Preparing for Interviews that Impress
A job interview isn’t just an evaluation—it’s a two-way conversation to determine mutual fit between you and a potential employer. From mastering behavioral questions to developing thoughtful questions of your own, the Career and Professional Development team will help you prepare for this crucial step in your career journey.
Interview Preparation
Research
Research thoroughly before your interview by exploring the organization’s website, social media, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor profile.
Understand the essentials about the company:
- Mission and vision statement
- Products and/or services
- Year of establishment
- Main locations
- Types of customers and key competitors
Practice Answering Questions
- Tell me about yourself. The interviewer does not want to know your life story but is interested in the information about you that relates to the position such as education and experiences.
- Why should I hire you? Stress what you have to offer the employer, not how nice it would be to work there.
- What are your career goals and objectives? The interviewer is looking for evidence of career goals and ambitions.
Plan for a Professional First Impression
Arrive five to ten minutes early for your interview, as punctuality demonstrates respect for the interviewer’s time. Research your route in advance and allow extra time for unexpected delays like traffic or parking issues. Bring several copies of your résumé and any relevant work samples organized in a professional portfolio to show your preparedness and attention to detail.
Behavioral-based Interview Questions
Behavioral-based interview questions are increasingly popular as they require candidates to discuss past behaviors in specific situations. Employers believe past behavior predicts future performance, so these questions help assess how you might handle similar workplace scenarios. You’ll need to provide detailed examples demonstrating specific skills or behaviors.
Behavioral based interview questions typically start with “Tell me about a time when you…” or “Give me an example of a time when you…” Use the STAR method to make sure you are covering the important information the employer wants to hear.
Question: Tell me about a time when you were on a team.
Situation (S), give a brief overview of the situation.
“In my business management class, I was assigned to work with four of my classmates on a project that was worth half of our grade.”
Task (T), explain the task at hand.
“We needed to work together to come up with an original product and a marketing plan for the product.”
Action (A), explain what YOU did.
“My role in the group was the organizer and task master. I came up with a schedule of our meetings and made sure that we were on task and productive.”
Results (R), explain the positive results or outcomes as a result of your actions.
“As a result of my planning and diligence, we were actually done with the project a week ahead of schedule and received positive feedback.”
Video Interviews
A video interview is a job interview conducted remotely using digital technology instead of meeting in person. Employers use this approach to connect with candidates regardless of geographic location, streamline their hiring process, and reduce recruitment costs.
Live Video Interviews (Synchronous)
These real-time conversations closely resemble traditional in-person interviews. Using platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, you engage directly with one or more interviewers. This format allows for natural conversation flow, immediate follow-up questions, and dynamic interaction.
One-Way Video Interviews (Asynchronous)
In this format, you respond to pre-recorded questions through specialized recruitment platforms like HireVue, SparkHire, or VidCruiter. You’ll typically see a question on screen, have preparation time, and then record your response within a set time limit. These recordings are later reviewed by the hiring team. This approach offers flexibility for candidates while allowing employers to evaluate responses consistently.
Technical Setup:
- Test your equipment (camera, microphone, internet) well before the interview
- Download and familiarize yourself with the required platform
- Ensure your device is fully charged or plugged in
- Have a backup plan if technology fails (phone number to call, etc.)
Environment:
- Choose a quiet, well-lit location with a neutral background
- Remove visual distractions from your surroundings
- Inform household members about your interview to prevent interruptions
- Position your camera at eye level
Professional Presentation:
- Dress professionally from head to toe (you may need to stand up)
- Look directly at the camera when speaking, not at your screen
- Maintain good posture and engage with appropriate body language
- Keep notes nearby but avoid excessive looking away
Interview Strategy:
- Practice answering common questions on video to become comfortable
- Speak clearly and at a slightly slower pace than normal
- Allow for slight pauses to account for potential audio delays
- Express enthusiasm through your voice and facial expressions
Interview the Interviewer
Asking thoughtful questions shows your interest and helps you evaluate if the position will support your career launch. Here are some effective questions:
General Questions
- What are you looking for in a candidate?
- What challenges or obstacles might someone in this role encounter?
- What does a typical day look like for someone in this position?
Role Clarity
- How would you define success at 3, 6, and 12 months?
- What are the responsibilities?
- What current projects is the team working on?
Team Dynamics
- How would you describe the team I’d be working with?
- What do you think makes a strong teammate?
Company Culture
- What aspects of the company culture would be most helpful for a recent graduate?
- How does the organization support new employees in adapting to the workplace?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
Future Outlook
- What exciting projects is the team/department working on currently?
- How is the company evolving, and how might that affect this role?
- What opportunities might become available to someone who performs well in this position?
Day-to-Day Details
- What does a typical day look like for someone in this position?
- How are assignments and priorities typically communicated?
- How is work prioritized when multiple deadlines or projects overlap?
Salary Discussion Strategy
You have choices when an employer asks about your preferred salary before extending an offer. You can offer a carefully considered range or state that your pay is negotiable. Before any salary discussions, learn about market rates for similar roles by using websites such as Glassdoor.com or Salary.com. Remember that many entry-level jobs have set-pay ranges or salaries, which can make it harder to negotiate.
Illegal Questions and EEOC Awareness
Know how to professionally reroute inquiries about protected statuses (race, religion, age, etc.). Legally, employers are prohibited from inquiring about protected traits such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age (over 40), sex-based pay, genetics, or retaliation.
Instead of addressing the interviewer directly if you are asked such questions, think about professionally rerouting the conversation. By emphasizing your credentials and job performance, you can address the underlying professional concern. Consult the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or one of our office’s career counselors for advice.
After the Interview
- Send personalized thank-you notes to each interviewer within 24 hours of your meeting.
- Reflect on your performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement in future interviews. Did you respond to questions confidently and clearly?
- If you do not get the position, ask for feedback. This will help you improve your interview skills.
watch and learn: interview tips that work
How To Dress for a Job Interview
Your interview attire creates an immediate impression while helping you feel confident and prepared. Your appearance demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. Understanding appropriate attire for different workplace environments can significantly impact how you’re perceived.
Dress for the Role
A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you’re applying for one position above the one for which you’re interviewing. Clean, neutral slacks or pants, dress shirts, and jackets are safe and appropriate choices.
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Match Your Outfit to the Workplace
Business Formal
Well-fitting suit jackets or sweaters paired with light-colored, buttoned shirts are classics for this look. Tailored slacks, pants, or skirts are good choices. It’s acceptable to add a tie or scarf, but keep the pattern and color simple. Jewelry should be minimal.
Business Casual
Khakis, chinos, and more relaxed slacks, dresses, and skirts highlight this look. It’s safest to avoid jeans for an interview. Aim to look slightly more dressed up than the average employee. A polo, blouse, or button-down shirt paired with a sports jacket or sweater is a good business casual look. Wear closed-toe shoes, not athletic shoes/sneakers. Jewelry should complement the outfit, but conservative in nature.
Casual Workplace
A casual workplace environment typically embraces more relaxed dress codes, often allowing jeans, t-shirts, casual button-downs, and comfortable footwear as standard attire. When interviewing for positions in these settings, opt for a slightly more polished version of casual—think dark, well-fitted jeans or chinos paired with a crisp button-down or neat blouse, and clean, presentable footwear—to show respect for the interview process while still acknowledging the company’s informal culture.
Additional Considerations
Research the employer’s tattoo policy.
Avoid strong cologne or perfume that could distract or trigger allergies.
Ready to Ace Your Next Interview?
Schedule a mock interview with our career development team to practice your responses and receive personalized feedback. Whether preparing for your first professional interview or refining your approach for a specific opportunity, we’ll help you develop the confidence and skills to make a lasting impression.