Before the interview:
Interview Answer Preparation:
- Organize yourself by writing out the answers to questions you may be asked.by writing out the answers to questions you may be asked. Use our interview question organizer & STAR interview tool to get started!
- Ensure you possess a deep understanding and memory of all experiences, skills and qualifications listed on your resume.
- Be able to answer questions like:
- Why do you want to work here?
- Why are you a good fit?
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- What are your career goals?
Prepare Your Stories:
The most common questions asked in an interview are “behavioral questions.” These ask you to recount an experience. Behavioral questions often start with “tell me about a time” or “give me an example of a time”. It is important to use specific stories to illustrate your points. Important elements of the stories include S.T.A.R. (Situation, Task, Action you took, and Result of those actions). Be sure to be explicit about the results. For example, instead of saying “I got a good grade”, say “I received an “A” on the assignment.
Use this structure to prepare core stories, which will make things much easier when you interview. Here are some examples of core stories to prepare:
- A time you overcame an obstacle to achieving a goal (one as an individual and one as a group).
- A time you failed at something (one as an individual and one as a group) and learned a lesson that you were able to use in a future situation.
- A time when you were given feedback by a superior. How did you respond and improve?
- A time you added value by taking initiative.
Conduct Research:
- Know the company:
- What is the company’s mission?
- What are their services/products?
- How are they doing financially?
- What have they achieved recently that has appeared in the news?
- Practice interviewing! Record yourself & watch your answers back or do a mock interview with a family member/friend. You can schedule a group appointment for interview preparation.
- Prepare a list of questions (at least 3). Don’t ask questions that can be answered on their website. Questions about salary, benefits, time off, hours worked are off-limits.
- Review the Career Center Director’s discussion on Questions to Ask During Job Interviews.
- Take each desired quality mentioned in the job description or on their website and develop personal anecdotes that demonstrates that quality.
Dress To Impress:
Dress in a way that is comfortable but not overly casual, presenting a polished appearance. View our dressing professionally web page for additional guidance.
Effective Communication:
In addition, communicate clearly, respectfully and confidently – avoid communication that appears like you’re speaking with friends.
During the interview:
Interviews are relative to the industry and position that you are applying for. Therefore, the following tips are generalized:
Expectations:
- The interview can range from 15 minutes to 1 hour (or more).
- There could be a follow-up interview (or interviews), so prepare for multiple.
- It can be one-on-one; a panel interview or a group interview with other candidates.
- Many interviews are being done online. See our virtual interviewing page for tips.
- The interviewer often starts with small talk and brief introductions. Next, they may discuss the position/company or start directly asking questions.
Interview Anxiety:
Remember to complete meditation or breathing exercises beforehand, so you can be on your A-game! View our Battling Interview Anxiety Guide for additional resources & suggestions.
After the interview:
A crucial component to an interview is the follow-up. By being proactive, you are showing the employer that you are reliable and that your interview was meaningful.
What to do after interviewing:
- Send a thank you letter or e-mail soon after (no later than 48 hours). Your letter should restate your interest in the position, highlight your skills and qualifications, or emphasize something you did not have the chance to mention.
Refer to our Thank-You Letter Guide for additional guidance.
In addition, take time to reflect on what you did well on and what you could improve on. Consider the following:
- Did you have a hard time coming up with a response to a particular question?
- Did you have a hard time remembering a specific experience you included in your resume?
- Did you remain engaged throughout the day?
- Where are you mindful of your body language and non-verbal communication?
- Is there anything you would like to improve overall?
Considering these questions will ensure you don’t make these mistakes again and can continuously improve your interviewing ability!