In the context of applying for opportunities (jobs, internships, graduate programs, etc.), an interview is a meeting focused on determining if you are the best candidate for the opportunity and if the opportunity is the best option for you. Meaning, the interview is not just for convincing the interviewer that you are the best candidate. The interviewer is also seeking to convince you that you would be happy with this opportunity with their organization. With this in mind, as a candidate, an interview has a two purposes, 1) to sell your qualifications and enthusiasm and 2) to gather information to help discern whether the opportunity is a good fit for your abilities, interests, and aspirations.

The information below is a quick introduction to interviewing. For more information see our Interviewing Guide.

Interview Formats

  • Behavioral

  • Case Management

    • Common in Business & Information Technology industries
    • Characteristics include:
      • Assesses logic- and creative-based critical thinking skills
      • Focuses on situation-based questions—answers are not necessarily right or wrong
    • Tips for success:
      • Focus on your approach to solving a problem and how you communicate it
      • The actual solution is less important
    • Case Interview Tips (Deloitte)

  • Technical

    • Common in Computer Science, Engineering, Nursing industries
    • Characteristics include:
      • Assesses specific technical knowledge required for the occupation
      • Focuses on a candidate’s problem solving skills, reasoning abilities, and technological skill level
    • Tips for success:
      • Be prepared to discuss specific technical skills you learned through coursework, experiential learning, internships, etc.
      • Ask questions to ensure understanding, and talk through steps taken out loud
    • How to Ace Your Technical Interview (The Muse)

  • Group

    • Common in Healthcare Industry (i.e. Nursing)
    • Characteristics include:
      • Assesses teamwork and collaboration
      • Focuses on candidates’ ability to interact with others on the spot
    • Tips for success:
      • Show active listening - build off other candidates’ answers
      • Be yourself - display your strengths
    • How to Stand Out During a Group Interview (The Muse)

  • AI (Artificial Intelligence)

    • Common in Business industries
    • Characteristics include:
      • Some versions record answers to predetermined questions and are later watched back by hiring managers
      • Other versions collect data based on visual (facial expression, eye movement, hand movement), verbal (vocabulary, key words), and vocal (voice tone, pronunciation) indicators and are analyzed by AI technology
    • Tips for success:
      • Act as natural as possible - avoid rigid posture and a fixed gaze
      • Practice speaking to a screen, record yourself, and, when watching back, note your strengths
    • Are You Prepared to be Interviewed by an AI? (Harvard Business Review)

  • Game-Based

    • Common in Business industries
    • Characteristics include:
      • Assesses cognitive ability, emotional intelligence, and personality traits
      • Questions can include quick choices or simulations of real-life work examples
    • Tips for success:
      • Familiarize yourself with the technology beforehand as best you can
      • Answer honestly and keep going - don’t overthink it
    • What Are Game-Based Assessments? (HireVue)

Before the Interview

  • Know the Organization

    • What are the goals, values, mission of the company or organization?
      • Utilize their website, social media, and any examples of the company in the news
    • How is the company structured? What department would you be in? Who would you report to?
      • If you know who will be on the interview panel, consider looking into those employees (using the company's website, LinkedIn profiles, etc.)

  • Know Yourself

    • Do your experiences and skills correspond to the position’s responsibilities and qualifications?
    • Why are you interested in this employer specifically?
    • How would this job fit into your overall career goals?

  • Practice

    • Polish your "Elevator Pitch"
    • Familiarize yourself with typical questions according to the interview format
    • Meet with your ACA for a mock interview
    • Utilize online tools like Interview Prep to practice your responses

During the Interview

  • Appearance and Presentation

    • Dress in a professional, conservative, and neat manner
    • Do not use fragrances (e.g. perfume, cologne, lotion, etc.)
    • Choose professional accessories, such as a watch, cufflinks, small earrings, and/or a simple necklace - avoid bulky, noisy, and distracting jewelry
    • Choose conservative colors (e.g. black, grey, navy blue) and avoid clothing with potentially distracting colors and patterns
    • Wear professional, polished, closed-toe shoes you can comfortably walk in for long periods of time

  • Virtual/Zoom Interview

    • Use a quiet, well-lit environment with minimal distractions and working internet
    • Use a laptop or computer rather than a cell phone camera
    • Test your audio and video setup beforehand
    • Look into the camera rather than at the faces on the screen
    • Dress for Success: What to Wear for a Video Interview (flexjobs)

  • In-Person Interviews

    • Arrive between 10-15 minutes early
    • Be polite and friendly to everyone - how you treat others matters
    • Bring copies of your resume
    • Silence your cell-phone

  • When Answering a Question

    • Communicate clearly and concisely - avoid rambling answers
    • Showcase your interest in the position and company
    • Avoid negative statements about others, such as past employers or colleagues
    • Use open body language and natural hand gestures, but refrain from distracting fidgeting
    • Maintain regular but not constant eye contact with all interviewers (over zoom, remember that the camera is eye contact, not the screen)
    • Avoid filler words such as “um,” “like,” and “you know”
    • Breathe!

    If you don’t have an immediate answer to a question or don’t understand the question, it’s appropriate to take a moment and think it over or to ask the interviewer to rephrase the question

After the Interview

  • Reflect on the Experience

    Jot down notes about questions asked and answers you gave
    • How did you feel about your performance?
      • What did you do well?
      • What would you do differently?
    • Would you want to work for this company?
      • Are you happy with the way they answered your questions?
      • Are there any red flags from their answers?

  • Follow Up

    • Within 24 hours, send an email to the interview panel thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the position
      • Mention any information you may have forgotten to include in the interview
    • If you don't hear anything, follow up one week after your interview to politely inquire about status
      • Connect with the people who interviewed you for the position
      • Utilize the connections you have: family/friends, alumni, Handshake, LinkedIn
      • Don't be a pest! Reaching out too frequently can be detrimental; check with your ACA if you are unsure
    • How to Write a Follow Up Email