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Job Interview UK: Questions, Answers & Tips

Q: “Tell me about yourself.”

Tip: two minutes, three beats – what you do now, one result you are proud of, why this role is the next step. Keep it relevant to the advert.

Q: “Why do you want this job?”

Tip: pick two requirements from the advert and answer each with a concrete example from your experience.

Q: “What is your greatest weakness?”

Tip: choose a real weakness that is not central to the role, say what you did about it, and avoid “I work too hard”.

Q: “Why are you leaving your current role?”

Tip: stay positive and future-focused – development, scope or security. Never complain about a manager or colleague.

Q: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Tip: show ambition that fits the role: growing scope and responsibility in this team rather than a title two levels up.

Q: “What are your salary expectations?”

Tip: give a researched range (Reed, Indeed or Glassdoor salary guides), say it is negotiable, and remember UK employers usually confirm the band at first interview.

Competency questions, STAR answers and what UK employers expect

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Questions & Answers

Common traps

Strengths & Weaknesses

Be authentic

Salary Negotiation

Know your value

Body Language & Dress

Confident presence

Quick Summary: What really matters in a job interview?

Quick Summary · AEO Snapshot

A successful job interview depends 80% on structured preparation. Recruiters look beyond hard skills: they evaluate authenticity, company fit, and structured answering (such as the STAR method). Candidates who substantiate their strengths with concrete accomplishments and ask thoughtful questions stand out immediately.

Job Interview at a Glance:

The first 90 seconds shape initial perception: punctuality, warm eye contact, and relaxed posture.

Use the STAR technique: Situation, Task, Action, and measurable Result.

State salary expectations as a realistic range backed by industry market data.

Always prepare 2–3 strategic questions (e.g. team structure, onboarding goals).

UK interviews are usually competency-based. Expect questions about real situations you have handled – “tell me about a time when…” – rather than hypotheticals. Prepare two or three STAR examples (Situation, Task, Action, Result) you can adapt, know your notice period and salary range, and bring proof of your right to work if it is asked for.

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Schritt-für-Schritt

The perfect preparation

Mit dieser dreiteiligen Struktur gehen Sie gelassen und optimal vorbereitet in jedes Bewerbungsgespräch.

1. Company research

Find out thoroughly about:

• Business model: what the company sells, who its customers are and how it makes money

• Culture and values: what they say about how people work – careers page and reviews

• Recent news: announcements, results and the projects they are hiring for

• Competitors: who they compete with and what makes them different

• Your interviewers: LinkedIn profiles of the people you will meet

2. Self-analysis

Prepare answers to:

• Your STAR examples: teamwork, a problem you solved, a time you led

• Your weakness or gap: an honest answer plus what you did about it

• Your results: numbers you can quote without hesitating

• Why this role: match the advert's requirements to your experience

• Your salary range: benchmark with Reed or Glassdoor before it comes up

3. Prepare your documents

Bring with you:

✓ Two printed copies of your CV

✓ Proof of right to work (passport or share code) if requested

✓ Referee details – two, usually a recent manager

✓ Portfolio or work samples

✓ Notepad and pen

✓ Your questions about the role and the team

Erfolgsformeln

Common interview questions

Diese 6 Kernfragen stellt nahezu jeder Personaler. Hier finden Sie die optimale Taktik und Musterantworten.

Klassiker zum Start Frage 1 von 6

“Tell me about yourself.”

Tip: two minutes, three beats – what you do now, one result you are proud of, why this role is the next step. Keep it relevant to the advert.

Eignung & Motivation Frage 2 von 6

“Why do you want this job?”

Tip: pick two requirements from the advert and answer each with a concrete example from your experience.

Selbstreflexion & Ehrlichkeit Frage 3 von 6

“What is your greatest weakness?”

Tip: choose a real weakness that is not central to the role, say what you did about it, and avoid “I work too hard”.

Wechselmotivation Frage 4 von 6

“Why are you leaving your current role?”

Tip: stay positive and future-focused – development, scope or security. Never complain about a manager or colleague.

Zukunftsperspektive Frage 5 von 6

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Tip: show ambition that fits the role: growing scope and responsibility in this team rather than a title two levels up.

Gehaltsverhandlung Frage 6 von 6

“What are your salary expectations?”

Tip: give a researched range (Reed, Indeed or Glassdoor salary guides), say it is negotiable, and remember UK employers usually confirm the band at first interview.

Die STAR-Methode für verhaltensbasierte Fragen

Wenn der Interviewer fragt „Beschreiben Sie eine Situation, in der Sie...“, antworten Sie stets strukturiert in 4 Schritten:

S – Situation Kontext und Ausgangslage präzise schildern.

T – Task (Aufgabe) Ihr konkretes Ziel und die Herausforderung.

A – Action (Handlung) Ihre eigenen Schritte zur Problemlösung.

R – Result (Ergebnis) Messbarer Erfolg, Lerneffekt und Nutzen.

Nonverbale Signale

Body language & demeanour

Über 55 % des ersten Eindrucks entstehen durch Körpersprache, Mimik und Haltung.

Do's

Firm handshake – confident, but not overdone
Maintain eye contact – shows interest and honesty
Smile warmly – come across as likeable and open
Sit upright – radiate confidence
Open hands – signal openness
Speak clearly and distinctly – demonstrate competence

Don'ts

Crossing your arms – comes across as dismissive
Too much gesturing – can seem nervous
Hiding your hands – suggests insecurity
Fidgeting – shows nervousness
Speaking monotonously – bores the listener
Interrupting – disrespectful and rude

Auftreten & Stil

The right dress code

Wählen Sie Ihr Outfit passend zur Unternehmenskultur der Zielbranche.

Business Formal

Banking, law, consulting

• Suit (dark)
• Shirt/blouse (white/light)
• Tie
• Closed shoes

Business Casual

Office jobs, administration

• Trousers/skirt
• Shirt/blouse
• Optional: blazer
• Neat shoes

Smart Casual

Start-ups, creative industry

• Jeans (dark, clean)
• Shirt/polo/blouse
• Sneakers (clean)
• Well-groomed appearance

Basic rule: Better slightly overdressed than underdressed! When in doubt, dress one level more formally.

Dialog auf Augenhöhe

Your own questions

Always ask questions! It shows interest and commitment. Prepare 3-5 questions:

Good questions:

• What does a typical working day look like?
• What goals do you expect to be met in the first 3 months?
• How is the team structured?
• What opportunities for professional development are there?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• What are the biggest challenges in this position?

Avoid:

• Questions about salary in the first interview
• Questions about holidays/time off
• Information that is already on the website
• Negative questions about the company
• Questions that are too personal

Follow-up

After the interview

The interview does not end at the office door – these three steps secure your advantage.

Send a thank-you email

Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours. Reiterate your interest and mention a positive aspect from the conversation.

Make notes

Write down right after the interview: What went well? What could be better? Important information about the position? This will help with further interviews.

Be patient

At the end of the interview, ask about the next steps. Wait for the stated deadline before following up. Stay professional and patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key answers regarding rights, salary, interview nerves, and follow-ups.

Ideally 3 to 5 days before your appointment. Use the first 2 days to research the company and role, the 3rd day to frame your strengths, weaknesses, and STAR stories, and the remaining time for mock interviews and dress preparation.

Practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale slowly for 8). Remember: the company invited you because your CV already impressed them!

Questions about family planning, pregnancy, marital status, religion, or background without occupational relevance are unlawful. You have the legal right to give an evasive or non-committal answer without breaking off the conversation.

Always provide a realistic salary range rather than a single fixed figure. Support it objectively with your background, certifications, and current market benchmarks.

Send a brief, polite thank-you email within 24 hours. If a timeline was given (e.g. one week), wait that period plus 1–2 days. Otherwise, follow up politely after 7–10 business days.