Employers use different types of questions when interviewing. They may tell you beforehand what type of interview it is. They may also have information on their website about their recruitment process.

Competency-based questions

The focus is on the things you can do, so you’ll need to give examples to show you have the skills for the job. If you do not have examples from a work environment, you can use experiences from your personal life.

You may find out before the interview which competencies they're measuring you against.

Strengths-based questions

These explore what you enjoy doing or do well. For example, your practical or teamworking skills, or how you work under pressure.

Technical questions

The employer may test your job-related knowledge and understanding of work processes. This is common for jobs in:

• science
• IT
• engineering
• finance
• law

Situational judgment questions

Employers may ask how you would react in typical work situations. This is to check things like your ability to solve problems, make decisions or work with others.

Values-based questions

Value-based questions identify whether you share the organisation's values and understand their culture. This is common for health and care jobs.

Motivational questions

These help an employer to see what drives you and to make sure you’ll fit in with their company.

Learn what other people say it's like to work at the company or in a similar job. 

People post their interview experiences on websites like The Student Room and Glassdoor.

You could also talk to people you know who work at the company or are in similar jobs.

You can find more advice on how to answer common interview questions.