Prepare for an Interview

Employers want to know that you are genuinely interested in their organization and the opportunity. Before your interview, spend time learning about the employer.

Consider researching:

• The organization’s mission, values, and goals
• Its products, services, or areas of expertise
• Recent news, accomplishments, or initiatives
• The organization’s culture and work environment
• The department or team you may be joining
• The person or people interviewing you, if their names are provided

As you conduct your research, think about how your interests, values, skills, and experiences connect with the organization and position.

Read through the job or internship description carefully. Identify the qualifications, skills, responsibilities, and experiences the employer is seeking.

Ask yourself:

• What are the most important responsibilities of this position?
• What skills and qualifications is the employer looking for?
• Which of my experiences demonstrate these skills?
• What examples can I share to show that I would be successful in this role?

Preparing specific examples in advance will make it easier to answer questions confidently and connect your background to the position.

Be prepared to discuss anything included on your resume. Employers may ask questions about your education, previous jobs, internships, leadership experiences, involvement on campus, volunteer work, skills, or accomplishments.

Review your resume before the interview and think about the stories behind each experience. Be ready to explain what you did, what you learned, the skills you developed, and how those experiences have prepared you for the opportunity.

Avoid unnecessary stress on the day of your interview by planning ahead.

For an in-person interview, make sure you know:

• Where the interview is taking place
• How you will get there
• Where you should park or enter the building
• How long the trip will take
• Who you should ask for when you arrive

For a virtual interview, test your technology in advance. Check your internet connection, camera, microphone, and meeting platform. Choose a quiet location with minimal distractions and make sure your background is professional and appropriate.

Plan to arrive or log in approximately 10–15 minutes early. Being prepared and punctual helps you start the interview with confidence.

You do not need to memorize a script for every possible interview question. Instead, practice talking about your experiences and responding to common questions in a natural and conversational way.

Consider practicing answers to questions such as:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you want to work for our organization?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What is an area you are working to improve?
• Tell me about a time you faced a challenge.
• Describe a time you worked as part of a team.
• Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.
• Why should we hire you?

The goal is not to have a perfect answer memorized. The goal is to become more comfortable discussing your experiences, skills, and accomplishments.

Need help preparing? The CPDC can help you practice through a mock interview and provide feedback to help you feel more confident before the real thing.

Many employers use behavioral interview questions to learn how you have handled situations in the past. These questions are often based on the idea that your previous behaviors and experiences can provide insight into how you may approach similar situations in the future.

Behavioral questions often begin with phrases such as:

• Tell me about a time when…
• Describe a situation where…
• Give me an example of…
• Can you share an experience when…
• How have you handled…

For example:

Tell me about a time you had to work with others to accomplish a goal.

Instead of giving a general answer about being a good team player, share a specific example from your past. Your example could come from a job, internship, class project, student organization, athletic team, volunteer experience, or another relevant experience.

The STAR Method is a helpful framework for organizing your response to behavioral interview questions. It helps you provide enough detail while keeping your answer focused and easy for the interviewer to follow.

S — Situation
Briefly describe the context. Where were you, and what was happening?

T — Task
Explain your responsibility or the challenge you needed to address.

A — Action
Describe the specific steps you took. Focus on your individual contribution and the skills you used.

R — Result
Share the outcome. What happened as a result of your actions? If possible, include specific accomplishments, improvements, or lessons learned.

STAR Method Example

Question: Tell me about a time you faced a challenge and how you handled it.

Situation: During a group project, one of our team members was unable to complete their portion of the assignment because of an unexpected personal situation.

Task: With the deadline approaching, our group needed to reorganize the work and make sure the project was completed on time.

Action: I helped divide the remaining work among the group and volunteered to take on an additional section. I also communicated with the other team members to make sure everyone understood their responsibilities and that we stayed on schedule.

Result: We completed and submitted the project on time and received positive feedback from our professor. The experience helped me strengthen my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

You do not need to announce each part of the STAR Method during your interview. Instead, use the framework behind the scenes to organize your thoughts and tell a clear, complete story.

If you are a student or early in your career, you may worry that you do not have enough professional experience to answer interview questions. Remember that employers are interested in the skills you have developed in many areas of your life.

Your examples may come from:

• Part-time or full-time jobs
• Internships
• Class projects
• Student organizations
• Athletics
• Volunteer or community involvement
• Leadership experiences
• On-campus employment
• Research or academic projects

Think broadly about your experiences. You may have already developed valuable skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, time management, and more.

A strong interview answer should provide enough information for the interviewer to understand the situation without including unnecessary details.

As you practice:

• Answer the question that was asked.
• Use specific examples whenever possible.
• Focus on your individual contributions.
• Highlight relevant skills and accomplishments.
• Keep your response focused and organized.
• Avoid memorizing answers word for word.
• Practice speaking naturally and conversationally.

Taking a few seconds to think before answering is completely acceptable. A thoughtful, well-organized response is often stronger than answering immediately without considering your example.

An in-person interview allows you to meet the employer face-to-face. You may interview with one person or several members of the organization.

Before the interview:

• Confirm the location and arrival instructions.
• Plan your route and allow extra time for traffic, parking, or unexpected delays.
• Know the name of the person you are meeting with, if provided.
• Bring copies of your resume and any other requested materials.
• Dress appropriately for the position and organization.

When you arrive, be professional and courteous to everyone you meet. Your interview may begin before you officially sit down with the hiring manager.

Virtual interviews are conducted through platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another video conferencing platform.

To prepare:

• Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection in advance.
• Make sure you know how to access the meeting.
• Choose a quiet location with minimal distractions.
• Check that your background is clean and professional.
• Position your camera at eye level, if possible.
• Make sure your face is well lit.
• Close unnecessary tabs, applications, and notifications.

During the interview, look toward the camera periodically to create a sense of eye contact, speak clearly, and remain engaged. Although you are interviewing remotely, the same level of professionalism applies.

Phone interviews are often used as an initial step in the hiring process. They may be shorter than other interview formats and are commonly used to learn more about your background, interests, and qualifications.

Before a phone interview:

• Find a quiet location with reliable phone service.
• Charge your phone or keep a charger nearby.
• Have a copy of your resume and the job description available.
• Keep notes about the organization nearby for reference.
• Avoid interviewing while driving, walking through a busy area, or doing other activities.

Because the interviewer cannot see your body language, your tone of voice, energy, and communication become especially important. Speak clearly, listen carefully, and avoid interrupting.

In a panel interview, you will speak with multiple interviewers at the same time. The panel may include supervisors, potential coworkers, representatives from different departments, or other members of the organization.

Panel interviews can feel intimidating, but remember that you are still having a conversation.

As you answer questions:

• Begin by making eye contact with the person who asked the question.
• Include the other interviewers by occasionally making eye contact with them as you speak.
• Listen carefully to each question.
• Take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.
• Address the entire group rather than focusing on only one person.

If you are unsure who asked a question or do not catch someone’s name, it is completely appropriate to politely ask for clarification.

A group interview involves multiple candidates interviewing at the same time. Employers may use this format to observe how candidates communicate, collaborate, solve problems, and interact with others.

During a group interview:

• Participate actively without dominating the conversation.
• Listen to and acknowledge the ideas of others.
• Communicate respectfully.
• Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration.
• Look for opportunities to contribute thoughtful ideas.
• Remain professional and engaged throughout the process.

Remember that being a strong candidate does not always mean speaking the most. Employers may also be paying attention to how well you listen, collaborate, encourage others, and respond to different perspectives.

Some employers may ask you to complete a recorded interview. In this format, you may be given a question on the screen and a limited amount of time to prepare and record your response.

Before beginning:

• Read all instructions carefully.
• Test your technology.
• Practice using the platform, if a practice option is available.
• Choose a quiet and professional setting.
• Dress as you would for a live interview.

Take advantage of any preparation time provided before recording your answer. Use the same strategies you would in a live interview: answer the question directly, provide specific examples, and keep your response focused.

First impressions matter. From the moment you arrive or join a virtual meeting, be professional, courteous, and engaged.

To make a positive first impression:

• Arrive or log in on time.
• Dress appropriately for the organization and position.
• Greet your interviewer professionally.
• Introduce yourself with confidence.
• Maintain appropriate eye contact.
• Use positive and professional body language.
• Be courteous to everyone you encounter.

For in-person interviews, remember that your interactions with receptionists, administrative staff, and other employees may also contribute to the impression you make.

You do not need to have a perfect answer to every question. Focus instead on communicating clearly, honestly, and thoughtfully.

As you answer questions:

• Listen carefully before responding.
• Take a moment to think when necessary.
• Answer the question that was asked.
• Use specific examples to support your answers.
• Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace.
• Avoid interrupting the interviewer.
• Be honest about your experiences and qualifications.

If you do not understand a question, it is completely acceptable to ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify it. It is better to ask for clarification than to answer a question you misunderstood.

Nonverbal communication can reinforce what you are saying. Your posture, facial expressions, eye contact, and overall level of engagement can help communicate confidence and professionalism.

Try to:

• Sit or stand with good posture.
• Maintain natural and appropriate eye contact.
• Avoid looking distracted or disengaged.
• Use natural facial expressions and gestures.
• Keep your phone silenced and out of sight.
• Show that you are actively listening when the interviewer is speaking.

You do not need to overthink every movement. The goal is simply to appear engaged, attentive, and comfortable in the conversation.

Professionalism does not mean changing your personality or trying to become someone you are not. Employers want to learn about your experiences, interests, communication style, and what you may bring to their organization.

Allow your personality to come through while remaining professional. Be genuine, enthusiastic, and honest when discussing your experiences and interests.

It is also okay if you do not know the answer to every question. Rather than trying to make something up, explain what you do know, share a related experience, or describe how you would approach finding a solution.

An interview is a two-way conversation. While the employer is determining whether you may be a good fit for the position, you should also be considering whether the organization and opportunity align with your goals, interests, values, and needs.

Pay attention to what you learn throughout the conversation. Consider questions such as:

• What would my day-to-day responsibilities look like?
• What does success look like in this position?
• What is the team or work environment like?
• How does the organization support employee growth and development?
• Does this opportunity align with what I am looking for?

Taking time to evaluate the employer can help you make a more informed decision if you move forward in the hiring process or receive an offer.

As the interview comes to a close, thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the position.

Before leaving, make sure you understand the next steps in the hiring process. You may ask:

What are the next steps in the hiring process?

This can help you understand the expected timeline and when you may hear from the employer.

End the conversation professionally and confidently. A simple thank-you and positive closing can leave a lasting impression.

Remember: you do not need to walk away feeling as though every answer was perfect. Instead, focus on whether you communicated your experiences clearly, demonstrated your interest in the opportunity, and learned more about the organization and position.

These questions can help you better understand the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations of the role.

• What does a typical day or week look like in this position?
• What would be the most important priorities for the person in this role?
• What does success look like in this position?
• What are some of the biggest challenges someone in this role may face?
• What skills or qualities have helped previous employees succeed in this position?
• How would you describe the ideal candidate for this role?

Learning about the people you may work with can help you better understand the organization’s culture and environment.

• Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?
• How does this team typically collaborate?
• How would you describe the work environment?
• What do you enjoy most about working here?
• How does the organization encourage communication and collaboration?
• How would you describe the organization’s culture?

If professional growth is important to you, consider asking questions about how the organization supports employee development.

• What opportunities are available for professional growth and development?
• How do employees receive feedback on their performance?
• Are there opportunities to take on additional responsibilities over time?
• How does the organization support employees as they develop new skills?
• What does career growth typically look like for someone in this position?

These questions can help you gain a broader understanding of the employer and its goals.

• What are some of the organization’s current priorities or goals?
• What excites you about the future of the organization?
• How has the organization changed or grown in recent years?
• What do you think makes this organization unique?

Before the interview ends, it can be helpful to clarify what will happen next.

Consider asking:

• What are the next steps in the hiring process?
• What is the anticipated timeline for making a decision?
• Is there anything else I can provide to support my application?

Knowing what to expect can help you determine when it may be appropriate to follow up after the interview.

The questions you ask should reflect your genuine interest in the position and organization. Whenever possible, avoid asking questions that can easily be answered by reviewing the organization’s website or the job description.

You also do not need to ask every question you prepared. Pay attention throughout the interview and choose questions that have not already been answered.

Finally, remember that the interviewer’s response can provide valuable insight. Listen carefully—not just to what they say, but also to what you can learn about the role, the team, the organization, and whether the opportunity may be the right fit for you.

Tip: Bring a small notebook or keep a list of your prepared questions nearby during a virtual interview. It is perfectly acceptable to refer to your notes, especially when it helps you remember an important question you wanted to ask.

Shortly after the interview, take a few minutes to reflect on the experience while the conversation is still fresh in your mind.

Consider:

• What questions were you asked?
• Which answers do you feel confident about?
• Were there any questions you found challenging?
• What did you learn about the position and organization?
• Has the interview changed how you feel about the opportunity?
• What would you do differently in a future interview?

Reflection can help you continue improving your interview skills. Even if you do not receive the position, every interview is an opportunity to gain experience and become more confident.

Following up with a brief thank-you email is a professional way to express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reinforce your interest in the opportunity.

Aim to send your thank-you message within 24 hours of your interview.

Your email should:

• Thank the interviewer for their time.
• Reference the position you discussed.
• Mention something specific you enjoyed learning about or discussing.
• Reaffirm your interest in the opportunity.
• End with a professional closing.

If you interviewed with multiple people, consider sending each interviewer an individual thank-you email.

A simple message can make a positive impression and demonstrate your professionalism.

At the end of your interview, ask about the next steps and anticipated timeline for the hiring process.

If the employer provides a timeline, give them time to follow through. If that timeline passes and you have not received an update, it is appropriate to send a brief and professional follow-up message expressing your continued interest and asking if there are any updates regarding the position.

Keep your follow-up concise and professional. Avoid contacting the employer repeatedly or frequently asking for updates.

It can be tempting to pause your search after an interview, especially if you feel confident about the opportunity. However, unless you have officially accepted an offer, continue exploring and applying for other opportunities.

Continuing your search can help you:

• Keep building momentum.
• Explore additional opportunities.
• Gain more interview experience.
• Avoid relying on a single outcome.

Until you have accepted an offer, keep your options open

Depending on the organization, you may be invited to participate in an additional interview or another stage of the hiring process.

If you move forward, continue preparing. Review what you learned during your previous interview, research the individuals you may be meeting with, and think about how you can discuss your experiences in greater depth.

Each stage of the process may focus on different areas, so avoid assuming that your preparation is complete after the first interview.

Congratulations! Receiving an offer is an exciting accomplishment, but you do not need to make an immediate decision.

Take time to carefully review the offer and consider the full opportunity, including:

• Salary or hourly compensation
• Benefits
• Job responsibilities
• Work schedule and location
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Organizational culture
• Your personal and professional goals

If you have questions about the offer, ask the employer for clarification. If you need additional time to make a decision, you may respectfully ask whether an extension is possible.

Before accepting an offer, make sure you understand the terms and feel confident in your decision.

For additional guidance, visit our Salary, Benefits & Negotiation page or connect with the Career & Professional Development Center.

Not receiving an offer can be disappointing, but it does not mean that you are not qualified or that you will not be successful in your job or internship search.

Hiring decisions can be influenced by many factors, including the needs of the organization, the applicant pool, and the specific qualifications the employer is seeking.

Allow yourself time to reflect on the experience and consider what you learned. If appropriate, you may thank the employer for the opportunity and ask whether they are able to provide feedback that could help you in future interviews.

Use the experience as an opportunity to continue developing your skills, refining your interview techniques, and preparing for your next opportunity.

Every interview provides valuable experience. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you can become.