Graduate Interview Coaching

6 hour Graduate Coaching Programme | Online Interview Preparation Course | One-One Coaching As Needed
Let's' Chat About Coaching

Graduate Interview Coaching

Graduate interview coaching

I work with graduate candidates to help them bridge that gap — preparing in a way that builds confidence without over-rehearsal, and allows judgement, curiosity, and potential to come through in interview. Many of the candidates I work with are capable and well prepared, but have lost confidence after one or two disappointing interview experiences.

What effective graduate interview preparation looks like now

Graduate recruitment has changed.

With online advice, AI tools, and scripted examples everywhere, many candidates arrive over-prepared but under-responsive — delivering polished answers that don’t quite land in the room.

Coaching with me focuses on finding the right balance.

We work on:

  • Understanding what assessors are genuinely selecting for

  • Preparing thoroughly, without memorising scripts

  • Responding naturally to unfamiliar or follow-up questions

  • Showing thinking, judgement, and motivation — not just rehearsed examples

The candidates who tend to perform best are those who come across as:

  • Thoughtful and engaged

  • Able to reflect and adapt

  • Comfortable explaining their thinking

  • Authentic, rather than over-coached

Those are the qualities interviewers remember.

Who is this coaching for

Graduate interview coaching is particularly well suited if:

  • You’re applying for competitive graduate schemes, internships, placements, or entry-level roles

  • You’re finding interviews harder than expected, despite strong academic or CV credentials

  • You want to understand how interviews are assessed, not just what to say

  • You see this as a considered investment in your early career (and, where relevant, may be discussing this with your family).

I’ve coached graduate candidates successfully through competitive processes across the public and private sectors, including consulting, finance, professional services, retail, engineering and the Civil Service. What matters most isn’t the name of the organisation, but the standard of assessment  and preparing you to meet that standard with confidence and clarity.

What graduate interviews usually involve 

Graduate interview processes vary widely and may include:

  • Pre-recorded video interviews

  • Live online or in-person interviews

  • Assessment centres or blended assessments

Questions may be:

  • Behaviour-based

  • Strength-based

  • Value-based

  • Situational or scenario-led

Preparation focuses on helping you understand what assessors are listening for, so you can respond clearly and calmly — without second-guessing the “right” answer.

Coaching approach 

Graduate interview coaching is offered as one-to-one support, tailored to where you are in the process and what you need most.

Some candidates benefit from focused interview preparation; others need broader support across applications, confidence, and interview technique.The first step is to complete the consultation form outlining the role, deadline and stage you are at in the process. We’ll agree the right scope during an initial consultation.

Coaching typically focuses on:

  • Interpreting interview questions accurately

  • Structuring clear, assessable answers

  • Practising responding under realistic interview conditions

  • Developing confidence without scripting

Sessions are delivered online, with practical feedback you can apply immediately.

Coaching fees 

Graduate interview coaching is offered as a fixed preparation package rather than open-ended hourly sessions.

This typically involves around three hours of focused coaching, preparation and follow-up support. It is designed to provide structured, interview-specific preparation for one graduate interview process.

Importantly, the preparation does not only apply to one organisation. The skills, structure and confidence developed through coaching can be applied across multiple graduate interviews.

Request a consultation

Interview coaching is personal, and it isn’t right for everyone. I work with committed candidates who are serious about performing at their true level in competitive graduate interviews.

If you would like to explore graduate interview coaching, please complete the consultation form outlining the role, deadline and stage of the process, and attach your CV (and any relevant application material).

I will review your information and come back to you personally. If it looks like we are a good fit and the timing works, I will send you a link to book a consultation so we can talk things through properly and agree next steps.

Anthony on August 09, 2025 at 13:05 pm

Elizabeth is truly exceptional. I reached out to her after being told by an interviewer that “interviewing was obviously not my thing”—hardly encouraging feedback, especially at my stage in life. Her training helped me understand my communication style, demystified the interview process, and equipped me with practical tools I could apply immediately. She made herself available at very short notice, even over a weekend, and helped me secure a role that was a significant step up. Worth every penny. I only wish I’d done this sooner—I mourn the opportunities lost by not having had her guidance earlier. Thank you, Elizabeth!

Samuel on July 13, 2025 at 21:26 pm

I had just turned fifty years old and was at a very difficult stage in finding a new career. I had not applied for a job, sat an aptitude test or had an interview in almost twenty years. Elizabeth was highly professional and guided me through the obstacles I was likely to face which encouraged me to prepare just that bit harder for each stage of the selection process. Having come 9th out of approximately 1,500 candidates in the aptitude tests, the final hurdle was the interview. I had two sessions with Elizabeth. The first was where she acted as my interviewer and then constructively examined my responses at the end . The second was similar, though now my responses were tailored to her advice from the first session and further refined. The actual interview for the job went so well, I began to suspect it had gone too well as towards the end, the interviewers almost stepped out of character and began making small talk about how I would find the day-to-day pros and cons of working for the organisation, however Elizabeth had cautioned me to remain professional, polite and keep to my brief. In total, fifteen people were successful out of the 1,500 and thanks to Elizabeth, I was one of them. I highly recommend her services and professionalism which are beyond reproach. Above all, if you make the effort and follow her advice, you will be confident before and during the interview which combined with answering the questions competently, will give you a high chance of success. Thank you again, Elizabeth.

Chloe on February 18, 2025 at 11:36 am

Hi Elizabeth, I just wanted to let you know that my interview took place yesterday and today I was offered the role! According to my new G6, the panel agreed that I ‘knocked it out the park’ in the interview, and I beat nine other interviewees to the position. A huge thank you for your coaching, advice and encouragement. Without it, I can categorically say I wouldn’t have been offered the role. I’ll be back in a few years’ time, when I’m looking for my next role!

Fabiula Rifiski on October 16, 2024 at 09:16 am

Elizabeth is truly amazing. She has not only helped me stand tall but also completely transformed how I approach interviews and view my skill set. As an interview coach, she goes beyond the basics of preparing for a role. She helps you tailor your skills to fit the specific roles you’re applying for, but more importantly, she opens your eyes to what you’re truly capable of. Sometimes we underestimate our natural abilities because they come easily to us, but Elizabeth shows you how to express these in a way that highlights their full value. She helps you see beyond tasks and focus on the big picture - especially on soft skills, which are crucial in today’s job market. When I first worked with Elizabeth, I received offers from three major companies immediately after our sessions, and I was able to choose the role that was the perfect fit for me. When I later went through a career change, she helped me again, and I successfully landed the job I was aiming for. I highly recommend Elizabeth. Her insights and guidance are invaluable!

Emily Stroud on September 24, 2024 at 11:06 am

Coaching with Claire Hodgson was the best decision I made to kick start my career. Warm and approachable and also punchy, she challenged me to improve much more than I believed I was capable of, and then built up my confidence to perform optimally at interview. I know I would not have got my dream job in the Civil Service without her help. She’s a great coach, so do not waste another second thinking about hiring her. Do it. If you want the job, she is the key to get you through the door.

Jon on September 04, 2024 at 11:40 am

I highly recommend Elizabeth and the interview skills clinic. Elizabeth helped me prepare for an interview for a Civil Service Grade 6 role and the three sessions gave me the confidence and skills needed to get the job. As someone who has struggled with interviews in the past I now have the skills to confidently tackle senior Civil Service interviews for the years to come. Elizabeth has a complete understanding the civil service behaviours and interview format so it felt like getting insider knowledge which proved to be essential. Thanks again to Elizabeth and the team.

Ivana on March 25, 2024 at 08:43 am

Elizabeth is an outstanding interview coach whom I highly recommend. Her sessions helped me overcome insecurities as a non-native speaker working in higher education, boosting my confidence and highlighting my skills and abilities. Elizabeth’s calm and kind attitude helped me to stay grounded, but also guided me back to my strengths when I felt lost during the interview, ultimately leading to the attainment of my dream job. I am immensely grateful for her support and look forward to future collaborations.

Sonal on February 22, 2024 at 13:04 pm

Elizabeth is a very supportive coach. I was applying for a Business Analyst role and within an hour of a second interview I was called back by the company to let me know that they really liked me and offered me the job. I thought I knew how to use the STAR approach before but Elizabeth has a unique interpretation of it and I was complimented on my response. What really helped me was the way she broke the STAR up for me in a way which was relevant to the role and sector I was going for. My interview felt much more like a conversation. I learnt a lot and feel so much more confident in interviews

Aashna on February 20, 2024 at 12:50 pm

After five years abroad,I decided to re enter the London job market. Having used Elizabeth's services before, I did not hesitate to contact her again. With her guidance and support I was successful in getting offers from multiple companies. Elizabeth is sincere and cares about her clients and their job satisfaction beyond the remit of her role as an interview coach, her many years of experience give her a discerning eye and she can predict in a very short space of time what her clients need and how to get them from A to B. I would recommend her wholeheartedly. She also goes out of her way to make time for her clients and is very punctual and organised.

Alexia on February 11, 2024 at 16:38 pm

Interview coaching with Matt was exactly what I needed. My skills were rusty and I'd lost confidence. I really liked Matt's direct but supportive approach. I was out of my comfort zone during the sessions (which was good!) but through practice my confidence grew and learning took place. I now have an excellent structure to work with for future interviews. I'm very grateful for Matt's help. Thank you.

Let's chat about coaching