How to prepare for an interview

Congratulations on being offered an interview! There are several things you can do to make you feel more prepared going into the interview process.

Make sure you read your interview confirmation email. It will tell you how long the interview will last and anything you might need to prepare or bring with you. If it is unclear, you can reply and ask for clarification.

Interviewers will want to see that you understand the job role and their own company values. It can help to re-read the job description before the interview. You can also research West Northamptonshire Council. There is plenty of information on our website for you to learn more about working with us.

This video guides you through what to expect when you arrive for interview, including advice on where to park, what to wear, and shows you what the interview rooms will look like to help ease any nerves.

Interview questions

In most interviews, you will be asked some competency-based questions. These are usually in the style of ‘can you tell me about a time where….’.

You may find it helpful to use the STAR interview technique to structure your answer as it helps to clearly demonstrate your skills and experience by providing specific examples, as well as helping the interviewer to see your suitability for the role.

Here is a breakdown of each element:

Situation

Describe the context of the situation you are going to talk about. Provide enough background information for the interviewer to understand the circumstances.

Task

Explain the specific task or goal you were responsible for in that situation. What were you trying to achieve?

Action

Detail the specific actions you took to address the situation or achieve the task. Be specific about your role and what you did.

Result

Explain the outcome of your actions. What was the result of your efforts? What did you learn from the experience?

Support information

You  may also be asked some values-based questions, to show how your values align to our THRIVE values and some technical questions about the job role itself.

If you will be required to do any tests, or prepare a presentation, you will be made aware in advance and all the details would be in your interview confirmation email.

Think of questions you want to ask the interviewers at the end too. This shows that you’re taking a real interest in the organisation, the role and the team.

Best of luck with your interview and we hope to welcome you to West Northamptonshire Council very soon!

Last updated 26 September 2025