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The Interview Preparation Pack

Everything to check before an interview, in the order you’ll need it. Tick things off as you go, or print it. Your ticks stay in this browser.

5 min read · 30 min to tryUpdated 14 November 2026

Your goal

By the end you’ll have worked through every part of your interview preparation and know what’s left to do.

The short answer

Work through this pack over the few days before your interview. Start with the job and the employer, sort the practical details (where, when, who, what to bring), prepare three or four real examples and two or three questions, then use the last list on the day itself. Print it if you like paper, or tick it here.

How to use this pack

You don’t need to do it all in one go. A sensible rhythm is research and practical arrangements as soon as you’re invited, examples and questions over the next few days, and the final list the night before. If something doesn’t apply to your interview, skip it.

The full explanation behind each step is in how to prepare for an interview.

1. The job and the employer

6 items

I’ve reread the job advert and description
I’ve highlighted the essential criteria and thought of something I’ve done for each
I’ve looked at the employer’s website and know what they do or sell
I’ve looked at any recent news or social media posts from them
If it’s a shop, café or site I can visit, I’ve been in or walked past
I’ve reread my own CV and application, so I know what they’ve seen

Adjustments are allowed

If you’re disabled, neurodivergent or have a health condition, you can ask for changes to how the interview works, like extra time, questions in writing, a quiet waiting area, step-free access, or a phone call instead of video. Employers are allowed to ask about this during recruitment for exactly this reason, and a good employer will want to help. You only need to share what’s relevant to the adjustment. GOV.UK explains disability rights in employment.

Asking for an adjustment

Hi [Name],

Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [Role] position on [date].

To help me take part, would it be possible to [your request, for example: have the questions in writing at the start / have a few extra minutes for each question / do the interview in a quiet room]?

I’m happy to talk about this if it’s helpful. Thank you.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

3. Examples to prepare

8 items

An example of working with other people (school, sport, a job, a club, family)
An example of solving a problem or sorting something out
An example of something going wrong, and what I did about it
An example of being reliable or organised over time
An example that shows I’m keen to learn
I’ve practised each one out loud using Situation, Task, Action, Result
I’ve got a short answer to “Tell me about yourself”
I’ve got a short answer to “Why do you want this job?”

The same example can answer more than one question. Four or five good stories go a long way. The STAR method shows you how to shape them, and the Practice Room lets you rehearse.

4. Questions to ask them

5 items

I’ve written down two or three questions I actually want answered
One is about what the job is like day to day
One is about how new people are trained or supported
I’ll ask when they expect to make a decision
I’ve noted anything that’s a dealbreaker (like shifts around college) to ask about

Ideas for each are in questions to ask at the end of an interview.

5. On the day

8 items

I’ve eaten something and have water with me
My phone is charged and on silent during the interview
I’m leaving with time to spare, aiming to arrive 10 minutes early
I have my notes, questions and anything they asked me to bring
I know it’s fine to pause and think before answering
I know it’s fine to ask them to repeat or explain a question
At the end, I’ll thank them and ask when I’ll hear back
Afterwards, I’ll write down what they asked while it’s fresh

If you’re running late

It happens. Let them know as soon as you realise, before the start time if you can, using the contact details you wrote down. A quick call is best. If you can’t call, send this.

Running late

Hi [Name],

I’m really sorry, I’m running about [number] minutes late for my [time] interview because [short reason, for example: my train has been delayed]. I’m on my way now.

Please let me know if you’d prefer to rearrange.

[Your name]
[Your phone number]

Afterwards

Write down the questions they asked and how you answered within an hour or so. Then see what to do after the interview for follow-up emails and when to expect to hear.

In short

Research the job and employer, then sort the practical details.
Ask for any adjustments you need. That’s allowed.
Prepare four or five real examples and practise them out loud.
Bring two or three questions, and ask when you’ll hear back.
Know who to contact if you’re late or the technology fails.

Sources and further reading

Interview advice National Careers Service
Disability rights: employment GOV.UK

Checked against these sources on 14 November 2026. Rules and rates change: if something here looks out of date, tell us at hello@cvbuffed.com. How we check our guidance.