Succeeding at Job Interviews: A Guide for Chevening Alumni

As a Chevening alumnus returning to your home country after a transformative year in the UK, you are likely to face a new set of challenges in your professional journey. Unless you are returning to the same job, this will involve the inevitable job interview. Here’s how you can prepare to excel in different interview scenarios.

Understanding the interview landscape

Job interviews can take many forms, each requiring different preparation strategies. This is particularly true in a post-pandemic world where you will likely encounter a mixture of face-to-face and online interviews.

• Telephone interviews: Often used as an initial screening tool, telephone interviews allow recruiters to assess your suitability before moving to the next stage. Ensure you have a quiet space and a clear phone connection, and focus on articulating your thoughts concisely, as non-verbal cues will be absent.
• Video interviews: These can be either live or pre-recorded. In a live video interview, you will interact with interviewers in real-time via platforms like Zoom or Teams. For pre-recorded interviews, you will record answers to a set of questions within a specified timeframe. In both cases, ensure that your technical setup is flawless—check your camera, microphone, and internet connection beforehand. Dress professionally, choose a quiet, well-lit location, and minimise distractions to simulate a traditional interview environment as closely as possible.
• Face-to-face interviews: Despite the rise of digital interviews, traditional in-person interviews remain common, particularly for leadership roles or second interview rounds. These may involve panel interviews, where multiple interviewers assess you simultaneously, or group interviews, which evaluate your ability to collaborate and lead in a team setting. In these formats, your body language, interpersonal skills, and ability to think on your feet will be closely observed.

Mastering different types of questions

Many employers will tell you what kind of interview questions you can expect in the interview. These are the common types of questions you might encounter:

• Classic questions: These include familiar prompts like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why do you want to work here?”. While you can prepare these answers in advance, ensure they don’t sound too rehearsed. Focus on linking your experiences to the job you’re applying for.
• Competency questions: These questions probe your practical skills and experiences. For instance, “Tell me about a time you led a successful project.” Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, providing clear, concise examples that showcase your abilities.
• Behavioural questions: Similar to competency questions, these focus on how you’ve handled situations in the past, with an emphasis on your personality and cultural fit. Questions like “Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change” are common. Reflect on your experiences in the UK and how they have shaped your problem-solving and adaptability skills.
• Strength-based questions: Employers are increasingly interested in what you enjoy doing and where you naturally excel. Questions like “What do you consider your biggest strength?” or “What kind of work environment do you thrive in?” allow you to highlight your passions and strengths.
• Curveball questions: Designed to test your creativity and ability to handle the unexpected, curveball questions might ask you to “Sell me this pen” or “If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?”. There’s no right or wrong answer, but your response will reveal your ability to think on your feet and remain composed under pressure.

Making a strong impression

On the day of the interview, every interaction counts. Greet everyone warmly, from the receptionist to the interview panel, as these initial moments can set the tone for the rest of the interview. Pay attention to your body language—sit up straight, make eye contact, and breathe calmly to project confidence.

When answering questions, honesty is paramount. If you need a moment to think, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Pausing to collect your thoughts can often lead to a more considered and impactful response. For competency and behavioural questions, using the STAR technique will help structure your answers and provide clear examples of your skills in action.

After the interview: following up

After the interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This small gesture can reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind with the recruiters. If you don’t hear back by the expected date, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up politely to inquire about the status of your application.

Finally, always seek feedback, whether successful or not. Understanding areas for improvement is invaluable as you continue your career progression.

Remember, as a Chevening Alumnus, you bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the table—use these to your advantage and approach each interview with confidence and poise. You have also already succeeded at one of the toughest interview processes there is – the Chevening Scholarship! Let that fill you with confidence as you walk into your next interview for your next great opportunity.