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Interviews

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When INTERVIEWING, consider how to best prepare for before, during, and after the interview. You will be asked a variety of different questions and go through different processes depending on the position, employer, and industry you applied to. Be prepared, but be ready to improvise in the moment.

Types of Interviews

  • Academic: An academic interview is an opportunity to highlight your scholarship, research prowess, and cultural "fit' with potential colleagues at other institutions

  • Behavioral: Also called "Critical Thinking Interviews" focused on questions about how you make decisions

  • Case: Standard method used for consulting positions in industry and some non-profit organizations. Special type of interview where the applicant is provided a challenge, problem, or question and asked to solve the situation

  • Informational: Conducted by connecting with someone based on your interest in a particular career field, occupation, employer, or organization

  • Technical: For many specialized positions, employers will want to ensure that you have the requisite skill set and may require a demonstration of your abilities

Before the Interview 

Practice:
  • Employer Websites and Industries: Check to see if the employer you are interviewing with offers tips and information on their site (ex. Amazon and Google) or if there are industry-specific resources (ex. Consulting)
  • ♣ Big Interview: A free online training system that uses theory and practice to improve interview techniques and build professional confidence
    • Conduct virtual mock interviews focused on particular positions, industries and competencies
    • Access a database of common interview questions with advice on how to answer them
    • Use the Answer Builder to craft answers to behavioral questions
    • View an online training curriculum regarding your strategic job search
  • Example Questions: Review and practice answering questions through different types of resources based on your unique situation:
  • How to Make a Good Impression in a Virtual Job Interview (Handshake Article)
  • Preparing Notes: KWL Chart
Interviewing Portfolio:

Bring along a padfolio and the following information:

  • Copies of your CV or resume
  • Application materials and job announcement
  • Reference List
  • Notes about your interviewers (who they are, what they do)
  • A list of questions to ask the about the position, the team and anything else you'd like to know
Attire:
  • Dress for Success: Your primary goal in dressing for an interview is to feel good about the way you look while projecting an image that matches the requirements of the position and company. To learn more, check out our Pinterest Boards "Professional Dress for Men" and "Professional Attire for Women."

During the Interview

Professional Poise and Etiquette:
  • Arrive at least 10 minutes early for your interview
  • Make eye contact with people you meet and have a firm handshake
  • Make polite conversation/chit chat at the beginning of the interview
  • Don’t apologize for your background or lack of experience
  • Be yourself but always stress the positive
  • Don’t assume the employer or hiring committee has read your CV or resume
Answering Questions:

A variety of questions are often used to determine if you can provide evidence of your experiences, skills, knowledge, and interest in the position and employer. These tend to come in the form of "behavior-based" questions that attempt to evaluate how you have applied knowledge and skills

  • Types of Questions: Vary based on industry, employer, and position
    • Character (ex. overall fit) - "Tell us about yourself" ; "Why are you interested in the position? The best fit?"
    • Communication (ex. transferrable skills) - "Tell me about a time when you.....?"
    • Content Knowledge (ex. technical expertise) - "How have you used ....?" ; "What is your experience using....?"
  • Responses: 
    • STAR Method - Situation, Task, Action, Result (Additional: BAR Method - Background, Action, Result)
    • Ex. "When I was a graduate teaching assistant at Notre Dame last fall, I developed an experiential learning opportunity for students in a first year experience class along with the Center for Social Concerns. The project focused on supporting the homeless population in the South Bend area by volunteering with the local homeless shelter through activities focused on continuing education and work placement. Students exceeded expectations by becoming involved beyond the two event requirement. Several stayed on as volunteers after the course because of the impact it had on their lives."
Asking Questions:

Questions to ask in a job interview

After the Interview

Thank You Notes: 

Messages can be emailed or handwritten. Determine your approach based on the employer, position, and those you met during the interview

Process and Next Steps:
  • Make sure you are clear on the selection process and next steps. Also, make sure to leave the interview knowing how to best follow-up with any questions