Congratulations on being invited to an interview.

An interview means that the employer believes you may be a good match for the position and would like to learn more about you. It is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the organisation, the role and the people you may be working with.

Preparing thoroughly will help you feel more confident and communicate your qualifications more effectively.

Prepare for the interview

Before the interview:

• Re-read the job advertisement, your CV and your cover letter.
• Research the organisation, its activities and current projects.
• Reflect on why you want the position and what motivates you.
• Identify the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role.
• Prepare examples that demonstrate your competencies.

Many employers ask candidates to describe situations where they have used skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication or leadership.

Preparing examples in advance can help you provide clear and convincing answers.

Need help identifying your skills? Use our competency mapping resource to reflect on your skills and experiences before the interview.

Map your competencies

Introduce yourself

Prepare a short introduction about yourself (1–2 minutes).

Focus on:

• your educational background
• relevant experience
• key strengths
• why you are interested in the position

This introduction is often useful when employers begin with questions such as “Tell us about yourself”.

Practice before the interview

Practice describing situations and experiences that demonstrate your skills.

A useful structure is:

• Situation → What was the challenge?
• Action → What did you do?
• Result → What happened?

This approach helps employers understand both your contribution and the outcome.

Interview training

Make a good first impression

Small details can influence how you are perceived during an interview.

Consider the following:

• Arrive in good time
• Dress appropriately for the workplace
• Bring any documents you may need
• Maintain natural eye contact and greet interviewers professionally
• Speak clearly and confidently
• Show genuine interest in the position and organisation
• Listen carefully before answering questions
• Feeling nervous is completely normal. Most employers expect candidates to be somewhat nervous and focus more on your preparation, motivation and communication than on achieving a perfect performance.

Employers are looking for:

During an interview, employers often evaluate more than your technical qualifications.

They are usually interested in:

• Motivation - Why do you want this position, and why do you want to work for this organisation?
• Communication skills - Can you explain your experiences and ideas clearly?
• Collaboration - How do you work with colleagues, classmates and project teams?
• Problem-solving - How do you approach challenges and difficult situations?
• Engagement - Do you demonstrate interest in the role, the organisation and the industry?

Job interview in Norway

Interview practices vary between countries.

In Norway, job interviews are often relatively informal compared to what international students may be used to. An informal tone does not necessarily mean an informal reqruitment process. The conversation may feel friendly and relatively relaxed, while the interviewers may still use structured questions and assess all candidates systematically against the reqruitments of the position. Employers generally value authenticity, honesty and clear communication.

It is usually acceptable to:

• ask questions about the role
• discuss your strengths and development areas
• explain what motivates you
• reflect openly on your learning experiences
• Employers are often interested in understanding who you are as a colleague, not only what qualifications you have.

Tips for video interviews

• Test your microphone, camera and internet connection
• Check lighting and sound quality
• Make sure your device is fully charged
• Choose a quiet location with a neutral background
• Minimise potential interruptions
• Try for the best light and sound conditions.
• Ensure you are not disturbed during your interview
• Dress professionally
• Log in a few minutes before the interview starts
• Keep a copy of your CV and the job advertisement available
• Be aware of your body language and eye contact
• If technical problems occur, stay calm and communicate clearly with the interviewer

Wishing you success in the interview! Find more tips on how to prepare for your job search