13.05.2026
So, you’ve applied for one of our current vacancies and submitted your job application using our top CV writing tips for job hunters, and now you’ve secured that all important interview. Congratulations! You’re one step closer to progressing your career with us.
One thing candidates often overlook is that interview panellists can experience nerves as well. If you find yourself feeling anxious ahead of your interview, remember that everyone on the panel has been in your shoes before - it's perfectly natural to feel nervous, and embracing this can help put things in perspective.
To help you navigate this, I’d like to share some general advice on our interview process and some handy preparation tips to help you perform at your best.
Prepare for your interview
1. Research, research, research – make sure you know who we are and what we do.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask if you need adjustments made to the process. We’re proud of our Disability Confident Leader status and candidates who need support or more time, will be assisted throughout the recruitment process where we can.
3. Know your CV and prepare – Many of our interviews are competency-based, so we’re keen to learn about your knowledge, skills and abilities through real-life examples. This is your opportunity to showcase your strengths and share your story. Using the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result – will help you structure your answers clearly and effectively.
4. Is the role a good fit? – Remember, an interview is very much a two-way process. It’s your chance to discover more about us and what working here is really like. Take time to consider whether the role suits you, just as much as we assess if you’re the right fit for us. You’ll have the opportunity during the interview to ask questions and gather the information you need to make your decision.
5. Follow up - If you didn’t cover everything in your interview or need to clarify something, contact us and we’ll make sure your message reaches the interviewers.
Interview Location
As Croydon is our Head Office, interviews will generally take place here, though we also conduct remote interviews. If you’re applying for a position based in our Cannon Street London Office, we’ll arrange to meet you there.
Whether your interview takes place remotely or in our office, approach it with the same professionalism. Sit up straight, make strong eye contact, and stay relaxed; these small actions help you present yourself confidently and positively.
If interviewing from home, ensure your surroundings are comfortable, your internet connection is reliable, and background noise is minimised. By preparing your environment and maintaining a professional attitude, you'll give yourself the best chance to make a good impression.
Be Yourself
Here at the PPF, the wellbeing of all candidates is important and we want to create an environment where we see you at your best. In the interview confirmation we’ll provide, we’ll always aim to explain the process for the role and if there is going to be more than one interview, a written exercise, or technical assessment, we’ll tell you prior to the interview.
We'll contact you with the outcome
Once all candidates have been interviewed, the hiring panel will assess all interviewees. Once this process is complete, we‘ll then contact the successful candidate. For those who are not successful, don’t worry, we’ll ensure you’ll be notified at the earliest time possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. That just leaves one more thing - good luck!
Shaun Hilley is one of our recruitment partners. He has been a recruiter for over ten years, with eight of those being at the PPF.
View our current vacancies.
