your mind, especially if you’re interviewing elsewhere too.
- If you’re working with Verus, let us know how it went, we’ll handle the follow-up process.
- Always thank your interviewer, either directly or through your consultant.
Even if it didn’t feel perfect, interviews are a two-way process, and the more practice and feedback you get, the sharper you become.
Final Thoughts from the Team at Verus
You don’t need to be perfect to make a great impression. What you do need is preparation, presence, and the right attitude.
Be clear. Be yourself. Be ready.
If you’re ever unsure about anything, what to wear, how to prepare, or what format to expect – just ask.
That’s what we’re here for.