Job Interview Preparation

Overview

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

This page 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.

Interview Steps

Before the Interview

  • Prepare: Research and learn about the job field, the organization, and review the job description thoroughly. Anything in the job description or your application materials are fair game for interview questions.
  • Practice: Write out answers to common questions and rehearse by yourself, with friends, or with an HFA career advisor. Be ready for the most common opening question, "So tell me about yourself."
  • Select what you plan to wear: Find out what the everyday dress at that workplace is beforehand. Select an outfit that works for that company, while also making you feel comfortable and confident. 

Day of the Interview

  • What to bring: Have a copy of your resume, a list of your references, and a list of questions for the employers. 
    • Place all of your documents and a pen in a portfolio or folder. Put your cell phone on Do Not Disturb before you enter the interview room.
  • Arrive early: Arrive 5-15 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. Know the directions to the interview location and plan your commute with time to spare. 
    • It sometimes helps to drive the route before the day of your interview to make sure you know where you are going. 
    • Call to reschedule if you have an emergency or get sick. 
  • If the interview is via Zoom: Make sure you have a quiet space for your meeting and a solid internet connection. Choose a neutral background and make sure your camera view does not include any items you’d prefer to stay hidden.
    • Consider placing a do not disturb sign on your door, and make sure you are completely ready 10 minutes before the interview is supposed to start. Log in no more than 1 minute early (sometimes employers are using the room for another meeting).

After the Interview

Send a thank you email within 24 hours of your interview. This can set you apart from equally qualified candidates.

  • Be brief. A few paragraphs at most.
  • Use formal language. Avoid slang or casual phrases.
  • Be error-free and watch out for grammar and spelling, especially people’s names and titles.
  • Customize your email to the interview(er) and reference something from your conversation that was particularly helpful, meaningful, or interesting. 
    • You can also use the email as an opportunity to add anything you missed during the interview, such as an important skill or quality you forgot to mention.

Answering Questions

In an interview you are asked to share details of your experiences on the premise that past behavior (performance) predicts future behavior (performance). Past examples may come from work experience, internships, academic experiences, co-curricular activities or volunteer work. Remember to remain positive. 

Employers want to learn not only about your skills, but also your personality, so it is important to keep your responses, and the interview in general, upbeat. Interviewers will take note of enthusiasm and motivation.

Open-Ended Questions

These questions invite you to answer with more detail than a simple “yes” or “no.” Most interviews will always include three specific questions; these are the most important. 

  • Tell me (us) about yourself.
  • Why are you interested in this position?
  • How do you see yourself adding value here? or What makes you uniquely qualified for this role?
  • What interests you about this company/organization? 
  • Walk me through your resume.
  • Describe a relevant accomplishment of which you are proud.
  • What is your greatest strength?
  • What do you consider to be your greatest weakness? (Trick question! See below)
  • Describe the worst boss you’ve ever had/a difficult co-worker. (Trick question! See below)
  • What type of work environment do you prefer?
  • How do you handle stress/pressure at work? or What do you do to relax? or What do you like to do outside of work?
  • What are your immediate and long-range career goals?
  • What do you see yourself doing five/ten years from now?
  • What salary are you seeking? or What is your desired salary? (Trick question!)

The interview will always end with:

  • What questions do you have for me? (See: Questions for the Employer)

Trick Questions

When an employer asks about difficult bosses/co-workers or your greatest weakness, do not bad-mouth anyone! They are not seeking dirt but instead want to know how you overcome challenging situations and handle adversity. 

You want to be honest but also include how you addressed the situation positively. For example:

  • How did you deal with a difficult boss? 
    • I was having a lot of friction with one of my bosses, who sometimes felt like I prioritized tasks in a way different from how she would tackle them. I asked for weekly meetings to gain additional clarity on her expectations. With this additional communication we worked together much better, and I had more insight as to how to best organize my time.
  • What is your greatest weakness? 
    • My greatest weakness used to be oversleeping, but I knew this was something I needed to address. To make sure I was up with enough time to get ready, I started setting 3 alarms, I’m now always on time!  

Because these types of questions can be tricky, it’s helpful to prepare ahead of time so that you have an authentic but solution-oriented answer ready.

Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions usually begin in one of two ways: “Tell us about a time when…” or “Give us an example of…” 

They are designed to help the employer predict future behavior by asking for a story from your past work experiences. Examples might look like this: 

  • Tell me about a time when you…
    • took a leadership role on a project.
    • had to deal with a difficult customer.
    • had to solve a complex problem for a client.
    • decided to take initiative.
    • tried something and failed.

The best way to answer behavioral questions is using STAR technique, because it can help you highlight the important parts of your story while staying focused. STAR is an acronym that helps you remember the steps:

  • Situation = the job or role you were in when this story took place
  • Task(s) = the challenge or problem you faced
  • Action(s) = what you did to address / solve the issue
  • Result(s) = how it benefited those involved

STAR Example

Question: Tell me about a time you initiated a project. 

Answer: (S) I was a teaching assistant for a writing course,and was responsible for tutoring writing sections and grading. 

(T) I noticed students were needing assistance for similar types of basic questions about assignments, readings and group projects.

(A) After sharing my thoughts with the professor, I developed a guide of frequently asked questions, tips for group assignments and examples of learning goals. I distributed this guide to both the professor and students, and together we informed students that if they needed additional assistance we could speak further during office hours.

(R) As a result, the professor and I experienced a decrease in student inquiries about these common issues, which enabled us to focus on more in-depth conversations with students about course materials. Students also expressed an appreciation for this information and the professor now uses this guide with each section.

Remember: 

  • While answering questions, give details and relay short stories—don’t monologue! 
    • Listen carefully to what was asked and ask for clarification if needed. 
  • Take your time and don’t go on tangents (which is easy to do when nervous). 
    • If you feel this happening, stop speaking and gather your thoughts before starting again. 
    • Remember to breathe. 
  • Most of all, be yourself! 
    • An interviewer’s most common reason for hiring someone is usually: “I liked him/her/them.” 

Questions for the Employer

At the end of your interview, the interviewer will usually ask if you have any questions for them. Prepare a list of three to five questions and refer to your notes during the interview if needed.

Sample Questions to Ask

  • What are the qualifications of individuals who have excelled in this position or a similar position?
  • What type of person are you seeking for this position?
  • Is there a structured training program for new employees?
  • What would a normal working day look like?
  • How would you describe your company culture?
  • Would I be supervised closely, or expected to work independently?
  • What will be the measurements of my success in this position?
  • Does the company provide any professional development or educational benefits?
  • What do you like most about working here?

Questions Not to Ask

  • What are the salary and benefits for this job? 
    • Wait until you have received a job offer to discuss this.
  • What does this company do? 
    • Know this ahead of time!
  • I have a vacation planned, is the schedule flexible? 
    • Wait until you have received the offer to negotiate or discuss conflicts.
  • Did I get the job? 
    • Don’t be impatient. They’ll let you know.
  • You can ask: What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Handling Inappropriate Questions

Questions regarding your marital status, age, race, religion, children, and sexual orientation can be illegal. Handling these questions can pose a personal dilemma as you decide how to respond.

If you feel uncomfortable about a question, ask yourself the following:

  • Does it seem the interviewer realizes that this question is inappropriate?
  • Do I really want to work for an organization that asks inappropriate questions?
  • How badly do I want this job?
  • What do they really want to know? (It could be about your availability, commitment, or ability to be consistent.)

Based on your assessment of the intentions of the interviewer, you may wish to:

  • Ask politely what relevance the question has to the position. 
  • Answer the question with or without regret. (It is not illegal for you to answer an illegal question.)
  • Answer what you think is the intent of the question. For example:
    • Do you plan to have kids in the future?
    • My priority right now is finding a job that is a good fit where I can grow professionally.
  • Refuse to answer the question.
  • End the interview.

Keep in mind, the way you handle this situation says a lot about your professionalism and maturity. Avoid being rude and argumentative while remaining positive, polite, and assertive.

What to Say if Salary is Brought up During an Interview

The appropriate time to discuss salary is after an offer has been made, but sometimes the question gets asked early on, as a request for salary history or as your desired salary for the position.

In many states (including Massachusetts) it is illegal for employers to ask your salary history, but it is not illegal for employers to ask the salary you are looking for.

Ways to Handle This Question

It is best to hold off these discussions as long as possible so that your relevant skills, experiences, and credentials are very clear to the employer.

If an employer will not move off the question, we recommend you give a salary range, not specifics.

The bottom of the range should be a figure you would be willing to accept and acts as a placeholder until you enter into real negotiations when a solid offer is made.

Some ways to say it:

  • “I would be happy to discuss the issue of salary as we get further along in our conversations about this opportunity. Right now I want to be sure that I am the right person for your organization.”
  • “My salary requirements are negotiable and depend upon benefits as well as the responsibilities agreed upon at the time of a job offer.”
  • “I assume a range has been set for this position, and I wonder what the organization has in mind?”

After the Interview

A follow-up email to thank the interviewer can set candidates with equal qualifications apart because one seems more invested or enthusiastic (the one who sends the note!).

Send a thank you email within 24 hours of your interview. This is a critical opportunity to restate your interest and qualifications that set you apart from other candidates.

  • Be brief. A few paragraphs at most. Use formal language. Avoid slang or casual phrases.

  • Customize your email to the interview(er) and reference something from your conversation that was particularly helpful, meaningful, or interesting. 

    • You can also use the email as an opportunity to add anything you missed during the interview, such as an important skill or quality you forgot to mention.

  • Be error-free and watch out for grammar and spelling, especially people’s names and titles.

Manners and Etiquette

Interviewers will typically expect professional behavior, but that can look different to everyone. The best general rules to follow are: 

  • Put your cell phone on silent (and no vibration), and put it away before starting the interview.
  • Listen carefully to each question before giving your answer. It is okay to take your time answering questions and/or asking for clarification if you need to.
  • Try to stay engaged in the interview. 
    • Listen actively, respond with facial expressions or body language, and convey your interest.
    • Let the interviewer finish speaking before responding.
  • Have a water bottle on hand, if you would like one.

For In-Person Interviews

  • Be friendly to everyone you meet! Receptionists are often asked for their impression of you.
  • If possible, stand when people come into the room or are being introduced to you.
    • The people you meet will likely want to shake hands.
  • If your interview includes a meal, read up on table etiquette before you go.
    • Remember that this is not about food—you are still being interviewed. 
    • Order from the mid-price range on the menu, something easy to eat and not messy. 
    • Do not order alcohol. Do not speak with your mouth full. 
    • The person inviting you is expected to pay. Remember to thank them.
  • Body language should convey you are actively engaged in the conversation. This can look like:
    • Eye contact
    • Leaning forward
    • Nodding while the interviewer shares something interesting
    • Smiling
  • If there’s more than one interviewer, try to give all of them your attention or shift from person to person as you answer.

For Other Interview Formats

Phone Interviews

  • Phone interviews are often the first interaction you might have with an employer. It is therefore important to make sure that your voicemail is appropriate, professional, and not full.
  • Make sure your cellphone is charged and you are in a quiet area with no background noise.
  • Treat the phone interview as you would an in-person interview.
  • Some people find it helpful to be in front of a mirror and smile while speaking as this can influence the tone of your voice.
  • Have your resume and the job ad in front of you for reference.
  • Make sure you send a thank you (by email) afterwards.

Zoom Interviews

  • Treat a Zoom interview as an in-person interview.
  • Dress up (your bottom half, too) and have your resume, questions for the employer, and job announcement in front of you.
  • Make sure your computer or tablet is charged or plugged in, and that the background is bland, blank, blurred, or a chosen background.
  • Be sure you will not be disturbed during the interview by family, roommates, or pets.
  • Always send a thank you (by email) afterwards.

Interviews with AI or Chatbots

  • More companies are using AI or chatbots for interviews.This requires the same level of preparation, just a different focus. Whether you’re talking to a human or a robot, the goal is always to emphasize the stellar skills and experiences that got you the interview in the first place.
  • You might face a pre-recorded person, a blank screen, a video screen of your own image mirrored back to you, or the digital representation of a human being.
  • These interviews can include three to five questions with 30 seconds to prepare a response and up to two minutes to answer. The program might stop recording as soon as those two minutes are up. 
  • You may have an opportunity to practice the video format in a tutorial prior to starting the interview. If so, practice!

Strategies to help you stand out in any video interview:

  • Practice preparing prior to your interview. Understand the technology.
  • Pay attention to lighting and background. Use a well-lit, quiet, professional office setting.
  • Be concise, yet specific. The rule of three works well in short video interviews where a company will give you two minutes for each answer. The human mind is only capable of recalling three to five main points in short-term (working) memory. Give them three reasons to hire you, or three ways your skills will help the company make money, or three highlights from your resume, or a combination—but stick to a total of three.
  • Act natural.
  • If possible, try to make eye contact with the camera, but don’t be afraid to look away from time to time as you would in a natural conversation.
  • Try to act engaged and interested.
  • Don’t phone it in. This is your chance to secure a face-to-face interview with a real human as a next step!

Tip to remember: You don’t need to worry about building a rapport with the interview bot, however, you will be recorded. Employers may evaluate your body language and speaking skills. Try to maintain good posture, a confident tone, and eye contact. And remember that cameras can see up to 250 micro-expressions and movements that a human interviewer might miss (so be aware of your expressions).

Resources for Learning More

Practice Sessions

Schedule a practice session with us by choosing an appointment time in Handshake.