What are some important things to do before the interview?
Research the company and read the job description: To go into the interview with confidence, make sure to research the company’s website, social media, and press releases.
Prepare a list of references: Most interviewers will want references from your past employers to show that you have history of experiences that will transfer well into a future role.
Practice answering interview questions: This can be beneficial towards your confidence during a job interview. At the career center at K-State they can help you prepare for your interviews and even hold mock interviews for you.
Prepare your own questions for the company: This can provide the impression that you are thinking about what it would be like to work there.
Decide and layout what clothes you are going to wear: To reduce stress on the day of the interview. It is also beneficial to layout the clothes that you are going to wear so you know you are not missing anything. If you need professional clothes stop at the K-State Career closet to find up to 3 lightly used pieces of professional clothing.
Print updated resume copies to bring to the interview: This shows that you are prepared for the interview. Be sure to bring multiple copies in case there are multiple interviewers. Highlight a copy for yourself with talking points that you might want to bring up during the interview. If you need help revising your resume the career center offers free appointments to help you with that.
Bring a notebook and pen: To take notes during the interview so that you can refer back to details that you think are important after the interview. I do not recommend taking notes on an electronic device as it might be seen as unprofessional.
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early: There can be unseen delays before your interview and you do not want to show up late. If you do get to the interview early, take the time to observe workplace dynamics.
What are some tips for during the interview?
Smile and make eye contact: This will make you seem more approachable, confident, and friendly.
Use the STAR method – situation, task, action, and result: This is a good way to respond to behavioral-based interview questions. This method can help you to remember to explain all of the important details when you are explaining a situation.
Be concise: When responding to interview questions it is important to only share the relevant details so that there is more time for other questions during the interview.
Turn off your phone: It would look unprofessional if your phone goes off in the middle of the interview.
Don’t badmouth a previous employer: It can come across as negative.
Ask about next steps in the hiring process: This can be important to let you know when to expect a response or what to expect next.
Tips for after the interview?
Send a thank you note or email: This can show that you are professional and courteous and can make you stand out against other applicants.
Stay Positive: Interviews can be stressful situations just know that as you have more interviews you should become less nervous before them.
What are some good tips for virtual interviews?
- Find a quiet room for the interview (Career Center offers interview rooms)
- Strong internet connection
- Camera and audio are working correctly
- Even though you are remote remember to dress professionally
- Consider a virtual or blurred background
- Position the camera at eye-level
- Arrange your seating so that you are facing a window or another light source
- Sit an arm’s length away from the camera
- Consider using the touch up my appearance
- Download your resume in an easy to find location
What are some common interview questions?
- Give me an example of a time you had a conflict with a team member. How did you handle it?
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work. How did you resolve the problem, and what did you learn from your mistake?
- Describe an occasion when you had to manage your time to complete a task. How did you do it?
- Describe an occasion when you failed at a task. What did you learn from it?
- Tell me about a time you took the initiative in your career. What was your motivation for doing so?
- Describe a time when you used your leadership skills to motivate your team or colleagues.
- Describe a time when you were responsible for a task you didn’t receive training on and were unsure how to complete. How did you handle it?
- Share an example of a career goal you had. What steps did you take to achieve it?
- Give an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision. How did you handle it?
- Describe your process for solving problems. What steps do you take to resolve important issues at work?
James Turner Andrews Jr.
Peer Counselor I
Powercat Financial
