Interviewing 101
Before the Interview
- Research the company
- Prepare answers to common questions
- Use the STAR method for examples
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer
Dress for Success
Wear clean, simple professional clothes. Avoid overly casual outfits.
On the Day
- Arrive 10 minutes early or be on time for online meetings
- Bring copies of your resume or have it ready on your screen
- Keep your phone on silent
During the Interview
- Make eye contact or look at the camera
- Smile and stay confident
- Speak clearly and avoid filler words
- Show genuine interest in the job
Common Mistakes
- Being late or unprepared
- Not knowing anything about the company
- Complaining about past jobs
- Asking about pay too early
How to Showcase Your Skills
1. Use the STAR Technique
Situation – Where and when?
Task – What did you need to do?
Action – What actions did you take?
Result – What was the outcome?
2. Match Your Skills to the Job
Look at the job description and talk about your matching skills. For example:
“I organized a student event for 100+ people with a team of 5.”
3. Talk About Transferable Skills
| Skill | Where it comes from |
|---|---|
| Teamwork | School projects, sports, volunteering |
| Communication | Public speaking, writing, social events |
| Problem-solving | Projects, conflicts, creative work |
| Leadership | Leading group tasks, mentoring others |
4. Prepare a Skill Bank
Have 3-5 small stories ready that each highlight a skill. Use them in answers when needed.
5. Use Strong Verbs
Start your answers with action words: Led, Created, Improved, Designed, Resolved, Delivered, Organized.
6. Show Results
Give numbers or results if you can:
“I helped increase attendance by 30%.”
“I resolved issues in under 5 minutes.”
7. Show a Positive Attitude
Say things like:
“I’m eager to learn and take on new challenges.”
After the Interview
Say thank you at the end. If possible, send a short thank-you email afterward.