Preparing for a trade interview with a UK employer

If you are overseas, the first interview is often a video call. You may speak to a manager, a supervisor or someone from human resources (the staff office).

The tone is usually polite and friendly. Some employers ask every candidate the same list of questions and take notes while you speak. This is normal.

Common question types are:

• Practical questions. "Walk me through how you would carry out this repair." Give your steps in order and explain your reasons.
• Example questions. "Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem." Say what happened and what you did.
• Safety questions. How you check for risks before a job, and what you do if you see unsafe work.
• Questions about you. Your experience, your reasons for moving and your plans.

Keep answers clear, and stop when you have answered. You can practise practical answers in Skills Practice.

These habits are common in UK workplaces. They vary by employer and by region.

• First names. Most people use first names at work, often including managers.
• Polite requests. Instructions are often worded as questions. "Could you check that for me?" usually means "please do it".
• Please, thank you and sorry. These words are used often at work. Using them helps you sound friendly.
• Speaking up about safety. Workers are usually expected to report a hazard or an unsafe practice. You can be polite and still be clear.
• Asking when unsure. It is normal to check an instruction before you start.
• Being on time. Lateness is usually taken seriously. Send a message early if you are delayed.
• Accents. Accents differ between regions. It is fine to ask someone to repeat.

Living & Working Here gives you everyday workplace situations and shows which reply fits best.

British trade words can differ from American English and from the words used in other countries.

You do not need to quote laws in an interview. It helps to know which official bodies cover safety and work rights.

• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulates health and safety at work in Great Britain. That means England, Scotland and Wales.
• Acas is an independent public body. It gives free, impartial advice on employment rights and workplace disputes in England, Scotland and Wales.
• GOV.UK is the UK government website. It has the official pages on work visas and on working rights.
• Northern Ireland has its own bodies. They are the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Labour Relations Agency.

Links are in the official sources list on this page. We are not connected to any of these bodies.

Expect a question about why you want to work in the UK. It may sound like this:

• What made you apply for a job in the UK?
• Why this company and this area?
• What are your plans for the next few years?

The interviewer usually wants an honest picture of your reasons, and to see that you understand the move.

• Link your answer to the job. Say what interests you about the work or the employer.
• Give true personal reasons. Safety standards, training, family and long-term plans are all reasonable.
• Be realistic. Show that you have thought about the hard parts, such as being far from home.
• Speak naturally. A memorised speech is easy to notice. Remember three points and say them your own way.

One short example: "I am an electrician with seven years of experience. I want to work under clear safety standards and keep learning. I also have relatives in the UK, so my family would have support."

Your reasons will be your own. Practise saying them in General Practice.

• Confirm the interview time in UK time. UK clocks change during the year, so check close to the day.
• Test your camera, sound and internet before the call.
• Greet the interviewer politely and use the name they give you.
• For "tell me about a time" questions, pick one real example and tell it from start to finish.
• Explain practical work step by step and include your safety checks.
• Use British trade words where you know them, and ask if a word is new.
• Practise your answers out loud before the day. See how it works.