Interview Tips for Candidates

Interview Tips for Creative & Marketing Jobs UK | Catchin Talent

Landing that dream job interview? Brilliant. Now comes the bit that makes most people's palms sweat, actually nailing it.

Quick heads-up for UK job seekers: whether you're chasing creative jobs UK, zeroing in on marketing jobs London, exploring design careers, or eyeing events job opportunities and advertising positions — these interview tips for the creative industry come straight from a creative recruitment consultant who's in the trenches with agencies every week.

Look, we've seen thousands of candidates walk through doors (virtual and actual) over the years. Some absolutely smash it. Others... well, let's just say they leave us wondering what went wrong. The thing is, most interview "disasters" aren't about lack of talent or experience. They're about preparation. Or lack thereof.

Before You Even Think About Showing Up

Do Your Homework (Seriously)

You'd be amazed how many candidates rock up knowing virtually nothing about the company they're interviewing with. Don't be that person. Spend at least an hour digging into their website, recent news, company culture, and the specific role you're after.

But here's where it gets interesting, go beyond the obvious stuff. Check out their social media, recent projects, maybe even scope out some of their competitors. This isn't stalking; it's smart preparation. When you can reference their recent campaign or mention why their approach to client work appeals to you, you're already miles ahead.

The Mock Interview Game

Practice makes... well, not perfect, but definitely less awkward. Find someone willing to grill you with typical interview questions. Could be a mate, partner, or even your mum, anyone who'll give you honest feedback and won't go easy on you.

No practice partner? Talk to yourself. Seriously. Stand in front of a mirror and answer questions out loud. You'll spot awkward phrasing, filler words ("um," "like," "sort of"), and nervous habits you didn't know you had.

Prepare Your Arsenal of Questions

Here's something loads of candidates mess up, they don't prepare questions for their interviewer. Big mistake. Having thoughtful questions shows you're engaged and thinking beyond just getting any job.

Skip the boring ones like "What does a typical day look like?" Instead, try:

• "What's the biggest challenge facing your team right now?"

• "How do you measure success in this role?"

• "What development opportunities are available?"

• "What do you enjoy most about working here?"

These show you're thinking strategically and care about growth.

The Resume Refresh

Print multiple copies of your CV, at least three plus one for yourself. Yes, even for video interviews. You never know who might join last minute, and having extras shows you're prepared for anything.

Review every single line beforehand. Be ready to explain employment gaps, career changes, or that weird six-month stint at that company that went bust. Honesty works better than creative storytelling, trust us.

Day of the Interview: Game Time

Timing is Everything

Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Not half an hour (that's weird and puts pressure on everyone), but definitely not on the dot or, heaven forbid, late. If it's a video interview, log in five minutes early to sort any tech issues.

Running late despite your best efforts? Call ahead. Explain briefly, give a realistic ETA, and offer to reschedule if needed. Stuff happens, and most employers get that.

Dress the Part

When in doubt, slightly overdress rather than underdress. Business casual works for most creative agencies, but take cues from the company culture. Tech startup with ping-pong tables? Smart casual might be perfect. Traditional agency? Maybe lean more formal.

One golden rule: wear something you feel confident in. If you're tugging at an uncomfortable outfit all day, it'll show.

Tech Check (For Video Interviews)

Test everything the day before, camera, microphone, internet connection, the whole lot. Have a backup plan if your WiFi decides to have a meltdown. Mobile hotspot? Neighbour's WiFi password? Whatever works.

Set up in a quiet space with decent lighting (facing a window is ideal). Keep water nearby and have your notes ready, but not obviously spread all over your desk.

During the Interview: Show Time

Master the Art of Storytelling

When they ask behavioral questions ("Tell me about a time when..."), use the STAR method:

• Situation: Set the scene briefly

• Task: What needed to be done?

• Action: What you specifically did

• Result: What happened because of your actions

But don't sound robotic about it. Make it conversational. "So there was this project that was going completely off the rails..." sounds much better than "In my previous role, I encountered a challenging situation..."

Keep It Concise (But Not Robotic)

Nobody wants a five-minute answer to a simple question. But nobody wants one-word responses either. Aim for that sweet spot, comprehensive but not waffling. If you catch yourself rambling, it's okay to pause and say, "Sorry, let me get to the point..."

Show Your Personality

Yes, be professional. But also be human. It's okay to smile, laugh appropriately, and let your personality shine through. They're not just hiring a set of skills, they're hiring someone they'll work with every day.

Handle Curveball Questions Like a Pro

"What's your biggest weakness?" Still gets asked, unfortunately. Don't say you're a perfectionist or work too hard. Pick something real but not job-crushing, and, crucially, explain what you're doing about it.

"I used to struggle with public speaking, so I joined Toastmasters last year. I'm much more confident now, but I still prepare thoroughly for presentations."

Ask Those Prepared Questions

When they ask if you have questions (and they will), don't say no. This is your chance to show genuine interest and gather intel about whether this place is right for you.

Listen to their answers properly, too. If something doesn't sit right or raises red flags, that's valuable information for your decision-making.

The Mindset Bit (It Matters More Than You Think)

Stay Positive, Even When Discussing Challenges

They might ask about difficult situations, failed projects, or why you left your last job. Keep it factual, focus on what you learned, and avoid badmouthing anyone. "It wasn't the right fit" works better than a five-minute rant about your nightmare boss.

Be Honest About What You Don't Know

Don't pretend to know stuff you don't. "I haven't worked with that software, but I'm a quick learner and have experience with similar tools" is infinitely better than winging it and getting caught out.

Remember: They Want You to Succeed

Here's something that might surprise you, your interviewer isn't trying to trip you up. They want to find the right person for the job, and they're hoping it might be you. The interview is as much about them convincing you as the other way round.

After the Interview (Don't Just Disappear)

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Keep it brief, reiterate your interest, and mention something specific from your conversation. Shows you were paying attention and reinforces your enthusiasm.

If they said they'd get back to you by Friday and it's now the following Tuesday, it's fine to send a polite follow-up. Just don't turn into a pest.

The Bottom Line

Interviews don't have to be torture sessions. With proper preparation, the right mindset, and a bit of personality, you can actually enjoy them. Well, mostly.

Remember, you're interviewing them too. This needs to work both ways. Trust your gut: if something feels off during the interview, pay attention to that feeling.

And if you don't get this one? That's not necessarily about you. Sometimes it's about timing, budget, or someone internal getting the role. Take any feedback on board, learn from the experience, and move on to the next opportunity.

Ready to put these tips into action?Check out our current opportunities and let's find you that perfect role. We work with some of London's most exciting creative agencies, and we're pretty good at matching great talent with great opportunities.

After all, that's what we do best at Catchin' Talent( connecting brilliant people with brilliant opportunities.)