Whether it is an interview for a job, University, Apprenticeship or Sixth Form - being prepared for your interview can really help the way you conduct yourself and potentially the impression you make.

This page provides some information and help for you ahead of your interview.

Remember to pause for a few seconds when your interviewer asks a question before answering – this gives you some time to get it clear in your head how you will answer it.

Example questions

Below are some example questions that an interviewer may ask you. It's worth going through these and thinking about the answers you would provide:

• Why should we accept your application for this position?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• How do you spend your free time?
• How do you handle challenging situations?
• Given several tasks with a set timeline, can you multitask? How do you ensure the timeline is met?
• Why are you interested in this area of "work/degree"?
• What do you like most about "chosen area"?
• Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult situation?
• Have you ever had to work on a project with a tight timeline – how did you manage this?
• What's the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome this?
• What appeals to you most about our business/university?
• What is your most outstanding achievement so far?
• What was your favourite subject in school? Do you think it's applicable in real life?
• Do you do anything outside school to support your interest in this course/job?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? In 10 years’ time?

Barclays Virtual interview practice

Whether you are about to do your first or your tenth interview, practising your answers via mock interviews can be key for success. The Virtual Interview Practice tool aims to recreate the experience of attending an interview. It’s a chance to prepare and, more importantly, rehearse your answers to a range of popular questions you could be asked.

https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-to-prepare-for-an-interview/sixth-form/virtual-interview/