Job interview tips

Interviews can take on several formats in addition to the traditional, in-person interview. For example, you may have to interview over the phone or online instead. Some companies may also conduct group interviews that include other job candidates to either save time or to see how well you interact with others.

When you interview for a job, there’s more to it than answering questions during the interview itself. To stand out from other applicants, you’ll want to take several steps before, during, and after the interview.

Before the interview

• Review the job description and the company website for the company’s mission, vision, values, goals, etc.; create questions pertaining to the position. Prepare two to four questions.
• Track the date and time of scheduled interviews with potential employers.
• Touch base with references about a possible contact from the company or organization. Consider sending them a copy of the job description and letting them know why you are interested in this position.
• Determine how long it will take you to get to your interview location and ensure you reserve enough time beforehand to travel.

During the interview

• Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early.
• Maintain eye contact with a relaxed smile, and use specific examples and experiences to answer questions.
• Take notes, including the names of those who interview you.
• Be sure to ask the questions you prepared.
• Thank the interviewer(s), and ask about the timeline for filling the position.

After the interview

• Send a thank you email or letter to the employer as soon as possible.
• Follow up according to the timeline mentioned during the interview.
• Keep searching, applying, and interviewing for other opportunities.
• Reflect on answers you provided during the interview and keep practicing using different questions.

Many interviews begin with some version of this prompt, “Tell me about yourself.” You can practice responding to this question before the interview so you're ready to talk about yourself in a polished, concise way. One easy way to structure this response is by talking about your past, present, and future in about 60 seconds. 

In your response, reflect on: 

• What interested in the job for which you applied and why you’re excited about it 
• What experiences you’ve had in that line of work 
• What you currently do related to that work 
• What your professional and educational goals are 
• How the job for which you applied align with your goals 

Examples of other types of questions you may run into during the interview are below. When you answer, remember the STAR method: 

• Situation: Define the situation you will use as your example. 
• Task: Outline the task that was involved in the example. 
• Action: Detail the action you chose to take. 
• Result: Describe the result of this example. 

Practice your answers to these questions so that you can speak naturally and confidently during your interview. 

Keep these tips in mind as you get dressed and ready for your interview. 

• Keep jewelry to a minimum, and in most cases, cover tattoos. 
• Fingernails and hands should be clean. 
• Wear little to no perfume, aftershave, or cologne. 
• Assess the level of business attire required so you can avoid being overdressed or underdressed. 
• Wear clean clothes and shoes. Make sure clothing is wrinkle-free. Suits, jackets, slacks, shirts, blouses, and professional dresses are encouraged. 

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