You got an interview . . . that’s great! It's important to be well-prepared and confident when facing potential employers.

Here are some tips to help you succeed in your next interview. Remember to stay confident, be yourself, and showcase your unique skills and experiences. Good luck with your interviews! 

 

Research the Company

Take the time to research the company. Understand their mission, values, products/services, and any recent news or developments. This knowledge will demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm, and allow you to tailor your answers to align with their goals.  Be sure to review their website and check them out on LinkedIn.

 

Review Common Interview Questions

Practice answering common interview questions to gain confidence and improve your articulation. Research frequently asked questions in your field and prepare concise yet informative responses. Consider practicing with a friend or utilizing online resources that provide mock interviews. 

StandOut: Practice on our mock interview platform! Just log in with your NetID 

Make an appointment with a Career Coach 

 

Highlight Your Accomplishments

Identify your key accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular, and think about how they relate to the position you're applying for. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your skills, leadership abilities, and problem-solving capabilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your achievements effectively.

 

Dress Professionally

First impressions matter, so dress professionally for your interview. Research the company's dress code and aim to dress slightly more formal than their standard attire. Ensure your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and well-fitted. Pay attention to your grooming, including neat hair, clean nails, and minimal use of cologne or perfume. 

 

 

Practice Good Body Language

Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in interviews. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake when greeting your interviewer. Practice active listening by nodding and responding appropriately. Be aware of your body language and aim to convey confidence and professionalism throughout the interview.

 

Prepare Questions to Ask

At the end of the interview, you will often be asked if you have any questions. You should aways say “Yes”! This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the company. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, or any specific projects you may be working on. Avoid questions about salary or benefits during initial interviews.

 

Follow-Up with a Thank You Note

After the interview, send a personalized thank you note or email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and mention specific points discussed during the interview. Keep the message concise, professional, and error-free. 

 

 

Interview Tips

Remember, these tips are general guidelines, and it's important to adapt them to the specific requirements and expectations of each interview type. Preparation, practice, and a confident and professional demeanor will increase your chances of success in any interview. 

Phone Interviews

 

Tip 1: Choose a quiet and distraction-free environment for the interview. Make sure your phone is charged and you have a strong signal. 

Tip 2: Speak clearly and maintain a professional tone.  

 

Virtual/Remote Interviews

 

Tip 1: Create a professional virtual background or choose a quiet, well-lit area for video interviews. Dress professionally and maintain a polished appearance. 

Tip 2: Ensure a stable internet connection and test your audio and video settings in advance. Minimize distractions and use headphones to improve audio quality. 

 

Behavioral Interviews

 

Tip 1: Prepare specific examples from your experiences that highlight your skills, achievements, and problem-solving abilities. 

Tip 2: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and provide a clear and concise explanation of each situation. 

 

Panel Interviews

 

Tip 1: Address each panelist when answering questions to establish a connection. 

Tip 2: Maintain eye contact with each panel member when speaking and directing your responses. Write down names and use them throughout the interview. 

Group Interviews

 

Tip 1: Actively participate and engage with others in the group. Demonstrate good teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.

Tip 2: Strike a balance between showcasing your own strengths and respecting others' ideas. Be attentive and respectful when others are speaking, and build upon their contributions. 

 

Technical Interviews

 

Tip 1: Review and refresh your technical knowledge related to the role or field. Practice solving technical problems or coding exercises to sharpen your skills.

Tip 2: Be prepared to explain your thought process and approach when solving technical problems. Focus on clear communication and logical reasoning. 

 

Case Interviews

 

Tip 1: Familiarize yourself with common case interview frameworks and practice solving case studies. Pay attention to structuring your analysis and providing logical recommendations.

Tip 2: Demonstrate your ability to think critically and ask relevant questions. Break down complex problems into manageable components and communicate your insights effectively. 

 

 

Salary Negotiations

Salary negotiation can be intimidating, especially for recent grads entering the job market. However, it's a crucial skill to develop to ensure you're fairly compensated for your skills and qualifications. Avoid accepting an offer immediately. Take some time to evaluate it before providing a response. 

Tips to navigate the salary negotiation process: 

Research Salary Ranges
  •  
  • Research the industry and specific role to understand the salary range typically offered for your position. Use websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or Salary.com. 
  • Consider factors such as location, company size, and experience level when evaluating salary expectations. 
  •  
Know Your Worth

  • Assess your skills, education, and relevant experience to understand your market value. Be realistic but also confident about what you bring to the table. 

  • Consider any unique qualifications, certifications, or achievements that set you apart from other candidates. 

Delay Salary Talk Until the Offer Stage

  • Avoid discussing salary during the initial interview stages. Focus on showcasing your skills and fit for the role first. 

  • When asked about salary expectations, provide a broad range or mention that you are open to negotiation. 

Practice Effective Communication

  • Be polite, professional, and assertive throughout the negotiation process. 

  • Use positive language to express your interest in the position and the company. 

Understand the Full Compensation Package

  • Consider not only the base salary but also other benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, bonuses, stock options, vacation days, and professional development opportunities. 

  • A comprehensive benefits package can add significant value to your overall compensation. 

Use Non-Monetary Negotiation Points

If the employer can't meet your desired salary, consider negotiating other aspects, such as flexible working hours, remote work options, or additional vacation days. 

Be Prepared to Compromise

While it's essential to advocate for fair compensation, be prepared to compromise within reason. The goal is to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties. 

Practice Role Playing

Rehearse the negotiation process with a friend or family member to build your confidence and refine your negotiation skills.