Interview answers that use your real experience

Most interviews follow the job description. Paste the advert below to see the questions it's likely to lead to, then use the guides to plan honest, structured answers.

• The STAR method, with example interview answersWhat STAR is, how long each part should be, and three worked answers you can adapt with your own examples.
• "Tell me about yourself": how to answer, with examplesA 60–90 second structure and example answers for school leavers, career changers and experienced candidates.
• Strengths and weaknesses: how to answer at interviewPick strengths the job needs, choose a real weakness you're working on, and back both with an example.
• Competency-based interview questions and how to answer themThe questions you're likely to get for each common competency, what good looks like, and how to prepare.
• Civil Service behaviours: how to write examplesThe nine behaviours, how they're assessed by grade, and a worked behaviour example you can adapt.

Applying first? See how to write a supporting statement, the Civil Service statement guide and cover letter examples.