How to Prepare for an Interview
Preparing for an interview helps you feel confident, stand out to employers, and leave a strong impression. This guide offers general interview tips and online tools. If you want extra help or would like to practice with a mock interview, schedule a meeting with a career advisor on Handshake.
Interview Prep: How to Set Yourself Up for Success
Articulate your skills, interests, and values.
- What experiences (classes, jobs, internships, leadership, or volunteer work) show your strengths?
- When have you faced a challenge, and how did you grow from it?
- Why are you interested in this role, organization, or career field?
- What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?
- What are your long‑term goals?
Research the company by visiting their website or LinkedIn profile and be knowledgeable on industry trends.
- Know the typical salary range for the role
- Learn about current trends in the field
- Review the organization’s mission, values, and goals
- Understand who their customers, clients, or competitors ar.
- Get familiar with how the organization is structured and what matters to them
The STAR Method
Answer questions using the STAR Method to show your skills through real examples, making it easier for employers to understand your impact.
| S: Situation | Describe the situation you were in | |
| T: Task | Describe the specific task or event associated with the situation | Examples to highlight: challenges, constraints, deadlines |
| A: Action | Describe the action you took | Examples to highlight: teamwork, leadership, initiative, integrity |
| R: Result | Describe the outcome and the impact your work had | Examples to highlight: Achievements, improvements, cost savings |
Practice will help you feel more confident.
- Schedule a mock interview with a career advisor on Handshake
- Review the job description and anticipate possible questions
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask
How to Prepare on the Interview Day
- Show up 10 minutes early to the interview
- For virtual interviews:
- Log in 5–10 minutes early so you have time to troubleshoot any technical issues.
- Test your internet, camera, microphone, and platform ahead of time
- Choose a quiet space with good lighting, and have your resume and notes nearby for reference
- Dress for the organization’s culture
- Look at the company’s website, social media, or employee photos to gauge their typical dress code
- Answer the question being asked without rambling.
- Listen, pause to think, ask clarifying questions if necessary
- Use specific examples, ideally following the S.T.A.R. method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Always ask questions, even if it’s just to learn more about the role or the interviewer.
- Be authentic—let them see who you are and what you bring.
- Send a thank‑you email within 24 hours of the interview
- Thank the interviewee for their time and consideration
- Mention a specific moment from the conversation to make it memorable
