Prepare in a Way That Works for You
Interviews can feel exciting, uncertain or overwhelming. Preparation is not about memorising perfect answers. It is about understanding what to expect, practising your ideas and creating a plan that helps you feel comfortable, informed and ready.
Practise Your Ideas
Prepare examples of your skills, strengths and experiences in your own words.
Reduce Uncertainty
Check the format, location, people involved and anything you need to bring.
Make a Clear Plan
Use reminders for clothing, travel, technology, documents and questions.
Preparation Can Make Interviews Feel More Manageable
Know What to Expect
Learning about the role, organisation and interview format can reduce surprises and help you focus on the conversation.
Remember Your Strengths
Preparing examples beforehand makes it easier to explain what you can do, especially when you are nervous or need extra processing time.
Plan for Your Needs
You can think about sensory needs, communication preferences, travel, technology, breaks and reasonable adjustments before the day.
Support Your Recovery
Interviews can use a lot of energy. Planning a quieter period before and afterwards can help with regulation and decompression.
Choose the Support You Need
Start with the topic that feels most useful today.
Interview Questions & Practice
Common questions, STAR-style examples and gentle practice activities.
Explore this topic →Interview Anxiety
Strategies for nerves, uncertainty, confidence and recovery.
Explore this topic →Online & Video Interviews
Technology checks, environment setup and video-interview guidance.
Explore this topic →Interview Checklist
A practical before, during and after interview checklist.
Explore this topic →Build a Calm and Practical Preparation Plan
Read the Job Description
Highlight the main responsibilities, skills and values. Note where your experience connects with them.
Research the Organisation
Look at its website, services, values and recent work so the role has a clearer context.
Prepare Real Examples
Choose examples that show problem-solving, teamwork, reliability, learning and adapting.
Practise Without Over-Rehearsing
Use key words or prompt cards. Aim for familiar ideas rather than memorising every sentence.
Confirm Practical Details
Check the time, location, travel, parking, clothing, documents, technology and contact details.
Ask About Adjustments
Where appropriate, request support that helps you participate fairly and communicate at your best.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause and Think
Listen to the Whole Question
Take a breath before answering. It is okay to ask for the question to be repeated or rephrased.
Use Your Prepared Examples
Connect your answer to a real situation, what you did and what happened as a result.
Be Honest About What You Know
You do not need to know everything. Explain how you would learn, find information or ask for support.
Use Notes When Allowed
A short list of examples or questions can reduce memory pressure and help you stay organised.
Ask Your Own Questions
Questions about training, expectations, work culture and support can help you judge whether the role suits you.
Remember It Is a Two-Way Conversation
The employer is learning about you, and you are also learning whether the workplace feels right.
Recover, Reflect and Record What Matters
Decompress First
Give yourself time to rest, eat, hydrate, move, regulate or spend time in a lower-demand environment.
Write Brief Notes
Record questions, answers, names, next steps and anything you want to remember while it is fresh.
Reflect Kindly
Notice what went well and what may help next time without expecting perfection from yourself.
You Do Not Have to Hide Every Need
You may be able to request reasonable adjustments such as questions in advance, extra processing time, a quieter room, clear written instructions, a support person, breaks or a different interview format. What is available can depend on your location, the role and the employer, so ask what options are possible.
Small Supports Can Make a Big Difference
- Keep your interview details and contact information in one place.
- Prepare two or three examples that can be adapted to different questions.
- Plan to arrive or log in early without creating a long, stressful wait.
- Bring water, notes and any documents you have been asked to provide.
- Schedule lower-demand time before and after the interview where possible.
- Remember that one difficult answer does not decide the whole interview.
“Preparation is not about being perfect. It is about giving yourself a clearer, kinder path through the interview.”
— Checklist Cat
Common Interview Preparation Questions
How long should I spend preparing?
There is no perfect amount. Focus on understanding the role, preparing a few strong examples and checking practical details. Short preparation sessions may be easier than one long session.
Can I take notes into an interview?
Many interviewers are comfortable with brief notes, although expectations vary. You can ask beforehand and keep notes short enough that you can still engage in the conversation.
What should I do if my mind goes blank?
Pause, breathe and ask for a moment to think. You can request that the question be repeated, use one of your prepared examples or explain that you would like to return to the question later.
Do I have to disclose that I am autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent?
Disclosure is a personal decision and can depend on your circumstances. You may ask about an adjustment without sharing every detail, although local rules and employer processes differ.
What questions can I ask the employer?
You might ask about training, daily responsibilities, communication, supervision, workplace culture, flexibility, success in the role and the next stage of the process.
Practical Tools for Interview Preparation
These printable and digital supports can be added as the collection grows.
Interview Practice Worksheet
Plan key examples and practise common interview questions.
Coming soonInterview Preparation Checklist
Keep practical tasks, documents and reminders together.
Coming soonInterview Anxiety Plan
Create a personal before, during and after support plan.
Coming soonLooking for more support?
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Last reviewed: July 2026