Career Services Office
Site Under Construction!
Interview Preparation
Master your interview skills and land your dream role
Types of Interviews You May Encounter
| Format | Description | Tips |
| Phone Interviews | Initial screening over a call | Focus on tone, avoid distractions |
| Video/One-Way Interviews | Record responses to set questions | Practice eye contact and timing |
| Live Virtual Interviews | Zoom or Teams with interviewer | Test tech in advance |
| In-Person Interviews | At company office or campus | Dress professionally, arrive early |
| Case Interviews | Solve business problems | Practice frameworks and logic |
| Panel Interviews | Multiple interviewers | Engage all, maintain eye contact |
| Technical Interviews | Code, solve problems live | Practice coding questions beforehand |
Tip: The more interviews you do, even mock ones, the more confident you'll become.
Before the Interview
1. Research the Role & Employer
Understand what the company does, its culture, recent news, and the specific job requirements. Use:
- Employer website and LinkedIn
- Alumni insights (reach out to alumni via LinkedIn or get support from a CSO staff in connecting with alumni mentors)
2. Know Your Resume
Be ready to explain anything you've written. Know your achievements, key projects, and stories that highlight your skills.
3. Prepare STAR Stories
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers for behavioral questions like:
"Tell me about a time you worked on a team."
Have 4–5 versatile stories ready (teamwork, leadership, failure, initiative, conflict).
AI as a Practice Partner
AI tools like ChatGPT can support you in preparing for your interview – use prompts listed here to learn possible interview questions you may get, practice and enhance your answers, and more.
Mock Interviews
CSO organizes mock interviews – conducted either by a trained staff member, alumni mentors or industry mentors. You can use these opportunities to:
Practice a simulated interview
Get an idea about possible questions you could be asked
Get detailed feedback on how you can enhance your interview skills.
During the Interview
- Greet confidently and be polite
- Listen carefully and pause before answering
- Use specific examples, not generic answers
- Show curiosity: ask insightful questions at the end (about team, growth, values)
- If you don't know something - stay calm and show how you'd approach it
Pro Tip: It's not just about giving the "right" answer - it's about showing your thought process and communication skills.
After the Interview
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours - it shows professionalism
- Reflect: What went well? What would you do differently?
- Reach out to CSO for a debrief or feedback support
Resources
Remember:
Interviewing is a skill - and like all skills, it improves with practice and feedback. Let's work together to help you walk in with confidence.
