The Job Description
Review the job description. Highlight or write down key responsibilities and skills.
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Preparing for the Interview
What happens before the interview is just as important as the interview itself.
Preparation Makes Perfect
Interviewing can be scary, but there are steps you can take ahead of time to make the experience easier.
Keep Reading to Learn:
- Steps to prepare for interviews
- What to take care of in advance
Before your interview, you should:
Step 1: Research
Employers often complain that they interview students who don’t know anything about their organization, and Karen’t prepared. That shouldn't’t be you!
The Organization
Learn about the organization and be prepared to talk about why you want to work for them!
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Questions to Ask
Think about what questions you want to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. Have 3-5 questions prepared, and should always ask what the next steps in the hiring process will be.
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Step 2: Practice
Practice makes perfect, and interviewing is no exception! Even though you can't be certain what questions an employer will ask, you can prepare some good answers in advance.
Talking About Yourself
Be prepared to tell the interviewer about yourself: a little bit of personal, educational, and professional information is great!
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STAR Stories
From your research, you'll know about key skills and responsibilities you'll need to demonstrate competence in. Prepare and practice your STAR stories in advance.
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Step 3: Get Ready
The Outfit
Pick out your outfit 2-3 days before your interview so you can ensure it is clean and wrinkle-free. Choose comfortable shoes in case you need to walk for an office tour, or end up parking a few blocks away.
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Considerations
Always be modest and err on the side of being overdressed, but feel free to include some pieces that show your personality. An interesting tie, hijab, or piece of jewelry is a good choice!
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The Details
Review interview details – is it virtual or in person? If in person, make a plan to get there early.
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Next Steps
Reference resources in Related Links to jump start your preparation on how to:
- Research the employer
- Prepare for behavioral-based interview questions
- Schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center for a practice interview