PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS

HERE’S HOW TO GET READY

Before the Interview

- Research the company: Know its mission, values, services, and recent news.
- Review the job description: Understand what skills and qualifications are required.
- Know your resume: Be ready to talk about your experiences and accomplishments.
- Prepare answers to common questions (e.g., Tell me about yourself, What are your strengths/weaknesses?).
- Develop questions to ask the employer about the role or company culture.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice answering interview questions out loud or in a mock interview with a friend or career advisor. Focus on using specific examples from your experiences. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to structure your answers.

Day of the Interview

- Dress professionally based on the company culture (when in doubt, go more formal).
- Arrive early (10–15 minutes for in-person, log in early for virtual interviews).
- Bring copies of your resume, a notebook, and a pen (or have them ready digitally).
- Be polite and positive to everyone you meet.

After the Interview

- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
- Reflect on how it went—what went well and what you could improve.
- Follow up if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeline.

NEED HELP?

The Career and Professional Development Center offers mock interviews and one-on-one coaching. Schedule an appointment through Handshake to practice and get feedback.

NEED PROFESSIONAL CLOTHING?

The Career Closet is a service that provides gently used and new business clothes to students at no cost, located in Lowe 118. Anytime that the physical closet is open (hours are posted on our bulletin board outside the door, they change every semester because the workstudy schedule changes), students can come in and take what they need. If the door is closed, from 8AM-4PM students can ask a staff member in Lowe 223 to unlock it.