Job interviews: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, I've actually had a few over the years. The most memorable one was for a part-time role at a local bookshop during my university days. I remember feeling terrified beforehand, but the manager was remarkably friendly, which put me at ease straight away.

Well, I tend to spend quite a bit of time researching the organisation beforehand so I understand what they're looking for. I also run through common questions with my flatmate. Last time, doing a quick mock interview really helped boost my confidence.

I'd definitely go for in-person ones. It feels much easier to build rapport and pick up on body language when you're in the same room. With video calls, there's always the slight worry about dodgy internet connections, which just adds unnecessary stress.

For me, it's definitely dealing with unexpected questions. It's so easy to freeze up when you're asked something completely out of the blue. I remember once being asked about my biggest failure, and it took me a good few seconds to compose myself.

I suppose so, yeah. We're already seeing more automated assessments and remote panel interviews, so that trend will probably continue. Still, I think companies will always want at least one personal conversation before making a final hiring decision to see if someone fits the culture.