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UK job interview tips

UK interviews are usually polite, structured and heavy on examples. Interviewers often score answers against a list of competencies, so vague or modest answers lose points even when you are well qualified.

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What to expect

  • Competency-based questions: “Give an example of when you…”. Use STAR.
  • Panels of two or three people, sometimes with a short presentation or task.
  • Public sector and NHS interviews that test organisational values as well as skills.
  • A final “Do you have any questions?” — always have two ready.

Adjusting if you are from abroad

  • Be specific about your own contribution; British interviewers will not assume it.
  • Explain your employers and clients briefly — they may not know them.
  • Answer visa questions directly and confidently if asked.
  • Keep a warm but understated tone; confidence comes from evidence, not superlatives.

Practical etiquette

  • Join video calls five minutes early; arrive ten minutes early in person.
  • Business or smart-casual dress unless told otherwise.
  • Send a short thank-you email the same day.

How it works

Three steps from your CV to a stronger application.

1

Pick the role

Choose the job you're preparing for, or paste its description.

2

Practise out loud

An AI interviewer asks the questions that role is likely to ask.

3

Get feedback, go again

See what worked in each answer and what to fix, then retry the weak ones.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare for an NHS interview?

Read the NHS values and the job's person specification, and prepare an example for each essential criterion and each value.

Are UK interviews online or in person?

Both are common. First rounds are often by video, with final rounds in person.

Can I practise a UK-style interview?

Yes. Rekruuter's mock interviews include behavioural and competency questions and feedback on each answer.

Read nextUK CV format: writing a CV for UK jobsRead the guide →

Practise a UK-style interview

Competency-based mock interviews with feedback, tailored to the role you are applying for.

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Practise a UK-style interview