Interviewing Guide

Review the job description.

• Highlight 3–5 qualifications, skills, or responsibilities the employer mentions most.
• Prepare examples that show how you have used those skills in classes, projects, jobs, internships, volunteer work, leadership roles, or student organizations.

Research the organization.

• Review the employer’s website, mission, vision, products or services, recent news, and LinkedIn page.
• Be ready to answer: “Why are you interested in this role and organization?”

Prepare your key stories.

• Choose specific examples that show problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, communication, initiative, adaptability, and learning from feedback.
• Practice explaining what you did and what changed because of your actions.

Practice your responses.

• Do not memorize answers word-for-word.
• Practice speaking clearly, naturally, and concisely.
• Complete a mock interview in Hiration to receive AI-powered feedback on your answers, speech evaluation, and body posture.
• Schedule a career counseling appointment in Spartan Connect for interview preparation or a mock interview.

Prepare your materials.

• Have your resume, job description, notes, portfolio/work samples if relevant, and questions for the interviewer(s) ready.
• For in-person interviews, bring copies of your resume in a folder or portfolio.

Plan your logistics.

• For in-person interviews, confirm the location, travel time, parking or transit options, and arrival instructions.
• For virtual interviews, test your camera, microphone, internet connection, interview link, display name, lighting, and background ahead of time.

Use the STAR method for behavioral questions.

• Situation: Briefly explain the context of the situation or challenge.
• Task: Describe your responsibility in that situation.
• Action: Explain the specific steps you took to handle the situation or challenge.
  • Spend the most time on this part of your answer. Your actions show how you think, solve problems, and apply your skills in a real situation.
• Result: Share the positive outcome, impact, or what you learned.

Keep your answers focused and relevant to the role.

• Answer the question directly, then share one specific example. This helps the interviewer quickly understand your point before you add details.
• Connect your example to the position. Explain how your experience shows a skill or quality the employer is looking for, such as communication, teamwork, etc.
• Keep most answers to about 1–2 minutes. Give enough context to be clear, but avoid unnecessary details.

For “Tell me about yourself,” give a short professional summary.

• Focus on your education, background, and experiences that relate to the role.
• Highlight 2–3 relevant skills, strengths, or accomplishments.
• End by connecting your background to why you are interested in the position.

For “Why are you interested in this role or organization?” show that you did your research.

• Mention something specific about the role, organization, mission, services, projects, or workplace that interests you.
• Connect your interest to the skills, experiences, or values you would bring to the position.
• Avoid answers that focus only on pay, location, schedule, or needing a job.

For strengths, be specific and use an example.

• Choose a strength that connects to the job description.
• Avoid generic answers like “I’m hardworking.”
• Briefly explain how you have used that strength in a class, job, internship, project, volunteer role, or student organization.

For weaknesses, show self-awareness and growth.

• Choose a real weakness that is not a core skill required for the role.
• Explain what you are doing to improve, such as practicing, seeking feedback, taking a class, or using a new strategy.
• Keep your answer brief and focused on the steps you are taking to grow.

For “Tell me about a time when…” questions, use a specific example.

• Choose an example that shows a skill the employer is looking for, such as teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, or initiative.
• Use the STAR method to briefly explain the situation, your role, the actions you took, and the result.
• Focus most of your answer on what you did and what you learned.

If you are asked an inappropriate question.

• You do not need to share personal information that is not related to the job (e.g. medical conditions, age, race, disability, national origin, family status, or gender)
• Examples of inappropriate or illegal interview questions:
  • Are you married or single?
  • Do you plan to have children in the next year?
  • Do you have a disability? 
• Stay calm and redirect the conversation to your qualifications for the role. 
  • Example: I’d be happy to focus on how my skills and experience align with the position requirements.

Phone screen

• Find a quiet place.
• Keep your resume and job description nearby.
• Smile while speaking to sound more engaged.
• Avoid reading directly from notes.

Live video interview

• Use a quiet, well-lit space.
• Look toward the camera when answering.
• Turn off notifications and close extra tabs.
• Keep notes nearby, but do not read from them.

Asynchronous or one-way video interview

• You may be asked to record answers to preset questions.
• Read the instructions carefully before starting.
• Practice with your camera before recording.
• Answer as if you are speaking to a real person, even if no one is on screen.

Panel interview

• Ask for the interviewers’ names and roles in advance when possible.
• Begin your answer with the person who asked the question, then include the rest of the panel, and make eye contact with all interviewers.

Group interview

• Participate actively while also listening to others.
• Build on ideas without interrupting or dominating the conversation.

Technical, case, or presentation interview

• Practice the format ahead of time and prepare any required materials (e.g. slides, work samples, or activity materials).
• Explain your reasoning, not just your final answer.
• Ask clarifying questions when appropriate.

Make a professional first impression.

• Be on time and prepared. Arrive or log in early and have your materials ready. 
• Be respectful and polite with everyone you interact with, not just the interviewer.

Listen carefully.

• Let the interviewer finish the question.
• Ask for clarification if you are unsure what they are asking.
• Pause briefly before answering if you need time to think.

Show confidence and professionalism.

• Speak clearly and at a steady pace.
• Avoid negative comments about past employers, professors, classmates, or coworkers.
• Focus on what you learned and how you handled situations.

Use positive, comfortable body language.

• Sit in an open, upright position to show attentiveness and professionalism.
• Maintain natural eye contact or camera focus to show you are listening and engaged.
• Show active listening through nodding, brief responses, or note-taking, as appropriate.

Dress appropriately for the role and organization.

• Research the organization’s dress expectations by reviewing its website, social media, or employee photos. 
• Aim to dress one step more polished than the typical workplace attire.
• Choose clothing that is clean, comfortable, and professional for the interview setting.
• Use the Spartan Career Closet if you need free professional clothing.

Prepare 3–5 questions before every interview. Strong questions include:

• What would success look like in the first 3–6 months?
• What are the most important skills for someone in this role?
• What projects or priorities would I work on first?
• How would you describe the team or workplace culture?
• What training, supervision, or professional development is available?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Avoid asking questions that are easy to answer from the employer’s website unless you are asking for more detail or clarification.

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.

• Send thank you emails or notes to the interviewer(s). 
• Mention the role title and refer to one specific topic or takeaway from the conversation.
• Briefly restate your interest and fit for the role.

Reflect and take notes.

• Reflect on your interview performance. What went well? What would you change or improve for next time?
• Write down key details from the interview. Note who you met, tricky questions you were asked, what you learned, and any next steps the employer shared.

Follow up professionally.

• Wait until the employer’s timeline has passed before checking in.
• Keep your follow-up short, polite, and focused on your continued interest.