Whether you have a phone, in-person or video interview coming up, it’s time to get ready. Research the organization so you can communicate your connection to their mission and day-to-day work. Practice interview questions. Learn how to make a positive impression on an employer. Whatever you need to do to prepare, these tools can get you started.
Interviewing overview and tips document
Types of Interviews
Traditional Interview
This type includes broad questions to determine if you have the
skills to perform the position and are a fit for the organization.
• Why did you choose your major?
• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work, research or volunteer here?
Behavioral Interview
These are based on the idea that past behavior is the best indicator
of future performance. Many companies use this type of interview.
Questions for behavioral interviews usually start with ‘Tell me
about a time when... .’ When answering and preparing for these
interviews, follow the STAR format.
Case or Technical Interview
Case interviews are used by consulting companies in various
industries as well as banking and financial firms, computer science
companies or anywhere you are showing a technical skill in
the hiring process. This type of interview tests the candidate’s
analytical, communication, problem solving and adaptability skills.
Case interviews include written cases, business cases and
brain teasers.
Interview Formats
In-Person
• This can be one-on-one, with other candidates and/or
conducted by a panel of interviewers.
• Arrive at least ten minutes before the scheduled time.
• Body language and other nonverbal indicators are
especially important.
Video
• Can be a two-way platform or pre-recorded.
• Same behavior and etiquette as an in-person interview.
• Check your internet connection ahead of time, be in a quiet
and well-lit environment, and make sure you will not be
disrupted or have distractions in the room.
• Focus on the camera rather than the screen.
Phone
• Typically used as a preliminary interview.
• Have some notes or key points written down for reference,
but do not read off a page.
• Ensure you are in a quiet, distraction-free place with strong
and clear reception.
• While most nonverbal signals won’t come across, a smile will
come through in your voice—try to answer the way you would
if they could see you.
Want more tips? Watch this interview lecture from one of our career advisors.
Really want to up your interview skills? Use our interactive video interviewing tool, StandOut, and practice when it is convenient to you.
Sample Interview Questions
- Why do you think you’d be a good fit for this position? (One-minute elevator pitch)
- Tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with a team member or coworker and how you resolved it.
- What are your short-range and long-range career objectives? Or, what is your five-year plan? (Don’t say anything that indicates that you are a short-timer at the company.)
- Tell me about a time when you failed to achieve the stated objective/goal in a work or educational situation.
- How do you think you will use/apply your degree in a new job?
- Tell me about a time when you worked with people with different backgrounds or cultures than your own. What did you learn from this experience?
Full list of sample interview questions
The STAR Method
The STAR method is a strategy for answering behavior-based questions to evaluate your skills gained in past experiences.
Situation (state the situation or context)
- Describe the setting in which your example takes place. What was the situation? What were you doing? Who were you working with? What were you working on?
Task (identify the task or issue at hand)
- Explain the ‘problem’ and what you needed to address. What was the goal you were striving for or the problem you were trying to solve?
Action (explain the action you took)
- Talk through the specific steps you took to address the task at hand. Demonstrate and mention skills you used. What did you do to resolve the problem or reach your goal?
Result (discuss the results of your efforts)
- Explain how your actions contributed to the overall result. How did the story end? What did you learn from the experience? Include concrete, quantifiable data to provide specific details in your response.
Tips for every interview
- Research the organization so you can talk about your connection to or passion for it.
- Answer questions strategically. It’s ok to pause and gather your thoughts and to ask clarifying questions. Instead of rambling, structure your answers, such as ‘Yes, I’d like to mention two examples of that, #1 and #2.’
- Be aware of your body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, speed and eye contact. Take a second to breathe. Sit up straight, give a firm handshake, make frequent eye contact and smile.
- Ask two or three of your own questions, thought of ahead of time, to show your interest in the organization and position.
- Thank them for their time and consideration both at the end of the interview and within 24 hours via email.
Interview Follow-up Communication
Follow up after an interview by sending a thank you note to those you interviewed with within 24 hours. You can send an email or a letter through the mail. Email ensures a timely receipt while a letter sent through the mail is more formal.
Sample Interview Follow-Up Note
Dear _______,
Opening paragraph. Express appreciation for the opportunity. Mention the location and date of the interview or meeting. Make a positive statement about your interest in the organization.
Second paragraph. Emphasize a specific point which will make you stand out in the employer’s memory. Supply additional information that was omitted during the interview.
Closing paragraph. Close with additional appreciation. Make a positive statement about your qualifications for the position.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Tips for professional communication
Email Communication tips
- Include a clear, direct and brief subject line. Don’t make the other person guess what your message is about.
- Always re-read before sending. Proofread your emails before sending them to eliminate errors and to check the tone of the email.
- Use a professional email address. Your email address is part of your professional brand. An unprofessional email address may not make a positive impression.
- Say please and thank you. Using these words in your emails sounds professional and respectful.
- Be careful with first names. Err on the side of formality. For example, use Mr., Ms. or Dr. to address someone vs. using first names (until instructed otherwise). If you don't know what title another person prefers, you can avoid using the person’s name altogether and begin an email with "Good morning," or "Hello."
- Respond in a timely manner. Responding within 24 hours is proper etiquette, even if you just reply to acknowledge receiving the email and to express you will reply soon.
- Avoid using too many exclamation marks. When writing a professional email, don’t overuse exclamation marks and bolded words. This can come across as overly eager or inexperienced.
Phone & Voicemail Communication Tips
- Identify yourself quickly. Don’t leave the other person guessing who it is. State your name and where you are calling from to give context for the phone call.
- Have an appropriate voicemail. Your voicemail is often someone’s first impression of you—make it professional. It should be easy to understand and appropriate for all callers. State your full name and phone number with a brief message.
- Be prepared. Have a notepad and pen ready for notes you might need to jot down. Be ready to ask questions.
- Slow down. Since interviewers are unable to read your facial expressions and body language, slow down your vocal pace to allow them to understand exactly what you are saying. Many people speed up when they are nervous; so take a deep breath.
- Practice ending your phone call. If it is a phone interview, thank the interviewers for their time and summarize any action you will take after the call.