Interviewing

Research and preparation before an interview is essential to success. Spend time analyzing the job posting, learning about the company, and reflecting on what you want to convey. Consider which of your skills, abilities, an experiences will benfit the organization or align with the job description. It can be helpful to make a list of the key things you want them to know by the end of the interview. Also prepare stories and examples for each thing and imagine multiple questions where you could work them into an answer. Then practice, practice, practice - use Big Interview, schedule an appointment with the Career Center, and use friends and family.

You never know for sure what questions you will be asked, but there will nearly always be an opening question along the lines of "Tell me about yourself." Be prepared! Include key qualifications, show knowledge of the role, and convey your passion, goals, and personal brand.

Prepare a minimum of 3-5 questions to ask at the end of the interivew. You can write them down and bring them with you. One should always be something about the next steps in the process or the timeline for hiring. Now is not the time to ask about salary or benefits, but gather any information you think would help you make a decision about the role while demonstrating your engagement to the employer.

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but be sure to slow down and take breaths. Maintain eye contact and be aware of your body language. You have made it this far - now is the time to show them you are the best candidate and also find out if you think the role is a good fit for you.

You will likely be asked a few behavioral questions - these usually start with "Tell me about a time..." or "Give me an example of..."  Employers want to see how you react and use your abilities in real-life situations. They want to use your past behavior as a predictor of future behavior. It is important to be specific when answering these questions. We recommend using the STAR method: lay out the Situation, explain your Tasks, detail the Actions you took, and be sure to include Results.

Examples are key when answering most any question. Not only do they provide proof of your abilities, but they bring your answers to life. The interviewer is not just looking for "the answer" to their questions. They want to know the "why" as well - why is that important to you? why did you make that decision? This context helps employers understand more about you as a person and how your mind works. 

Send a thank-you note after all interviews to reinforce your interest in the position. You should send something (individually) to each person you met with. An email will do, but a handwritten note sent in the mail can help  you stand out. Stop by the Career Center if you want to pick up some blank notecards for this purpose.