Congratulations – reaching the interview stage means you’ve already shown through your application materials that you likely have the skills and experience to succeed in the role! The interview is your opportunity to share your story, demonstrate how you can contribute, and assess whether the employer and position align with your values, needs, and long-term goals.
Tell Your Story Effectively
Good interviewing is about good storytelling. Think about experiences from academics, work, leadership, volunteering, or community involvement, and practice framing them into clear examples. Common questions you should prepare for include:
- “Tell us about yourself and why this position makes sense as the next step in your career.”
- “What are your strengths and areas for growth?” (Be sure to include what you’re already doing to grow.)
- “Why should we hire you?”
- “How does this job fit your long-term career goals?”
- “Tell us about a time when you…”
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Managed your time effectively under pressure.
- Addressed or resolved a conflict.
- Collaborated on a challenging goal.
- Used problem-solving skills and creativity.
Use the SAR Method
When answering experience-based questions, use the SAR Method to stay focused:
- Situation – What was the challenge or context?
- Action – What steps did you take?
- Result – What was the outcome, and what did you learn?
Example:
Situation: “During my internship, our team’s deadline for a project was unexpectedly moved up by a week.”
Action: “I reorganized my task list, coordinated with teammates to redistribute responsibilities, and proposed a new workflow to meet the deadline.”
Result: “We delivered the project on time, and my supervisor noted the efficiency of our new system, which the team continued using.”
Preparing for the Interview
Preparation is the key to interviewing well. Whether in-person or virtual, thoughtful planning will help you feel more confident and focused.
- Anticipate and practice: Write out potential questions and practice your answers aloud.
- Review the job posting: Highlight keywords and integrate them into your responses.
- Showcase what you bring: Think about your unique mix of classes, projects, work, volunteer experience, and personal interests.
- Plan logistics:
In-person interviews:
- Anticipate delays, map directions and parking in advance, and aim to arrive at least 10–15 minutes early.
Virtual interviews:
- Test your technology (Wi-Fi, camera, microphone, and interview platform such as Zoom or Teams).
- Choose a quiet, well-lit location with minimal background distractions.
- Have a neutral or professional background (a blank wall, tidy space, or a virtual background if needed).
- Log in 5–10 minutes early to address any technical glitches.
- Keep notes nearby for reference but avoid reading directly from them.
Phone Interviews
- Find a quiet place with good reception. If possible, use headphones with a microphone for clearer audio.
- Keep your résumé, job description, and prepared notes nearby to reference quickly.
- Speak clearly and pace yourself. Without body language, tone matters even more. Pause briefly before answering to avoid talking over the interviewer.
- Since visual cues aren’t available, confirm that your answers are clear by pausing to ask, “Would you like me to expand on that?”
- Dress appropriately: Choose attire that aligns with the industry and helps you feel confident.
- Follow up: Send a thank-you note within 24 hours that highlights your interest and reinforces one or two key points from the conversation.
Interview Resources
- Big Interview – Online platform with practice interview questions and video feedback tools.
- Interview Checklist (CSU) – Step-by-step guide to preparing for interviews.
- Interviewing: How-to Guide (CSU Career Center) – Detailed advice on interview strategies.
- Interview Attire Fund (CSU) – Financial assistance for students needing professional clothing.
Questions to Ask the Employer
Asking thoughtful questions not only shows your preparation, it helps you decide if the employer is a good fit. Avoid questions you could easily answer from their website.
About the role and team:
- Could you tell me about the team I would be collaborating with?
- How is success measured in the first 3–6 months?
- What would a typical day look like in this role?
About values and organizational culture:
- How does the organization support employees from all backgrounds in day-to-day practice?
- Can you share an example of how feedback from employees has shaped organizational decisions?
- How are work-life balance and flexibility supported here?
- What values guide leadership and decision-making at this organization?
Using AI as a Preparation Tool
AI can be a helpful supplement for your interview prep:
- Practice questions: Ask AI to generate sample interview questions tailored to the job description.
- Feedback on answers: Draft your SAR examples and ask AI for suggestions to make them clearer and more concise.
- Company research: Use AI to summarize recent news, projects, or initiatives about the employer.