Build a customised interview template

Key takeaways:

• Preparing for interviews is easier when you have a customised set of questions to practise.
• Tailoring your interview preparation to each role can help you give more relevant and confident answers.
• Using examples from your own experience makes your responses more authentic and memorable.
• Regular practice can improve your confidence and help you communicate your skills more effectively.
• A customised interview template helps you stay organised throughout your job search.

Landing an interview is an exciting step in the recruitment process, but it can also feel daunting if you're unsure what questions to expect. While every interview is different, preparing your responses in advance can help you feel more confident and communicate your experience more clearly.

A customised interview template allows you to organise common interview questions, prepare relevant examples and tailor your responses to each opportunity. Rather than memorising answers, it helps you build confidence so you can have more natural conversations with employers.

• Why preparing with a customised interview template helps
• How to build an interview template that works for you
• Put your interview preparation into practice
• FAQs

Why preparing with a customised interview template helps

Interview preparation isn't about trying to predict every question an employer will ask. Instead, it's about understanding your own experience well enough to explain it confidently and relate it to the role you're applying for.

A customised interview template provides a structured way to prepare. Rather than using the same generic notes for every application, you can adapt your preparation to match each position, company and industry.

Having everything in one place also reduces last-minute stress. Instead of scrambling to remember examples before an interview, you'll already have practical stories and achievements prepared.

Your template might include:

• Common interview questions
  
• Behavioural interview questions
  
• Examples using the STAR method
  
• Technical or role-specific questions
  
• Questions you'd like to ask the interviewer
  
• Notes about the company
  
• Key skills from the job advertisement
  
• Your biggest achievements relevant to the role
  

As you attend more interviews, your template will continue to improve. You'll discover which examples work best and identify questions that come up regularly, making each interview easier to prepare for than the last.

Preparing this way also allows you to identify any gaps in your experience before the interview. If there are areas you're less confident discussing, you'll have time to think about relevant examples or learn more about the organisation beforehand.

Remember that interview preparation isn't about delivering rehearsed speeches. Employers want genuine conversations, and a well-prepared template simply gives you the confidence to explain your experience naturally.

How to build an interview template that works for you

The best interview template is one that's personalised to your career and updated regularly.

Start by reviewing the job description and identifying the skills, qualifications and experience the employer is looking for. Then prepare examples from your own career that demonstrate each of those requirements.

For behavioural interview questions, the STAR method can help structure your responses:

• Situation: Explain the context.
  
• Task: Describe your responsibility.
  
• Action: Outline what you did.
  
• Result: Explain the outcome and what you achieved.
  

It can also help to prepare examples that demonstrate transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability and problem-solving, as these are commonly discussed across many industries.

Don't forget to prepare questions of your own. Interviews are an opportunity to learn about the employer as much as they are for the employer to learn about you.

You could ask about:

• Team structure
  
• Training and professional development
  
• Success measures for the role
  
• Company culture
  
• Career progression opportunities
  
• Current priorities or upcoming projects

Before each interview, review your template and tailor it specifically to that organisation. Remove examples that aren't relevant and replace them with experiences that better demonstrate how you can contribute to the role.

If you're exploring different roles or industries, take time to research the position before preparing your interview responses. Explore new career options to learn more about different career pathways, the skills employers are looking for and the opportunities available across a range of industries.

Finally, practise saying your answers aloud. Reading notes silently is useful, but speaking your responses helps you become more comfortable explaining your experience in a clear and confident way.

Put your interview preparation into practice

Preparing for an interview doesn't guarantee every opportunity will result in a job offer, but it does give you the best chance to present yourself confidently and professionally. Every interview is also an opportunity to improve your communication skills, learn what employers are looking for and refine your approach for future opportunities.

Keep your interview template updated as you gain new experience, complete professional development or encounter new interview questions. Over time, it will become a valuable resource that grows alongside your career and makes preparing for future interviews much quicker.

Remember that employers aren't expecting perfection. They're looking for candidates who can clearly communicate their experience, demonstrate genuine interest in the role and show how their skills can contribute to the organisation. By preparing thoughtfully and tailoring your examples, you'll be well positioned to make a strong impression.

Find practical career advice to help you prepare for interviews, strengthen your job applications and build confidence throughout your job search.

FAQs

What is an interview template?

An interview template is a document that helps you organise common interview questions, prepare examples from your experience and tailor your responses to specific job opportunities.

Why should I customise my interview preparation?

Every role is different. Tailoring your preparation helps you highlight the skills and achievements that are most relevant to the employer and position.

What is the STAR method?

The STAR method is a framework for answering behavioural interview questions by explaining the Situation, Task, Action and Result of a real example from your experience.

How often should I update my interview template?

Update it whenever you apply for a new role, gain additional experience or complete training. Regular updates ensure your examples remain current and relevant.

Should I memorise my interview answers?

No. It's better to understand the key points you want to communicate and practise discussing them naturally rather than memorising responses word for word. This helps conversations feel more genuine and allows you to adapt your answers to different questions.