Preparing for an Interview

Congratulations—you’ve been invited to an interview! This is one of the most important steps in the job search process. It’s your chance to shine and show the employer why you’re the right person for the role.

The interviewer’s goal is to determine if you have the skills to succeed in the position, the motivation to contribute, and the potential to be a good fit within the organization’s culture. But it’s not just about them—it’s also your opportunity to evaluate if the position and company are a good fit for you.

Use Big Interview to practice your interview skills, whether your interviewing for a job or graduate school.

Big Interview is an online system that combines training and practice to help you improve your interview technique and build your confidence through: Challenging, virtual mock interviews for all experience levels and dozens of industries. A database of thousands of interview questions with tips on how to answer them.

Check it out today! Click Here and log in using YourStarID@go.minnstate.edu

Before the Interview

  1. Research the organization
    • Key contact names
    • Principal location and subsidiaries
    • What is their company culture and mission statement
    • Company achievements and competitors
  2. Practice
    • List of your key accomplishments and skills
    • Practice a list of interview questions to help prepare you.
    • Have at least 5 success stories to answer behavioral interview questions. For example, “Tell me about a time when you had to work closely with someone whose personality was very different from yours.”
    • Prepare 5 questions to ask the interviewer(s) at the end of the interview
  3. Prepare
    • Test drive to the interview site the day before
    • Have copies of your resume, reference sheet and unofficial transcripts
    • Be sure your interview attire is clean and ironed

Day of the Interview

  • Arrive and enter the building ten minutes early
  • Greet the interview panel professionally. Smile and maintain eye contact
  • Be mindful of your non-verbal communication
  • Leave your phone in the car
  • At the conclusion of the interview, determine the next steps

After the Interview

  • As soon as possible write down what you’re thinking and feeling. What went well, what do you wish you would have expanded on.
  • Write a thank you note to the interviewer, reminding them of how your experiences align with the candidate they are seeking.