Interview Preparation

What is an Interview?

An interview refers to a formal, in-depth meeting between two people in which the interviewee is questioned about their background, lifestyle, or experiences in relation to suitability for a job or internship. The interview process gives you the platform to sell your abilities and qualifications to potential employers. An interview allows you and the potential employer to evaluate each other to determine whether the job is a right fit. It is important that you prepare for every interview. Interview preparation is important to be fully prepared when you sit down with a potential employer. Researching the company and mock interviews are a great start in your interview preparation process.

The Citadel’s Mission Statement

“Citadel graduates (will be) capable of both critical and creative thinking, have effective communication skills (and will be able to) apply abstract concepts to concreate situations.”

Helpful Resources

• A Likely List of Interview Questions for Citadel Students – Distinguished Scholars 
• Body Language – Common interview body language signals
• Case Study – Sample questions used by consulting and financial services
• Common Interview Questions – Classic questions
• Common Medical School Interview Questions – classic medical interview questions 
• Informational Interviewing – You conduct the interview with professionals
• InterviewStream – Key questions, interview tips, interesting topics with PRACTICE VIDEOS
• STAR Technique – How to prepare and develop answers to interview questions
• Tips for Interviewing on ZOOM – Virtual interview know how

What To Do Before An Interview

Research

• Deep dive into researching the company – How did they get started? What is their focus? What positions are open? Who are their competitors? Who is interviewing you? What is their future growth potential and challenges in the marketplace? 
• Be educated and informed before the interview – it will help you stand out as an applicant

Prepare

• Most interview questions are going to be behavioral based interview questions – based on discovering how the interviewee acted in specific employment-related situations.
• To answer these types of questions, develop a minimum of 5 core stories that give evidence of your skills, work ethic, strengths, leadership, communication, time management, issue resolution abilities, etc.
  Star Technique
  • S: What situation were you in?
  • T: What was the task at hand?
  • A: What action did you take?
  • R: What was the result?
• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile
• Work on your elevator pitch
• Use InterviewStream to practice
• Reach out to The Career Center to review your resume, LinkedIn, cover letter, and answer any additional questions or concerns you have. We are here to help!

What To Do During An Interview

Wear Professional Attire

• Research the company to understand what level of formality is appropriate
• Choose something that makes you feel confident and comfortable
• Use your best judgement
• When in doubt, ask

Body Language

• It’s not just what you say in an interview, your body language is also important
• Be aware of your body posture, eye contact, gestures, and active listening skills
• Ted Talk “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are”

How to Respond to Interview Questions

• Talk about your relevant experience
• Highlight your skills, strengths, and critical thinking skills (STAR technique)
• Talk about opportunities you are seeking
• Have intelligent, articulate questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview to show your preparation, interest, and engagement

What To Do After An Interview

Follow Up

• With an email AND a handwritten note/thank you letter to your potential employer. Make sure that you reference conversations, discussion, and notes from the interview

Self-Evaluation

• Take a minute to write down everything you remember about the interview
• This will help with the post-interview follow up email and thank you letter, but it is also an opportunity to grow and improve for future interviews
• How did you respond to the interview questions? Did you use the STAR technique? Was there anything that you forgot to mention? Did you say anything that you wish you hadn’t? Did your responses seem strong, weak, or somewhere in between?
• What was the rapport between you and the interviewer? How was your body language during the interview? Did you observe any noteworthy body language of the interviewer (i.e. did he/she smile or nod during any of your responses?)
• Self-evaluation often leads to self-growth. We always have the opportunity to improve, so use this experience as one of those opportunities!

Benefits of Mock Interviewing

Interview preparation includes mock interviewing. There are many benefits of mock interviewing:

Practice Makes Perfect

• Use InterviewStream to practice your skills
• Practice with a friend, family member, a professional in the field, etc.
• Practice in different environments (both in-person and virtually

Gives You an Opportunity to:

• Refine your interview skills
• Develop self-confidence
• Practice what you would say in response to a question (STAR technique)
• Observe your own body language
• Learn from any mistakes
• Make substantial improvements before the interview