The Career Academy11/05/2023

Job Interview Prep — The Practical Kit (Free Tools & Templates)

There’s a lot of advice out there. This page keeps it simple: avoid scams, tune your CV for the role, practise strong answers, set up your Zoom/onsite logistics, and follow up like a pro.

Interview preparation toolkit illustration
On this page you will:
  • Run a quick scam safety check before applying.
  • Extract keywords from a job ad to align your CV.
  • Build crisp answers with the STAR generator.
  • Use a Zoom/Onsite checklist to avoid tech/location hiccups.
  • Grab a thank-you email template and smart questions to ask.

At The Career Academy, students get online access to our dedicated Career Centre for CV checks, interview coaching, and reputable job boards. Use the tools below, then reach out for human feedback.

1) Stay Safe & Connected

Before you apply, sanity-check the listing. Real employers won’t ask for sensitive info up front.

  • Never share bank details, full ID docs, or pay for training before a contract.
  • Be wary of “interviews” via unsecured chat apps only, or too-good-to-be-true salaries for entry roles.
  • Prefer reputable boards (you’ll find curated links inside our Career Centre).

Quick Scam Check

Tick what applies, then Evaluate.
Safe job search concept

2) CV: Professional, Targeted, and ATS-Friendly

First impressions travel via your CV/Resume. Keep it clear, recent, and aligned to the role.

  • Lead with a 2–3 line summary tailored to the job.
  • Show achievements with numbers (e.g., “reduced invoicing time 30%”).
  • Mirror core keywords from the ad (skills, tools, certifications).
  • Use simple headings; avoid tables & images that confuse ATS parsers.

Job Ad → Keyword Extractor

Top terms will appear here. Add the relevant ones to your CV where truthful.

TCA students can access polished templates + a free CV check via the Career Centre.

Professional CV illustration

3) Practise Answers with STAR

Most behavioural questions (“Tell me about a time…”) are easiest with STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Keep to 60–120 seconds.

STAR Answer Generator

Your draft will appear here.
Confident interview answer

4) Zoom & Onsite — Look Sharp, Arrive Calm

Polish your setup so content—not glitches—takes centre stage.

Setup Checklist

For Zoom/Teams
For Onsite
Tick items as you go.
Virtual interview ready

5) Smart Questions to Ask

Adds measurable, time-bound follow-ups (e.g., 30/60/90-day goals, KPIs).
Choose a track, optionally tick SMART, then generate.

6) Follow-Up That Stands Out

A short thank-you note within 24 hours signals professionalism and keeps you top-of-mind.

Thank-You Email Generator

Your draft will appear here.

Need a second set of eyes? Ask the Career Centre for a quick review.

Ace your interview

Want personalised help?

Enrolled students get CV checks, mock interviews, and curated job boards via the Career Centre.