Interview Preparation | Welcome to CSO

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.

Book a mock interview now

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