Get in the Interview Mindset
An interview is an opportunity for the employer to get to know you just as much as it is an opportunity for you to get to know the employer.
Your goal is not to trick the employer into hiring you, it’s to ensure that you meet one another’s goals and needs. Consider an interview as a time to continue to build trust with the employer. Engaging authentically, asking relevant and pertinent questions, and following up with a “thank you” note aid in building a strong and reliable relationship with employers. Interviewing is a skill! You wouldn’t fly a plane before completing simulations and taking some practice flights. The interview step is a high-stakes situation that can make or break your chance of getting the job. So, even if it feels silly, it’s worth it to practice.
Prepare
- Highlight key sills and phrases on the job description.
- List what you have to offer, connecting with each of the employer’s needs.
- Research types of questions that you may be asked. Glass Door is a great resource for this.
- Remember to prepare for Virtual Interviews!
- Practice your answer to “Tell me about yourself?”
- Prepare 2-4 specific questions to ask the interviewer.
Practice
Resources
Big Interview
Big Interview is an amazing resource that helps students prepare themselves for job and internship interviews. With different activities and exercises that go over common best practices and interview questions, Big Interview will leave you feeling confident going into your next interview. This is a FREE resource for all UO business students and allows you to watch powerful video tutorials, access thousands of interview questions, and video record your answers.
Appointments
In Person or Virtual
Mohr Career Services offers interview prep appointments. You can schedule an appointment to practice interviewing in a mock interview setting or strategize your preparation with an advisor.
Execute
- Practice, practice, practice! We can’t say it enough. In general, practicing and preparing are the two biggest indicators of success.
- Practice self-care. Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good meal before your interview. Nothing can throw you off your game like sleep deprivation or a rumbling stomach.
- Show up slightly early and be your best self with everyone you meet. Punctuality is a good indication of eagerness and reliability and always be courteous to everyone you interact with.
- Bring hard copies of your current resume, a notepad, and a pen. A notepad and pen allow you to take notes and reference questions you’d like to ask your interviewers.
- Dress for success. The general rule for interview attire is to dress one notch above the existing dress code of the company you are interviewing with. See our Dress For Success PDF in “Career Resources”.
Execute
- Listen. Match your interviewer’s style and pace by practicing active listening. From the start of the interview, the employer will be giving you information about the job, company, and culture.
- WHO. The WHO method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the What, How, and Outcomes of the story you are telling.
- Ask questions. Research the company and bring a prepared list of questions you would like to ask.
- Send a “thank you” note. Whether you write one by hand or email one, be sure to promptly send a brief note thanking the interviewer for their time and recapping why you feel you are a good fit.
