Interviewing

Interviews are a two-way street. Not only do they provide the opportunity for you to present your background and experiences but give you the ability to evaluate a potential supervisor and work environment. There are various formats depending on the type of interview and its purpose. You may be participating in an informational interview with one of your contacts or in the final stages with an employer. No matter what the scenario is, it is important to be prepared and polished.

Preparing for the Interview

You wouldn't show up for your final exam without studying what you'll be tested on, correct? The same applies in interviewing as an unprepared interviewee can ruin their chances of landing a position. To help you put your best foot forward we offer the following advice:

  • Review the job description and research the organization in detail to understand what they are looking for.
  • Reflect on what you bring to the position, reviewing your application materials and why you want this position.
  • Know the interview logistics, plan ahead for commute time and interview attire
  • Practice telling relevant stories and prepare your own questions.
  • Reflect on your experiences and come up with a few stories based on key skills/qualifications that are outlined in the job description.
  • Dress for the job you want!

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 Big Interview is an online tool to help you prepare for any type of interview!

Interview Don'ts: Tips and Situations to Avoid

video of student dressing too casually for an job interview

When business casual gets a little too casual

video of student in an interview that did not do any research previously

When you don't research the company

video of student in an interview that lied on their resume

When you embellish on your resume

video of student speaking badly about former employer in interview

When you had a bad experience at your last job

Navigating the Interview

Your interview begins when you walk in the door. Be sure you are cordial and courteous to everyone you meet and interact with; first impressions are lasting ones. During the interview, you will want to provide a brief introduction about yourself, be prepared to answer questions about your skills, background and strengths, and have questions available to gain further insight and information into the role.

Asking and Responding to Questions

The most common questions include:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why are you interested in this position?
  • Why are you interested in this company?
  • Walk me through your resume?

Question Types

Traditional questions that you may encounter often fall into the following categories:
  • General (who you are, your interest in the position, your background)
  • Behavioral (skill focused: examples of things that you have done)
    • Commonly presented as "tell me about a time..." or "give me an example of..."
    • Review the STAR technique below for help answering behavioral questions.
  • Case (how you would approach a situation or problem)
    • Case interviews are most often utilized in the consulting industry. Review the resources below on how to prepare for these specific types of questions.

The STAR Technique

This technique provides a strategic framework to share concrete examples.
  • S = Situation — A brief setup of the situation you are going to talk about
  • T = Task — An explanation of the task you had to complete or problem you had to solve
  • A = Action(s) — Specific/detailed actions you took, focusing on the skills you used in this situation
  • R = Result — Positive outcome from the example you shared; how did things turn out?

STAR Method Video

Interviewing using the S.T.A.R Method

Questions to Ask

You will be expected to have questions at the end of the interview. Make sure that your questions:
  • Relate to the position and the organization/industry
  • Are appropriate to the interviewer’s level and position in the organization
  • Express your research and interest for the position/organization

Sample Interview Questions

Post-Interview

Send a thank you note within 24-48 hours of your interview. This is a critical opportunity to restate your interest and qualifications that set you apart from other candidates.

Additional Tips

  • Be brief. A few paragraphs at most.
  • Use formal language. Avoid slang or casual phrases.
  • Be customized to the interview(er). Reference something from your conversation that was particularly helpful, meaningful or interesting.
  • Indicate next steps. If the person referred you to another friend or colleague, state your plan of action for contacting that person. If you plan to apply for a position after your interaction, indicate that, too.
  • Be error-free. Watch out for grammar and spelling, especially people’s names and titles.