Interview Preparation

Interview Preparation

Preparation before any interview will help boost your confidence and help you shine.

How to Interview for a Job

Learn how to interview for a job with our two-part series. Our career counselors discuss how to prep for a job interview, how to dress, job interview etiquette do’s and don’ts, questions to ask, and how to answer common job interview questions. Boost your confidence and ace your next job interview!

Commonly Asked Questions

You won’t know all of the questions you’ll be asked, but you can prepare for commonly asked questions. However, you don’t want to sound rehearsed, so don’t memorize your answers.

• Tell us about yourself.
• What do you know about our organization and why are you interested in this position?
• What experience and skills do you bring to this position?
• What do you consider to be your strengths and areas for growth?
• Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership in school or work.
• Describe a time you had to work under stress and how you handled it.
• Tell me about a time when you demonstrated initiative in solving a problem. What was the result?
• Tell us about a time you worked as part of a team. What role did you play?
• Why did you choose this major/career path? What are your career goals?
• Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself that hasn’t yet been discussed?

Prepare examples using the STAR technique:

• S = Situation you’re describing
• T = Task you were performing
• A = Action you took
• R = Result or positive outcome

Salary Questions

Not every interview will include a question about salary or compensation, but you should be prepared. Research average compensation for the area, industry, and role, as well as cost of living. Use websites like Salary.com or Glassdoor.com. When asked, give a realistic range that matches your experience and the organization’s budget.

Attire

Dressing more formally for the interview is best, but what that means can vary. Research the company culture—business suits for corporate roles, business-casual for tech or creative fields. When in doubt, err on the side of professional. If available, visit the Professional Clothing Closet.

What to Research

• Posting: Review the job description thoroughly.
• Website: Learn their mission, products, and culture.
• News: Look for recent announcements.
• Social Media: See how they engage publicly.
• LinkedIn: Review interviewer profiles and alumni connections.
• Insider Insights: Ask contacts for their experience.

Sample Questions to Ask

• What does training/onboarding look like for this role?
• What professional development opportunities are available?
• How would you describe the team culture/dynamics?
• What are the most immediate challenges of the position?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?
• How will I be evaluated in this role?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Avoid asking about compensation or public information you could easily find online.

Location Logistics

For in-person: plan your route, do a test run, arrive 10-15 minutes early. For phone: choose a quiet spot with strong signal. For video: sit at a tidy desk, face a light source, test your camera and mic beforehand.