Types of Interviews You Will Face

Interviews are not just for getting a job. Throughout your life, you will face many situations where someone assesses you through conversation. The skills are the same in every case.

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Job Interviews

Part-time work, casual jobs, internships, and your future career.

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School Interviews

School captain, prefect, leadership roles, or selective entry programs.

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Scholarships

University scholarships, exchange programs, and special opportunities.

Preparation Is Everything

The difference between a good interview and a great interview almost always comes down to preparation. Here is a checklist for before any interview.

1

Research

Learn about the organisation, role, or program. What are their values? What are they looking for? If it is a job, read the job description carefully.

2

Practise Common Questions

Rehearse answers to typical questions out loud (not just in your head). Practise with a family member or friend if possible.

3

Prepare Your Own Questions

Having 2–3 thoughtful questions to ask shows genuine interest. "What does a typical day look like?" or "What do you value most in this role?"

4

Plan Your Outfit

Dress one level above what is expected. Clean, neat, and appropriate. When in doubt, smart casual is safe.

5

Plan Your Arrival

Know where you are going and aim to arrive 10 minutes early. Being late creates a terrible first impression.

The STAR Method

When an interviewer asks a behavioural question like "Tell me about a time when...", the STAR method gives you a clear framework for a strong, structured answer.

S

Situation

Set the scene. Briefly describe the context or background.

"In Year 8, our group was assigned a science project that was due in two weeks..."

T

Task

What was your specific role or responsibility?

"I was chosen as the team leader, and it was my responsibility to coordinate the workload..."

A

Action

What did you actually do? Be specific about YOUR actions.

"I created a shared document, assigned tasks based on each person's strengths, and set up check-in meetings..."

R

Result

What was the outcome? What did you learn?

"We finished two days early and received an A. I learned that clear communication prevents most group project problems."

Common Interview Questions & Strong Answers

"Tell me about yourself."

Weak: "Uh, I'm 15. I go to school. I like video games."

Strong: "I'm a Year 9 student at Riverside High. I'm passionate about science and technology, and I've been part of the school robotics team for two years. I enjoy problem-solving and working in teams, which is why I'm really interested in this opportunity."

"What is your greatest strength?"

Weak: "I'm good at everything, really."

Strong: "I'd say my greatest strength is organisation. I use a planner to manage my schoolwork, sport, and commitments, and I'm usually the person in group projects who creates the timeline and keeps everyone on track."

"Tell me about a challenge you have faced."

Weak: "I can't really think of one."

Strong (using STAR): "Last year, I struggled with maths and was falling behind. I decided to ask my teacher for extra help and started attending lunchtime tutoring twice a week. After two terms, my grade improved from a C to a B+. It taught me that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness."

Body Language in Interviews

Positive Signals

✓ Firm handshake (if offered)
✓ Eye contact (natural, not staring)
✓ Sitting up straight, leaning slightly forward
✓ Smiling naturally
✓ Nodding to show you are listening

Negative Signals

✗ Slouching or leaning back
✗ Crossing arms (looks closed off)
✗ Looking at your phone or watch
✗ Fidgeting with hands, hair, or clothing
✗ Avoiding eye contact entirely

The Follow-Up: Thank You Emails

Sending a brief thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview sets you apart from other candidates. Most people skip this step.

Subject: Thank you — Interview for Library Assistant position

Dear Ms Patel,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me today for the Library Assistant position. I really enjoyed learning more about the role and the team.

Our conversation about the new community reading program was particularly exciting, and I would love the opportunity to contribute to it.

Thank you again for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
Jordan Lee

Key Vocabulary

STAR Method

A framework for answering behavioural questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Behavioural Question

A question that asks about past experiences: "Tell me about a time when..."

First Impression

The instant judgement someone makes about you in the first few seconds of meeting.

Body Language

Non-verbal communication through posture, gestures, and facial expressions.

Follow-Up

Communication sent after the interview (usually a thank-you email) to show professionalism.

Preparation

Researching the role, practising questions, and planning logistics before the interview.

Worked Examples

Compare weak and strong interview responses.

Example 1: STAR Method Answer

Question: "Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team."

WEAK

"Yeah, I work in teams all the time at school. I'm a good team player."

Vague, no specific example, no detail about what they actually did.

STRONG (STAR)

S: "In Term 2, our class had to create a documentary for Media Studies." T: "I was responsible for the script and editing." A: "Two of our team members disagreed about the topic, so I organised a meeting where everyone shared their ideas and we voted. I also created a shared timeline to keep us on track." R: "We submitted on time and received a distinction. My teacher commented that our teamwork was exceptional."

Specific situation, clear role, concrete actions, measurable result.

Example 2: First Impressions

POOR

Arrives 5 minutes late. Wearing wrinkled casual clothes. Looks at phone while waiting. Gives a limp handshake. First words: "Sorry I'm late, I couldn't find parking."

EXCELLENT

Arrives 10 minutes early. Wearing clean, appropriate clothing. Phone is off and put away. Gives a firm handshake with a smile. First words: "Thank you for the opportunity to interview today. I'm really excited to learn more about this role."

Example 3: Asking Questions

WEAK QUESTIONS

• "How much does it pay?"
• "Do I get days off?"
• "Nah, I don't have any questions."

Only focused on what you get, not what you can contribute. Having no questions shows lack of interest.

STRONG QUESTIONS

• "What does a typical day look like in this role?"
• "What skills do your best team members have?"
• "Are there opportunities to learn new skills?"

Shows genuine interest, willingness to learn, and that you have done your research.

Knowledge Check

Test your interview skills knowledge. Select the correct answer and click "Check Answer".

Question 1

What does the "A" in the STAR method stand for?

Attitude Achievement Action Assessment

Question 2

Which of the following is poor body language in an interview?

Sitting up straight and making eye contact Smiling naturally when greeting the interviewer Nodding to show you are listening Crossing your arms and looking at the floor

Question 3

When should you send a thank-you email after an interview?

Within 24 hours After one week Only if you get the job Never — it is not necessary

Question 4

Which answer to "What is your greatest strength?" is most effective?

"I'm amazing at everything." "My greatest strength is communication. For example, as class representative, I regularly present ideas to both students and teachers, which has taught me to adapt my language for different audiences." "I don't really have any strengths." "I guess I'm OK at stuff?"

Question 5

At the end of an interview, the interviewer asks "Do you have any questions for us?" What should you do?

Say "No, I'm good" and leave quickly Ask how much the job pays Ask 2-3 thoughtful questions you prepared that show genuine interest in the role Ask how many sick days you can take

Interview Skills