Preparing for an Interview
Nervous about job interviews? You’re not alone! Interviews can feel intimidating, but with the right preparation, you can walk in feeling confident and ready to impress.
Start by checking out the resources below for tips on answering common interview questions and dressing for success. Want to practice? Try the AI-assisted platforms listed below. These tools simulate interview scenarios, provide feedback on your responses, and offer suggestions for improvement. Or schedule a mock interview with the Career Development team. We’re here to help you shine!
Frequently Asked Interview Questions
Be cautious of illegal questions. Don’t react negatively to inappropriate inquiries; it might have been an honest mistake. Ensure your response ties back to the position. If questions continue to make you uneasy, it serves as an indication of the workplace culture and may suggest that you don’t want to work for this company.
Use the STAR Technique to provide direct and meaningful responses to behavioral and situational interview questions
S – Situation (Provide the backstory, who, what, where, and when)
T – Task (What was your part? How did you turn this situation into an opportunity?)
A – Action (What were the steps you took to solve the challenge? What skills did you use?)
R – Results (What were the outcomes? What lessons did you learn?)
Sample Interview Question & Answer Using the STAR Technique
Q: Tell me about a time you went above and beyond.
A: While working in customer service, I received a complaint from a customer regarding a delayed shipment. My goal was to resolve the issue promptly and ensure the customer felt valued and satisfied. I immediately contacted the shipping provider to track the package and kept the customer regularly updated on its status. I offered a partial refund along with a discount on their next purchase as a goodwill gesture.
Dress for Success
For a job interview, it’s usually best to dress professionally to create a strong first impression. Although the specific dress code may differ depending on the company and industry, here are some general guidelines:
Business Professional (Most formal)
- A well-fitting suit (navy, black, or gray) with a collared shirt and tie. A pant suit or skirt suit in a dark, neutral color is appropriate. Consider wearing a knee-length skirt with a light-colored blouse.
Business Casual
- Dress pants or chinos with a button-down shirt or polo shirt, with or without a blazer or sports jacket. A knee-length skirt with a blouse or sweater, or a simple dress with a blazer or cardigan
Pay attention to details such as neat hair, clean nails, and polished closed-toed shoes.
Avoid overly casual clothing, revealing clothing, distracting patterns or accessories, and strong fragrances.
Ensure your clothes fit well and are comfortable, as this will help you feel more confident.
Additional Resources