Interview Preparation

First Impressions: You Don’t Have to Perform, Just Prepare

You’ve already done the hard bit — getting the call.

Now comes the part that can feel like a test.

But here’s the truth: An interview is just a conversation.

It’s a chance for two people to figure out if the role, the team and the energy are a good fit.

So let’s get you ready.

Not to perform.

But to feel steady, speak clearly and own your path.

Step 1: Corporate Dress Code (Without Losing Yourself)

Let’s talk clothes.

Not everyone feels comfortable “dressing up,” especially if you have sensory sensitivities, hate fuss or rely on a same-outfit routine that helps keep your days manageable.

Still, interviews usually come with expectations.

You don’t need to wear a suit, but you do want to show you’ve made an effort.

Here’s a middle ground that respects both your comfort and the occasion:

✅ Aim for clean, simple, and slightly elevated from your everyday.

Think: soft trousers or joggers with structure, a clean jumper or shirt, smart trainers or flats.

If you wear the same thing every day, have a “work version” of it that’s just a little sharper.

✅ Focus on neatness and effort over formality.

Tidy hair. Clean shoes. No food stains. That’s what matters more than labels.

✅ Check the company culture.

A quick peek at their website or Instagram can show you what people really wear.

If it’s a creative space or a charity, full suits might be overkill.

✅ Remote interview? Still get dressed.

Even for video calls, wear something that makes you feel alert, not like you just rolled out of bed.

It helps your brain switch on too.

You don’t need to become someone else to fit in.

You just need to meet the moment your way — with comfort, care and a little polish.

Most first impressions happen in the first few seconds.

But that doesn’t mean you need to walk in like a TED Talk speaker.

They’re looking for:

• Someone who’s made an effort

• Someone who’s clear about why they’re there

• Someone who seems open, present and easy to speak with

  
  

✅ Do:

• Dress in a way that makes you feel clean, comfortable and ready

• Take a breath before walking in or logging on

• Smile gently and make eye contact (if it’s comfortable for you)

  
  

  Step 2: Managing Interview Anxiety

Let’s be real: interviews can trigger stress, especially if you’ve had rough experiences in the past.

Here are a few ways to calm your system before and during:

🫁 Before:

• Do a grounding breath — in for 4, out for 6

• Listen to a song that puts you in your body

• Repeat a line like: “It’s okay to take up space. I don’t need to know everything.”

  
  

🪑 During:

• Pause before answering — you don’t need to rush

• Ask to repeat the question if you need a moment

• Bring a notebook and pen — it’s okay to jot down a question or a key word

  

  
  

Step 3: How to Answer Questions (Without Waffling or Freezing)

You don’t need to memorise scripts.

Just practise talking about your experiences in a calm and honest way.

Try this formula to shape your answers:

The STAR Method:

• Situation – What was happening?

• Task – What needed to be done?

• Action – What did you do?

• Result – What came out of it?

  
  

🧠 Example:

"In my previous role as a carer, we had a resident who was often distressed in the mornings.

I started creating a quiet morning routine just for her and within a few weeks,

her anxiety had reduced and she began eating breakfast again.

It taught me the power of consistency and small adjustments."

Step 4: If You’re Neurodivergent — Lead With Your Strength

You don’t have to hide the way your brain works. In fact, naming it clearly (if you feel safe to) can show confidence.

Here’s a way to phrase it:

"I’m neurodivergent, which means I process things a little differently.

It also means I often notice details others miss and stay hyper-focused when I’m interested.

I work best when expectations are clear and I’m always happy to ask questions to make sure I’ve got things right."

You can also request things that help, like:

• Interview questions in advance

• Written follow-up instructions

• A bit of quiet space before or after

  
  

Asking for what you need isn’t too much.

It’s preparing for your success.

Step 5: Know Your Value — Even If You’re Out of Practice

Maybe you’ve been away from work.

Maybe you’ve never had a “proper job.”

Maybe your confidence is whispering instead of shouting right now.

You still have value.

Think about:

• What people have always said you’re good at

• What tasks or roles you naturally step into

• What you’ve learned from your life, not just your jobs

  
  

These are the seeds of a strong interview.

Speak from there.

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This Is a Skill, Not a Personality Test

You can learn to interview well.

It’s a skill, not a reflection of your worth.

So practice!

Role-play.

Reflect.

But also know — not getting a job doesn’t mean you failed.

It means it wasn’t the one.

That’s all.

Next up: Role-play scenarios to help you practise speaking your truth out loud.

Interview Prep & Role-Play Scenarios