Hi everyone! My name is Samia Ali, and I am currently in my final year of an Accounting BSc (Hons) course. A fun fact about me is that I can speak four languages and am currently learning my fifth just for fun! As part of my course, I had the opportunity to complete a placement year at Travelport as a Group Controllership Intern in the Corporate Finance sector.

Going through the process of securing a placement and observing professionals at work has taught me a lot about interview preparation. I know how nerve-wracking interviews can be, especially for students who may not have much experience. But trust me, interview success is not about being the perfect candidate. It is about being prepared, confident, and authentic. If you are feeling overwhelmed about an upcoming interview, do not worry. I have broken everything down into manageable steps so you can walk into your interview feeling ready and empowered.

1. Start with the Right Mindset

Before diving into interview preparation, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are capable. Interviews are not just about proving yourself to employers; they are also about finding a role that is the right fit for you.

Believe in your potential – You are a student or recent graduate, and interviewers know that you are still learning. They are not expecting perfection; they are looking for enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a good attitude.

Treat it as a learning experience – Even if you do not get this particular role, every interview helps you improve for the next one.

Be yourself – Confidence comes from authenticity. Instead of trying to be who you think they want, focus on showcasing the best version of yourself.

2. Research the Company Like a Pro

A well-researched candidate stands out. Before your interview, take time to learn about the company.

Where to Look:

Company Website – Read about their mission, values, leadership team, and recent news.

LinkedIn – Check the company’s profile and employees’ backgrounds. If you see employees who have similar career paths, take note of their skills and experiences.

News and Reports – If the company has been in the news recently, bring it up during your interview. This shows that you are genuinely interested and engaged.

Glassdoor and Online Reviews – Some websites share interview experiences and insights into company culture.

What to Look For:

• Company mission and values – Does their mission align with your own values?
• Work culture – Are they known for innovation, teamwork, or professional development?
• Recent achievements – Have they launched new projects, won awards, or expanded globally?

If you mention a company’s recent project or value that resonates with you, it shows your genuine interest and makes your answer more compelling.

3. Decode the Job Description and Align Your Skills

Many students make the mistake of simply reading a job description instead of analyzing it. Here is how to break it down:

• Identify the key responsibilities – What tasks will you be doing?
• Highlight the required skills – Do they mention teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership?
• Match them with your own experiences – Think about coursework, group projects, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate those skills.
• If the job description says, “Must have strong teamwork skills,” you could talk about a group project where you collaborated successfully to achieve a goal.

4. Master Common Interview Questions with the STAR Method

Most interviews include a mix of general questions and behavioral questions. Instead of memorizing answers, practice using the STAR Method:

Situation – Set the scene (Where? When? What was happening?)

Task – What was your responsibility?

Action – What did you do?

Result – What was the outcome?

Common Questions and How to Answer Them:

Tell me about yourself – Keep it structured: a quick introduction, education, relevant experience, and why you are excited about this opportunity.

What are your strengths? – Pick a strength relevant to the job and give an example.

What are your weaknesses? – Choose something you are actively improving and explain how you are working on it.

Describe a time you faced a challenge – Use the STAR method to tell a compelling story.

Do not just say you are a hard worker. Show it through a real-life example.

5. Prepare Smart Questions for the Interviewer

Asking thoughtful questions shows you are engaged and interested. Here are some great ones:

• What does success look like in this role?
• Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?
• What are the biggest challenges someone in this position might face?
• How does the company support employee growth and learning?

6. Dress the Part and Make a Strong First Impression

Even if the interview is virtual, dressing professionally helps boost confidence and shows you take the opportunity seriously.

For corporate roles – Wear formal business attire such as a blazer, dress shirt, and dress pants or skirt.

For casual industries – Business casual, such as a smart blouse or collared shirt with neat trousers.

For virtual interviews – Make sure your background is clean and well-lit. Avoid distractions.

First impressions matter. Smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake if in person.

7. Stay Calm and Confident During the Interview

Feeling nervous is completely normal. Here is how to stay composed:

• Take a deep breath before answering. This helps slow your thoughts and keep you focused.
• Pause if needed. It is okay to take a moment to think before responding.
• Keep your posture upright and maintain eye contact. Confident body language makes a big difference.

If you do not know an answer, do not panic. Say, “That is a great question. Let me take a moment to think about it.”

8. Follow Up with a Thank-You Email

A simple thank-you email can set you apart.

Example:

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I really appreciate the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. It was great learning more about the team and how this role contributes to [Company Name]. Our discussion about [specific topic] was especially insightful, and I am even more excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Final Words of Encouragement

Preparing for an interview may seem overwhelming, but you got this. The key is to be prepared, be confident, and be yourself. Every interview is a step forward, whether you get the job or not. Even if you do not get this one, you are gaining experience that will help you succeed in the next.

Go in with a positive mindset, and remember, you deserve to be in that interview room. Believe in yourself and go show them what you have got.

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Big thanks to Samia, one of our final-year Accounting BSc (Hons) students, for writing this blog!

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