Interview Preparation
Welcome to the Interview Preparation Guide! This guide provides you with essential tips, resources, and practice materials to help you feel confident and prepared.
As always, visit the Gianchetta Student Success Center for personalized assistance or schedule an appointment with Traci Beighle or Dawson Gremmels.
Interview Prep Guide
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Types of Interviews:
- Screening Interviews: Initial interviews to filter candidates.
- Behavioral Interviews: Focus on your past experiences and behaviors.
- Technical Interviews: Assess your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
- Panel Interviews: Conducted by multiple interviewers.
- Group Interviews: Interviewed alongside other candidates.
- Case Interviews: Problem-solving interviews, often used by consulting firms.
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Key Areas to Research:
- Company Overview: Mission, vision, and values.
- Industry Trends: Current events and market conditions.
- Role Requirements: Job description and necessary skills.
- Company Culture: Work environment and employee experiences.
- Recent News: Company achievements and updates.
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Common Interview Questions:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to work here?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Describe a challenging situation and how you handled it.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
STAR Method for Behavioral Questions:
- Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge at work.
- Task: Explain the actual task you had to complete.
- Action: Describe the specific actions you took to complete the task.
- Result: Share the outcomes of your actions.
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Mock Interviews:
- Schedule a mock interview with the Student Success Center.
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Dress Code:
- Business Professional: Suits, ties, dress shoes, and conservative accessories.
- Business Casual: Dress slacks, blouses, polos, and closed-toe shoes.
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Day Before the Interview:
- Confirm the interview time and location.
- Prepare copies of your resume and references.
- Plan your route and transportation.
- Get a good night's sleep.
Day of the Interview:
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
- Bring a notebook and pen.
- Stay calm and confident.
- Be polite to everyone you meet.
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Follow-Up:
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
- Reflect on your performance and note areas for improvement.
- Follow up if you haven’t heard back within the stated timeframe.
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- Interview Prep Workshops: Join our regular workshops to practice and improve.
- Resume and Cover Letter Review: Schedule a session with us here at the Student Success Center and check out our Resume Resources and Cover Letter Resources.
- Student Success Center Events: Sign up for Student Success Center Events!