Job Interview Prep Guide

Overview

Congratulations! Landing an interview is a significant accomplishment, so take a moment to celebrate before you prepare.

This guide provides resources to help build your skills and confidence. You may also schedule a time to meet with a career advisor (through Handshake) to practice interviewing.

UMass students and alums also get FREE access to Big Interview, a training system that helps prepare you for a job interview and build your confidence.

Purpose of Interviewing

An interview is a conversation to determine mutual fit for a position. It’s your opportunity to share your story, make a personal connection with the employer, and show why you'd be perfect for the job. 

What are interviewers looking for?

An employer's main goal is to determine if you are the best fit for the job description they created. They are listening to find out:

• How the skills and qualities needed for the role directly match your experience, abilities, and personality.
• Whether you can express yourself clearly and comfortably.
• That you can handle potentially stressful situations (like an interview) with poise.