The interview is one of the most important steps in the job search process. It is your chance to elaborate on how your education, skills, and experience fit what the employer is seeking in a candidate and ultimately earn the job offer. The keys to interviewing success are knowing yourself, researching the employer, preparing for the interview, and following up after the interview.

Before the Interview

The more prepared you are for an interview, the more relaxed you will be during the interview.

  • Reflect on your skills and past experiences. Prepare examples of how you demonstrated your skills, found your interests, or learned from your experiences.
  • Research the organization you are interviewing with. Focus on details like their mission, services, products, and new, current initiatives.
    • Review the company’s website, look at their social media accounts, and check to see if they’ve been mentioned in the news lately.
    • As you research the employer, note similarities between the organization and your background of education and experience. Prepare to share examples of your strengths and skills in action.
  • Prepare your responses to potential questions. Practice with friends or use resources like a mock interview or InterviewPrep.
  • Dress for success! Nothing says that you're ready for a new position like a well-put-together professional look. If you would like to borrow professional attire for your interview, visit the Career Closet.

During the Interview

Make a Great Impression

Start the interview off right by thinking about first impressions. The smallest detail showcasing your professionalism could be helping in making you stand out from the candidate pool.

  • Be on time. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to catch your breath and allow time to find where you need to be. If traveling to a site location, spend the night before mapping out distance and don’t forget to account for traffic.
  • Silence your cell phone and any other electronic alerts prior to the start of the interview.
  • Offer a handshake and maintain eye contact. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity.
  • Use a professional portfolio to carry your documents. Bring extra copies of your resume, samples of relevant work, references, and a pen.
  • It’s okay to bring a few notes into an interview with you. You can jot down a few words ahead of time to remember stories you’d like to tell and/or write out a list of questions you want to ask.
  • You can also take notes during an interview. If you’re feeling unsure, directly ask the interviewer, “Do you mind if I take some notes as we’re talking?” Taking notes can show that you care about what is being said and will help you remember it later.

Types of Interview Questions

There are three basic types of interview questions. Interviews often consist of a combination of different types of questions, so review each form and practice in advance. Regardless of which type of question you’re answering, remember to tailor your answers to relate to the specific position and organization you’re interviewing for.

Traditional

Designed to help employers get a feel for who you are and what makes you unique. Employers will listen to your responses for statements that reflect their goals, values, and needs as related to the position you are seeking.

Examples include:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why are you interested in our organization?
  • What interests you about this job?
  • What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
  • What are your long-term goals?
  • Why are you the best candidate for this position?

Behavioral

Designed to discover how you have handled situations in the past.

Examples include:

  • Give me an example of a time at work when you had to deal with unreasonable expectations.
  • Tell me about a time when an unexpected event interrupted your work plans. How did you handle the situation? What was the outcome?
  • Tell me about a time when you successfully prioritized your goals and objectives.
  • Tell me about a time when you felt it necessary to compromise your own needs to help others.

Behavioral questions require more preparation. Make sure to reflect on experiences from part-time jobs, class projects, student organizations, and volunteer experiences.

The best way to respond to behavioral questions is to use the STARR method.

  • S: Describe the SITUATION
  • T: What TASKS did you identify that needed to be completed?
  • A: What ACTION did you take?
  • R: What was the RESULT of the action?
  • R: REFLECT. What did you learn?

Case

Designed to test your ability to think analytically under stress with incomplete information.

Advice for answering Case questions:

  • Listen carefully to the material being presented. Take notes if you'd like and be sure to ask questions if you need additional details.
  • Take your time. If you need a minute to collect your thoughts, say so.
  • Offer a general statement or framework at the beginning to serve as an outline.
  • Focus on key, broad issues first.
  • Orient your answer towards action. Suggest specific steps that can be taken rather than just theory.
  • Be conscious of resources. If it relates to the problem, ask the interviewer about the budget, capital, and other resources that the client can allocate to the situation.

Always Ask Questions!

Show that you are engaged and an active listener by asking your interviewer questions. This is your chance to get a feel for company culture, advancement and professional development opportunities, and company growth. Asking questions is an important step within an interview to demonstrate interest and curiosity, and most importantly, to show that you care enough about the opportunity to ask for further information.

  • What are the most challenging aspects of the job?
  • What are some of the most immediate priorities or projects for the person entering this role?
  • What do you enjoy about working for this organization?
  • What are the biggest challenges facing the organization or department?
  • What are the goals of the department? Of the company?

After the Interview

Never forget to follow-up and follow through after an interview. Taking the time to contact a recruiter with a thank-you note and any requested documents within 24 hours after the interview shows initiative and reliability. When writing a thank-you note, address the individual(s) directly, express your continued interest in the position, supply any additional information that was requested, and offer contact information and willingness to connect in the future.

Tips for Virtual and Phone Interviews

Virtual Interviews

  • Find a quiet, private, well-lit location, free from possible interruptions.
  • Test your technology. Ensure that your internet connection is stable, test your computer’s webcam, and check that your computer’s audio is working. We also recommend closing unnecessary tabs and applications, and muting notifications that may distract you.
  • Make sure that the background is professional and not messy. Sometimes a plain wall is the best option. Try not to sit with your back toward a window, it makes it very hard to see you. Ideally, have a light source in front and/or above you.
  • We recommend sitting in front of a hard surface like a table or desk. Do not conduct a video interview from your sofa or bed.
  • Angle your camera squarely on your face. Your camera should be positioned at the same height or slightly above your face. The least flattering angle is a camera pointing upwards at you. (Pro tip: You can prop up your laptop on some books to get a better angle.)
  • Have in front of you: notes, job description, résumé, pen/paper to take notes, prepared questions for the interviewer, and water. Use notes only as a reference – be sure not to read directly from your notes as the answer!
  • Dress professionally from head to toe as you might have to stand up during the interview.
  • Sit up straight. Pick a chair that does not rock or swivel. Try not to move around too much, as this can be distracting and distort the video quality.
  • Don’t stare at yourself. Look into camera or at interviewer. (Pro tip: Use a sticky note to cover your picture.)

Phone Interviews

  • Check your cell reception. Before the interview, make sure that the connection will be clear. Make sure to choose a location that is free from distractions.
  • Charge your phone. Make sure that you have a full battery.
  • Double-check time zones. Ensure that you are planning for the correct time.
  • Wear interview attire. It will make you feel more professional and focused.
  • Sit at a desk or stand. Sitting at a desk will help you feel more professional. Standing can help you project your voice better.
  • Answer the phone with enthusiasm and your name, such as, “Hello! This is Jennifer.”
  • Smile as you answer questions and sound interested. Your tone of voice is the only nonverbal cue that the employer has to assess you on the phone.
  • Speak clearly. If you are concerned that they are not hearing you, simply ask if they heard you.
  • Ask for clarification. If you don’t hear or understand something the interviewer says, feel free to ask them to repeat it.

Additional Preparation Resources

Want to practice with a Career Counselor? Schedule a mock interview. You can practice answering interview questions, receive detailed feedback on what you’re doing well, and get recommendations on how to improve. 

Need a quiet space for a phone or video interview? We can help! Contact Career Services to reserve an interview space. Note: Quiet interview space is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.