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# 7. Ace the Interview
- URL: https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/ace-the-interview/
- Published: 2025-09-28T16:48:22.000Z
- Updated: 2025-09-28T16:48:21.000Z
- Author: Matt
- Tags: jobhunt playbook

There are 1000’s of pages of interview advice online, I’ve distilled it down to the most common things I see regularly from my side of the table. 

You’ve landed an interview. That's proof your applications are working, now it’s time to show why you’re the best fit.

Good interviews don’t rely on luck. They’re the result of clear preparation and confident delivery.

Here’s some ways you can prepare, perform, and follow up effectively.

## Research the Company and Role

Good research sets you apart. Use company pages, searches and AI tools to help you get insights into the company you are interviewing with. 

- **Understand** the business – products, services, customers, and competitors.
- **Know** recent news – funding, new launches, leadership changes.
- **Learn** about the team – check LinkedIn profiles and shared connections.

**This knowledge helps you answer “Why this company?” with credibility and ask smart questions at the end.**

## Build Your Key Stories

Interviewers remember stories, not lists.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure examples. [Here’s a detailed guide to the method](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/mastering-the-star-model-for-success-in-interviews/).

- **Choose** 6–8 stories that show your top skills.
- Cover common **themes**: problem solving, leadership, dealing with conflict, innovation, and delivering results.
- Make sure each **story** has a clear outcome with numbers or measurable outcomes where possible.

*Practise telling them out loud until they flow naturally. Record yourself if you need to build confidence.* 

## Practise Common Questions

Most interviews include variations of these:

> Tell us about yourself.

> Why are you leaving your current role?

> What’s a challenge you’ve faced and how did you handle it?

> What’s your biggest strength and where do you need to grow?

Write and practice concise bullet answers, not full scripts.

Aim for clear, direct responses in around two minutes.

## Prepare for Role-Specific Questions

Technical or case-based roles often require extra preperation.

- **Review** core tools, processes, or coding languages.
- **Revisit** key metrics or frameworks used in your field.
- **Practise** explaining complex topics in plain language.

This shows both expertise and the ability to communicate.

## Prepare for 'Functional Interviews' 

Many interview processes now have a problem solving, or case study interview specific to the role. For technical roles, this might include live coding exercises - [this article is a great guide to preparing for those](https://eden-whitcomb.medium.com/how-best-to-prepare-for-a-live-coding-interview-d264400ccfd5?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk).

- **Ensure** that you thoroughly read & understand the brief.
- **Accept** any offers of briefing calls, or guidance.
- Take time to **prepare** your presentation and practice your response.

*These interview steps are often critical to the hiring process, showing that you can cope with the functional requirements of the job.* 

## Show Cultural Fit

Skills matter, but culture fit often decides the offer.

- **Share** examples of how you collaborate, adapt, and learn.
- **Reflect** the company’s stated values in your answers.
- Be ready to discuss preferred **working style** and how you handle remote or hybrid teams.

*Employers want someone who will thrive in their environment.*

## Ask Sharp Questions

The questions you ask reveal your priorities.

Consider:

> What does success look like in the first six months?

> How does the team handle feedback and learning?

> What’s the biggest challenge facing the department right now?

**Avoid anything you could find on the website and aim for questions that deepen understanding and spark discussion.**

[Here’s a good list of starter questions you can ask in interviews](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/21-great-questions-to-ask-in-interviews/).

## Handle Curveballs and Tough Topics

Expect questions about gaps, conflicts, or weaknesses.

- Be honest but brief.
- Show what you learned or improved.
- Pivot to a positive takeaway.

> For example, “I realised I needed better time-planning tools, so I adopted a new system that cut late deliverables by half.”

It helps NOT to think about interviews as conflict, but assume that people are trying to find out how you handle growth. 

## Practise Delivery

How you speak can matter as much as what you say.

- Do a mock interview with a friend, coach, or video recording.
- Check for pace, clarity, and filler words.
- Use natural gestures and steady eye contact (or camera focus for video calls).

**Even 30 minutes of practice can boost confidence significantly.**

## Prepare for Virtual Interviews

If the interview is online, ensure that you prepare and test:

- Test camera, microphone, and lighting the day before. CHeck any unfamiliar software is installed and working.
- Choose a quiet, neutral background.
- Keep notes and water close, but out of sight.

A smooth setup lets you focus on conversation, not tech issues.

## Plan the Follow-Up

After the interview, if appropriate in your market:

- Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours.
- Reconfirm your interest and highlight one key point from the discussion.
- If you don’t hear back by the agreed time, send a polite follow-up.

*Thoughtful follow-ups show professionalism and keep you top of mind.*

## 💪🏼 Exercise

Prepare to Ace the Interview

Block out 60 minutes:

1. Draft 6–8 STAR stories covering key skills.
2. Practise one mock interview on camera.
3. Write three strong questions to ask every interviewer.

This single session will raise your confidence and sharpen your delivery.

## 💡 Key Takeaways

- Research the company deeply and prepare tailored questions.
- Build memorable STAR stories and rehearse common answers.
- Show cultural fit as well as functional and technical skill.
- Follow up quickly and professionally.

**With focused preparation, you’ll approach every interview ready to make a strong, lasting impression.**