It’s perfectly natural to feel a little nervous before a job interview, especially if you haven’t had one for a while. Maybe you’ve been in your current role for a long time, or you’re returning to work after a break and just need a refresher. Whatever your situation, an interview doesn’t have to feel daunting — and the good news is, we’re here to help!
Here are five practical tips to help you boost your confidence to be at your best on the day.
- Do Your Homework: Understand the Role and the Company
First interviews are often more informal than you might expect. Employers know that talented people in the built environment sector are in demand locally, and clients want to get to know you. Gone are the days of grilling interviews — a good employer knows it’s a two-way process. No one is looking to catch you out or put you under pressure. Clients want to help you understand the role and why you’d want to join their team, just as much as they expect you to promote your skills and share what you can offer.
That said, it’s always best to prepare for challenging questions, so let’s get started…
Make sure you review the preparation information we’ve sent you. Visit the company website and any additional links to get a good feel for the projects and people you’ll be meeting. Don’t just browse the homepage — look up recent projects, company values, or news about their work or team. This will help you answer questions like “Why do you want to work here?” with authenticity and insight, and it will give you thoughtful questions to ask during the interview.
- Prepare for Common and Role-Specific Questions
Interviews often start with general questions such as:
- “Tell me about yourself?”
- “What attracted you to this role?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Thinking about your answers in advance will give you confidence on the day. Prepare clear, concise responses that highlight your experience, enthusiasm for the role, and what you can offer.
You should also expect role-specific questions, for example:
- “How have you managed project delays or unexpected site challenges?”
- “Tell us about a time you worked effectively within a multidisciplinary team?”
- “Can you describe your approach to handling a difficult customer?
Think about your responses and prepare good examples from your experience. Saying them out loud or practicing with a friend can help you communicate confidently and concisely.
Use the STAR method: When answering competency or behavioural questions, structure your responses by describing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This approach helps you provide clear, detailed examples of your skills and problem-solving abilities.
Tip: Be prepared to discuss why you left previous jobs and how you handled past failures, as well as your successes. Your responses will reveal your resilience and ability to learn and improve.
Sometimes you might get an unexpected curveball question. It may seem random or out of place, but it’s usually a tool to make you think on your feet or assess personality and culture fit. Be creative, but above all, be yourself!
- Showcase Your Knowledge and Experience
Your technical skills and experience are major assets. Be ready to discuss projects you’ve worked on, your role, and the outcomes. Share examples where you’ve solved problems, delivered positive results, improved processes, or helped people. Having a few key examples ready will boost your confidence and allow interviewers to see the impact of your work.
For creative, CAD, project management, or design roles, bringing a project portfolio or work samples can be a great talking point to demonstrate your talents. Property managers might consider testimonials or customer reviews. The key is to make it relevant to the role — don’t just repeat your CV. Nobody wants to hear your entire career history; wait for the right opportunity to showcase a key example. You can always mention it at the end if it doesn’t fit naturally during the interview.
- Highlight Your Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, and Leadership
The built environment thrives on teamwork and good communication. Employers want to know you can collaborate effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Can you help resolve challenges and lead when necessary?
Before the interview, think of examples where you’ve:
- Communicated complex information to a team
- Helped resolve a problem
- Taken the initiative to lead a task or motivate colleagues
If your role is client or customer-facing, consider a situation that stands out. Sharing stories shows you’re not just technically capable but also a great team player.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare some questions to ask your interviewer, such as:
- “What are the biggest challenges your team is currently facing?”
- “How does the company approach sustainability in its projects?”
- “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with?”
- “How long have you worked at the company, and what do you enjoy about working here?”
Asking questions demonstrates your interest and helps you decide if the company is the right fit for your career goals.
Bonus: Practical Tips for the Day of the Interview
Dress smartly but appropriately to reflect the culture of the business and role. Think clean, professional, and practical. Arrive early to give yourself time to settle and be friendly with everyone you meet — reception staff might be asked for their opinion, and first impressions count. A smile goes a long way!
Stay positive, be yourself, and remember: the interviewer wants you to succeed. After the interview, call us with your thoughts so we can advise on the next steps. If things go well, send a brief, polite thank-you email to your interviewer. This simple gesture reinforces your interest and leaves a positive impression.
Don’t underestimate the difference a little preparation can make. Walk into your interview knowing you’re ready to showcase your skills and experience, and you’ll feel confident — making it more likely that the client will see you as the right candidate for the role.
Good luck! We’re here to help, but you’ve got this!
Looking for more interview advice or to discuss a bespoke job search?
Contact us to talk in confidence about your career, call 01223 845333 or email