Prepare for an Interview
Welcome to our virtual community space designed to support college students and advanced degree holders in preparing for interviews as they transition to the workforce. The platform offers a wealth of resources, tips on answering common and behavioral questions, industry-specific advice, in addition to resume and cover letter templates. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or targeting a specialized role, this community equips you with the tools to make a lasting impression.
Conduct your research
- Research the Company
- Values and Mission: Determine if you align, along with the ability to tailor your responses to demonstrate your contribution. Browse company websites and create a list of important aspects.
- Public Image, Brand and hearsay: Gain insight into how the company is perceived externally. Helps you prepare questions and examine your cultural fit. Use Glassdoor or LinkedIn Company Insights.
- Organization structure: Focus on the company’s decision-making process and who key stakeholders are. Helps align your career path and goals along with your role fit for the company.
- Challenges and trends in the industry/field: Awareness of industry trends shows your passion and understanding how the company is positioned for the challenges allows you to have an informed discussion in the interview.
- Understand the Role
- Job Description: Carefully read the job description and identify three key responsibilities and qualifications that you match the most.
- Required Skills: Match your skills and experiences with the job requirements. Prepare three examples that demonstrate your expertise.
- Career Path: Consider how the role fits within your five month and five year career goals and how you can advance within the company.
- Research Yourself
- Training & Education: starting with the basics, organize your credentials and timeline. Prepare two stories about coursework and classroom challenges.
- Personal Traits, Values, Interests: Reflect on your identity and personal brand. What are you known for and how others describe you. Take a career assessment to establish and confirm your top attributes and desires.
- Accomplishments, Awards, and Acknowledgements: Develop and organize your 3-5 relevant stories that focus on success and ones you are confident and comfortable in while talking about yourself.
- Career Goals: Create multiple long-term and short-term objectives and expectations. It is okay to prepare and Invision your success at all stages of your future.
- Prepare your Questions
- Company Culture: Ask about the team dynamics, work environment, and company culture.
- Role Expectations: Inquire about specific responsibilities, performance metrics, and team structure.
- Career Development: Ask about opportunities for growth, training, and career progression.
Plan for the Day
- Coordinate your Details
- Interview Details: Confirm the date, time, and location of the interview. If it’s virtual, test your technology and setup.
- Interview Method: If not shared beforehand ask what type of method the interview will be. This could be technical, panel, case, group or multiple mini interview.
- Documents: Bring multiple copies of your resume, a list of references, and any other relevant documents.
- Professional Attire: Choose an outfit that is appropriate for the company’s dress code and make sure it is clean and well-fitted. Check page 4 in the preparing for job interviews booklet.
- Prepare Logistically for the Day
- Travel Arrangements: Plan your route and allow extra time to account for any unexpected delays.
- Arrival Time: Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early to account for any last-minute preparations and to make a good impression.
- Virtual or Phone Interview: Check connections and service. Prepare your background to eliminate distractions and use a headset or headphones to eliminate echoes.
