Interviewing

How you prepare for an interview is an indicator of how you will perform in the interview. There are multiple types of interviews in multiple different settings - understanding the interview details this is key to successful interviewing. If you are unsure of the type of interview, you should ask your recruiter or person coordinating your candidacy. The following preparatory information is prescriptive to all types of interviews, but at the bottom of this page is additional information on the various types of interviews.

Before the interview

□ Research the opportunity

□ Prepare your self-introduction

□ Practice interview questions and responses, and preparing STAR stories

□ Prep for the logistics

During the Interview

□ Be confident and positive

□ Respond to questions with strong answers

□ Ask thoughtful questions

RESEARCH

Who? Company mission and vision. History of the company. Snapshot of leadership team. Who are you interviewing with-and where do they sit within the organization?

What do they do in the marketplace? Create an understanding of 2-3 sentences identifying what the organization does in the marketplace. What videos are available to illustrate their offerings? What else about the industry is worth researching? Recent company news? Who are their competitors?

Who are their customers and how do they use their products/services? Understand the applications of their products/services. What customers value and what is unique about the company you’re researching.

What is the overall objective of the role? Why was it created? What are the technical skills needed for this role? What key soft skills are needed for this role? (Job Description Audit)

What interests you about this job?  This will be unique to you, but the core makeup of a worthy opportunity should offer a chance to utilize your skills which you are passionate about, develop new or enhance existing skills, and solve real problems. Other things may be Career Growth, Company Reputation, Stability, Passion for the company Mission, Culture and Values Fit, Location, or Personal Circumstances.

Glassdoor - This resource allows you to read company reviews from past and present employees, look at salary information for positions at companies, and review interview questions that may have been used.

Company Websites/LinkedIn Pages - This is a great way to source up-to-date information, news, organizational structures, and mission statements.

Talk to Alumni- Getting information from someone that works at the company or has attended a graduate school program is a great way to get insider information.

PRACTICE

Practice your interview skills through BIG Interview, Mock Interview Events, and your career consultant.

Tell me about yourself or walk me through your resume 

• 1-2 minutes, high level, discussing each milestone (professional and academic experience), highlighting relevance to role.  Make sure to include reasons for departure, and always express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you’ve moved on from.

Can you talk to me in more detail about your Experience with [Core skills/abilities from the Job Description Audit] 

• Do this for each of the desired skills in qualification section, and job responsibilities section (especially if they are in the summary too)

Why do you want to work for XYZ company?

• This should include a quick bit about your passion for the job itself, but more on the company values, innovative work, recent initiatives, and/or culture.

Behavioral based questions 

• A type of interview question that asks candidates to describe how they handled a specific situation in the past, to predict how they might behave in the future. These may be used for technical and soft skills qualifications listed. These can be stories of accomplishments, but interviewers will also ask questions on how you handle problems/conflict, or when things don’t work out as planned. They are often referenced as TEDW questions.

Tell me about a time…Explain why/how…Describe why/how…Walk me Through…