This is the main banner for the blog post, "Quick Guide: Rules for Interviewing." On the right side of the banner is a photo cut out of a business professional speaking and holding a piece of paper in both hands. Behind the photo cut out are subtle triangle design elements scattered around the background. On the left side of the banner features the text, "Quick Guide: Rules for Interviewing."

Navigating interviews can feel overwhelming, but gaining a thorough understanding of the process can help you prepare and strategize. Interviews, ranging from in person to virtual, are critical components of the job search process. By refining your resume, practicing responses, and conducting mock interviews, you can alleviate some of the stress and go into interviews feeling confident. Today, you’ll learn more about the interview process and how you can succeed in navigating this crucial stage of your job search journey.

Interview Insight

Interviews are a structured conversation between a candidate and one or more representatives of a company or organization. The primary purpose is for employers to evaluate how well applicants could be a good fit for a specific job, assessing their qualifications, skills, and fit within the company culture. For candidates, interviews serve as opportunities to showcase their abilities, experiences, and enthusiasm for the position while gaining insight into the company and its expectations. It's a two-way street where both parties aim to determine if there's a mutual fit for the role and the organization.

Types of Interviews

Interview structures vary depending on the company or organization. Each type of interview presents its own challenges and opportunities, requiring candidates to adapt their approach and preparation strategies accordingly. Let's break down some of the different types of interview formats we can expect:

Phone Interviews aim to assess communication skills, personality, attitude, and basic qualifications. Phone interviews are typically shorter and more informal than other types of interviews. They are often used as initial screenings to narrow down candidates.

Video Interviews allow employers to gauge a candidate's professionalism, communication skills, and comfort with technology. Video interviews can be in the form of a live video call or a one-way recorded interview. These methods are becoming increasingly popular with the rise of remote opportunities and the convenience offered by being able to interview from anywhere.

In-Person Interviews offer employers and candidates the opportunity for a more comprehensive assessment, including non-verbal cues and interpersonal dynamics. These often occur in multiple rounds and may involve tours of the workplace or meetings with various team members.

Panel Interviews involve multiple interviewers, usually from different departments or levels within the organization. The goal is to gather diverse perspectives on the candidate's qualifications and suitability for the role. Panel interviews can be more challenging due to the need to manage multiple personalities and respond to a range of questions.

How Do I Calm My Nerves for an Interview?

Feeling nervous before an interview is completely natural, especially for college students stepping into the professional world. Here are a few ways to achieve this:

Focus on self-care leading up to the interview
Ensure you’re eating well and taking time to relax
Practice self-affirmations - remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities
Boost your mood and confidence by listening to music
Take deep breaths to calm your nerves and visualize your success

Remember, interviews are as much about you finding a good fit as they are about employers evaluating you. With these strategies, you can transform nervous energy into a focused presentation.

How do I Prepare for an Interview?

Resume and Cover Letter Review:

Ensuring your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and tailored to the job is crucial for making a strong first impression. Your resume should highlight your most relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Tailor each resume to the specific job by including keywords from the job description and focusing on experiences that directly relate to the position. Similarly, your cover letter should be customized for each application, addressing the hiring manager by name if possible, and clearly articulating why you are a good fit for the role. Always proofread both documents to avoid any spelling or grammatical errors.

Understanding the Job Description:

Thoroughly understanding the job description is essential in preparing for a successful interview. Take the time to read it carefully and note the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and desired skills. By identifying these key elements, you can tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your most relevant experiences and abilities. Additionally, this helps you prepare for interviews by allowing you to anticipate potential questions and how your background fits into what the employer is looking for.

Practice Common Interview Questions:

Preparing for common interview questions can significantly boost your confidence and performance during an interview. Practicing your responses to these questions can help you articulate your experiences and skills clearly and confidently. Common questions include:

Tell me about yourself
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you want to work here?
Why should we hire you?

It’s also important to prepare for behavioral questions, which often start with prompts like

“Tell me about a time when…”
“What did you learn from…”
“How would you handle this situation…”

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is an effective way to structure your answers to behavioral questions. Describe the Situation you were in, the Task you needed to accomplish, the Actions you took to address the task, and the Results of your actions.

Mock Interviews:

Mock interviews are a valuable way to practice your responses and receive constructive feedback. To prepare for interviews, consider conducting mock interviews with friends, family, or your dedicated career coach. Your career coach can help you with mock interviews in any format–whether it’s in person, over the phone, or via video call. This ensures you are well-prepared for the real thing. Practicing in a simulated environment helps build confidence and improves your performance in actual interviews.

Do Your Research:

Utilize various resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company. Start by exploring the company’s mission, values, and culture through its official website. Stay informed about recent developments by checking news articles or press releases. To get an insider’s perspective, use sites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn to read reviews and gain insights from current or former employees. Additionally, conduct industry research to understand the broader context and where the company fits in. When evaluating the company, pay attention to the following:

Indicators of company culture
Career development and advancement opportunities
Assess company policies and support for a work-life balance
Review financial reports, market positions, and growth prospects

For those considering part-time positions, check if the job schedule is compatible with your school commitments. If you’re graduating and applying for full-time roles, ensure the schedule is reasonable and allows time for relaxation and stress management. Balancing work with personal well-being is crucial for long-term success and satisfaction.

What Questions Should I Ask in an Interview?

It’s important to know what questions to ask and how to follow up afterward. First, prepare some role-specific questions to understand the daily responsibilities and expectations for the position. Ask about the team structure and work environment to get a sense of where you might fit in. It's also helpful to inquire about opportunities for training, mentoring, and career advancement. Pose questions about the company’s future direction and core values to understand its long-term vision. Additionally, clarify how success is measured in the role and how performance feedback is provided.

Some examples of great questions to ask include:

How would you describe a typical day in this position?
What are the biggest challenges that I might face in this position?
What type of skills do you look for in a candidate?

How Do I Follow Up After an Interview?

After the interview, follow up properly. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours to show your appreciation for the opportunity. If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe given, consider checking in to express your continued interest. It’s important to be professionally persistent without being overly aggressive. Lastly, connect with interviewers and other company contacts on LinkedIn to stay in touch for future opportunities.

These tips will help you navigate interviews and follow-ups more effectively, laying a solid foundation for your career development for many years ahead.