Job Application Guides
Job interviews can feel scary but with the right preparation, they’re simply a chance to share your story, show your potential, and make a great first impression.
Whether you’re applying for a part time job, internship, or apprenticeship, these are some of the most common questions employers ask and exactly how to answer them confidently.
Before You Start: The STAR Method
For questions that ask about your experiences, use the STAR method to keep your answers clear and impressive:
- Situation – What was happening?
- Task – What needed to be done?
- Action – What did you do?
- Result – What was the outcome?
It helps turn “Uhh…” into “Let me tell you about a time when…”
1. Tell me about yourself
What They Want to Know: Who you are, what stage you’re at, and what your goals are.
How to Answer: Keep it short and focused on your education, interests, and future ambitions.
Example Answer:
“I’m currently in Year 11 at Kingsway High School, studying for my GCSEs, with a strong interest in creative media and technology. Outside of school, I enjoy video editing and helping run my school’s Instagram page. I’m excited to start building real experience in the workplace, ideally in a digital or customer facing role.”
2. What are your strengths?
What They Want to Know: What makes you a good fit and whether you understand your own abilities.
How to Answer: Pick 2 to 3 strengths and back them up with real examples.
Example Answer:
“I’m a strong team player. I worked on a group science project last term where we had to build a working model of a wind turbine. I kept everyone on track and made sure we met the deadline. I also think I’m very reliable, I’ve never missed a shift at my part time job and always arrive early.”
Avoid cliché answers like “I’m a perfectionist” unless you can back them up meaningfully.
3. Why do you want this job/apprenticeship?
What They Want to Know: Have you done your homework? Are you genuinely interested?
How to Answer: Mention something specific you admire about the company or role, and link it to your career goals.
Example Answer:
“I really admire how [Insert Company Name] supports young people in learning on the job. I want to build a career in business administration, and this apprenticeship would help me develop real world skills while continuing to learn. I’m also drawn to your focus on sustainability, which is something I care about.”
4. Describe a challenge you’ve overcome
What They Want to Know: How you handle pressure, solve problems, and learn from experiences.
How to Answer: Use the STAR method to structure your story.
Example Answer (STAR Format):
“During a school fundraiser, I was in charge of organising the raffle. (S) We had last-minute changes and lost a few key prizes. (T) I needed to quickly rework the prize list and update the posters and tickets. (A) I asked classmates to help source new donations, and I reprinted materials during lunch. (R) In the end, we raised over £300 for charity, and the event ran smoothly.”
You can use stories from school, sports, volunteering, or even family situations, what matters is the learning and the result.
5. Do you have any questions for us?
What They Want to Know: Are you interested, curious, and engaged?
How to Answer: Always say yes and ask something thoughtful like:
- “What does a typical day in this role look like?”
- “What kind of training will I receive?”
- “What are the next steps in the process?”
Bonus Tips to Boost Your Confidence
- Practice with a friend, teacher, or career advisor.
- Record yourself answering questions to see where you can improve.
- Research the company their values, website, corporate reports and social media.
- Dress appropriately, sit up straight, and smile!
Always be honest
One of the most important things to remember in any interview is: never make something up just to sound good. Employers don’t expect you to have all the answers or loads of experience, but they do value honesty, self-awareness, and willingness to learn.
Every interview is a chance to grow even if you don’t land the job. With preparation, honesty, and a little self belief, you’ll be ready to turn nerves into confidence.
And remember: Employers aren’t just hiring experience. They’re hiring attitude, energy, and potential and you’ve got that.
