How to Ace a Business Support Interview in London
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, no matter how many you’ve attended. But when it comes to business support roles in London—whether you’re aiming to become an Executive Assistant, Office Manager, or HR Coordinator—preparation is everything.
The competition in this city is fierce. Employers are not only looking for candidates with strong technical skills, but also those who can adapt to changing priorities, work well under pressure, and fit seamlessly into the team culture.
At Eden Recruitment Group, we’ve coached hundreds of candidates through interviews for London’s top employers. We’ve seen the small changes that can make a huge difference in performance—and in whether you get the job offer.
Let’s walk through exactly how to prepare, present yourself, and follow up in a way that gives you the best possible chance of success.
Start With the Role and the Company
The best interviews start long before you sit down with the hiring manager. Begin by researching the company in detail—its history, values, culture, and recent news. In business support roles, employers value people who can “hit the ground running” and quickly understand how the organisation operates.
Read the job description carefully. Make a note of the skills and experiences they’ve prioritised. Then, think about specific examples from your own career that demonstrate those qualities.
For example, if the role mentions “managing competing priorities,” prepare a story about a time you juggled multiple urgent tasks successfully. If they highlight “strong stakeholder communication,” think of a situation where you built positive relationships across departments or with external partners.
Practise Talking About Yourself Naturally
Many candidates stumble when asked the deceptively simple question: “Tell me about yourself.” This is your opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the conversation.
Keep it professional and concise. Summarise your career path, highlight one or two major achievements, and link them to the skills the employer is looking for. Most importantly, let your personality come through—business support roles often require strong interpersonal skills, so employers want to see that you can connect.
Master the Competency-Based Question
London employers love competency-based questions because they reveal how you’ve handled situations in the past. These typically start with phrases like:
- “Tell me about a time when…”
- “Give me an example of…”
When answering, use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to structure your response. This keeps your answer clear and focused while showing the measurable impact of your work.
At Eden, we coach candidates to have at least three strong examples prepared that can be adapted to different questions.
Show That You Understand the Business Support Role
One of the quickest ways to impress is to demonstrate that you truly understand the value of business support functions. You’re not just there to answer phones or schedule meetings—you’re enabling the smooth running of the entire organisation.
Talk about how you’ve improved efficiency, saved time for senior leaders, or solved problems before they escalated. These real-world examples prove that you can make a tangible difference from day one.
Body Language and Communication Count
In an interview, what you say matters—but so does how you say it. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and avoid crossing your arms. Listen actively to the interviewer, nodding or affirming when appropriate. Be clear and concise in your answers. In business support roles, the ability to communicate effectively is essential, so the interview itself is a test of that skill.
Ask Questions That Show You Care
When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, this is your chance to shine. Avoid generic questions about pay or holiday allowances at this stage. Instead, ask about the team’s current challenges, upcoming projects, or how success will be measured in the role.
These types of questions show that you’re thinking about how you can contribute and succeed, rather than just what the company can do for you.
Follow Up the Right Way
After the interview, always send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Keep it short but specific—thank them for their time, mention something you enjoyed learning about the role, and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.
This small step is often overlooked, but it reinforces your professionalism and leaves a positive final impression.
The Eden Perspective
Securing a business support role in London requires more than just showing up—you need to demonstrate preparation, professionalism, and a genuine understanding of the role’s impact. At Eden Recruitment Group, we help candidates refine their interview skills so they walk in confident and walk out closer to an offer.
Ready to land your next role?
- Candidates: Register your CV to access exclusive business support opportunities in London.
- Employers: Brief us on your next hire and we’ll connect you with candidates who are interview-ready from day one.









