Interviewing

An interview is where you make a first impression on an employer. It is important to be prepared and conduct yourself in a professional manner. Below are tips for a successful interview.

Interview etiquette:

Arrive ten to 15 minutes early
Make sure you are professionally dressed
If in-person, bring a copy of your resume
If virtual, make sure you have a professional background and quiet space
Do not have your phone anywhere near you
Be aware of your body language and eye contact

Common interview questions:

Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in this job?
Can you describe the perfect first job for you right after graduation?
Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with a team. How do handle a team member not pulling their weight?
Tell me about a time you had to complete a project with inadequate direction. What did you do?
How do you respond to feedback?
How do you work effectively under pressure?
How would you describe your work style?
What are your strengths?
What sets you apart from other candidates?

How to respond to interview questions:

A great way to answer questions is using the STAR approach.

S- Situation

T- Task

A- Action

R- Result

Situational interviews mean the employer is looking for specific example from your past experiences that demonstrate certain skills and behaviors. When asked a question, you want to begin stating a situation or event.

When interviewing for a role it is important to remember a few things:

Your examples should emphasize your achievements and attitudes, but also include some struggles where you made the most of the situation
Use a variety of examples (classes, internships, jobs, extracurriculars, etc.) This will show an employer you are well-rounded
Answer with experiences from the past year
Be specific and concise. Quantify whenever possible

Tips for a successful interview:

Tip #1 - Prepare

This first tip may seem like common sense, but it is important to prepare before an interview. There are three keyways you can prepare:

Research the company- Know what the organization stands for and things they are a part of
Review your resume- Be prepared to explain anything on your resume in depth
Know the skills the job requires, and be able to discuss how you fit the role- When discussing your resume, highlight the soft skills you have and how that will benefit the organization

Tip #2 - Ask the employer at least three questions

While preparing for an interview, come up with questions for the employer. Asking questions shows your interest in the company. It also helps you determine if the organization is the right fit for you.

Possible questions to ask an employer include:

What is the most important thing you would like your ideal candidate to bring to the job?
What is the culture like?
What is your favorite thing about working here?
Where do you see the company headed in the next few years?
What is this organizations greatest accomplishment?

Tip #3 - Send a thank you note

Sending a thank you note is a simple thing that will set you apart from other candidates. Within 24 hours of your interview, email the people who interviewed you to say thank you.

What to include in a thank you note:

Show appreciation for the interviewer's time
Restate why you are the best fit for the role
Reiterate your interest in the organization
Provide contact information for a follow-up

How the Center for Student Success can assist you:

One of the services the Center for Student Success offers is mock interviews. You can send a specific job description to a staff member, and they can ask you possible interview questions. This a useful resource to take advantage of as it will help you prepare and allow you to receive feedback on your responses.