Interviewing
Center for Career and Experiential Education
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THINGS TO KNOW FOR BEST RESULTS
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THINGS TO KNOW FOR BEST RESULTS
THINGS TO KNOW FOR BEST RESULTS
Why interviews are conducted and the different types of interviews that you might experience.
Identifying jobs for which you are a good fit.�
How to research employers and jobs before you apply for positions and before you interview
How to successfully prepare for and complete an interview
How to appropriately follow-up after an interview
Introduction�---�The Basics of Interviewing�---�Types of Interviews
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Researching Employers and Jobs
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
The Basics of Interviewing
THE BASICS OF INTERVIEWING
Interviews involve a mutual exchange of information between the interviewer(s) and interviewee in which both parties are able to determine if the opportunity is a good fit for them.
Getting to the interview stage of a job search is often the result of a well-constructed resume and a skillful networking effort. Visit each of those modules if you’d like to learn more!
What is an interview?
THE BASICS OF INTERVIEWING
Why are interviews conducted?
The interview is a good chance for employers and potential candidates to learn more about each other. Here are some of the possible goals for each party during an interview:
Employer Goals
Is the candidate a “good fit” for the role (qualifications, experience, etc.)?
What are the candidate’s long-term and short-term professional goals?
To pitch the job and the organization to the candidate.
Candidate Goals
Is the role a “good fit” for them? (supervisor, co-workers, culture, growth opportunities, job responsibilities, etc.)
What will the day-to-day nature of the position be like?
THE BASICS OF INTERVIEWING
MYTH: There’s only one correct response.
Interviewing Myths and Truths
MYTH: You should keep all your answers short.
MYTH: The most qualified person gets the job.
TRUTH: You can find websites with common interview questions and “recommended” answers. Truthfully, if you parrot their answers, you'll just be another cookie-cutter candidate.
TRUTH: A clear cut answer is not always the shortest one. Be sure to show off your communication skills and experience, just make sure that everything you say is relevant to the employer and the questions being asked.
TRUTH: Most employers are willing to hire a candidate with fewer qualifications if he/she is a better fit with the company. Your personality needs to fit the company just as much as your experience.
Access the worksheet that accompanies this module by clicking the following link:� �Interviewing Worksheet
Complete Part 1 before moving on to the next part of this module.
Visit Your Worksheet
Have You Completed Part 1 of Your Worksheet?
Before moving on to the next slide, you should have completed Part 1 on the Interviewing worksheet.
Go back to the previous slide if you’d like more information about this step.
LESSON CHECK-IN
Types of Interviews
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
There are many types of interviews as well as interviewing techniques. You may experience one or more of the following types of interviews for a given application process.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
The purpose of the screening interview is to generally determine who you are as a person and whether you meet the basic requirements for the position. This interview can be conducted via in-person or virtually and typically lasts for 15-20 minutes. On the basis of the screening interviews, the company will decide who will be invited to an on-site interview or a second virtual interview.
Screening Interviews
PRO TIP: It is not appropriate to ask about salary or benefits during a screening interview.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Virtual Interview: Phone & Video
Due to convenience for the employer and interviewee, many organizations are choosing to conduct their screening and additional round of interviews via phone or video platforms like Zoom. These interviews could span from 20 minutes to 4 hours and include one or more types of interviews such as individual, group interviews, case studies or even a candidate presentation.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Phone and Video Interviews - Tips for Success
PRO TIP: Please remember that your CES is available to help you navigate any barriers that you may have with technology, location, etc. CCEE can help!
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Individual and Group interviews are usually conducted on-site but can also be virtual. You may even have both types of interviews on the same day.
Group interviews are very efficient from the employer’s perspective because it allows them to do many interviews all at once.
Individual and Group Interviews
PRO TIP: Interviews are typically one-hour to one full-day.
Plan accordingly and, if in doubt, ask about the scheduling when you are arranging the interview(s).
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Individual vs. Group
Individual
Group
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
In a panel interview, one candidate is questioned by several interviewers. A panel interview allows many stakeholders to have input on the candidate’s potential and qualifications.
Remember that in a panel interview you must connect with and engage every member of the panel. Be sure to direct your answers to the person who asked each question. Making eye contact with each panel member is valuable to engaging the experts on your talking points. This method allows you to engage everyone in the room by the end of the interview.
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Panel Interviews
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
In a serial interview, you will meet with several people sequentially throughout the day. You may be meeting with people of varying levels of responsibility including the hiring manager. The interview may include lunch depending on the interview site and time of day.
Serial interviews can last an entire day, sometimes you may be given the schedule in advance. In most cases, the hiring manager will discuss the length of the interview process before you arrive.
Serial Interviews
PRO TIP: Consider asking for business cards from each person you meet with. This will assist you when it comes time to write your thank you notes.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Sometimes the employer will take you to an interview lunch, especially when interviewing for sales or client-focused jobs. The purpose of this type of interview is to get to know you as an individual and, at the same time, they will also be evaluating your social skills and manners.
Lunch Interviews
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
There are times when an employer may use pre-recorded video interviews. In this format, the employer will give you instructions on how to join the interview.
Instead of being connected with a person, you’ll be prompted to answer interview questions that have been pre-recorded or appear in writing on the screen. You’ll record your answer to each question and the employer will review the recording later.
To practice a pre-recorded video, use HireVue’s free practice interview platform. It will allow you to get comfortable with the HireVue Platform and coding environment.
Pre-recorded Interviews
PRO TIP: There is often a time limit for your answers, and you may be given more than one chance to record each answer.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Some employers may want to further assess a candidate’s skills and approach to potential work situations that they may encounter in the job. In these interviews, you are given a situation where you must analyze the problem and then provide a solution within a given amount of time. Typically, interviewers will ask for this solution in written form ahead of time or present it to the employer.
Case Study Interviews
PRO TIP: Utilize Glassdoor to see if past candidates from that organization have revealed prior case study topics and any additional interviewing tips.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Candidate presentation interviews are another way to assess a candidate’s skill set and presentation style. This interview type requires you to prepare a presentation ahead of time revolved around a topic and present this presentation to a single interviewer or a group of interviewers. Candidates are typically asked to present for 15-30 minutes with time for Q&A.
Candidate Presentation Interviews
PRO TIP: When determining a format or style for your presentation, be sure to match the color scheme to the color scheme of the organization.
Access the worksheet that accompanies this module.
Complete Part 2 before moving on to the next part of this module.
Visit Your Worksheet
Researching Employers and Jobs
RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS AND JOBS
Why researching the company is important...
Researching the company and position you are interviewing for is one of the smartest things you can do to know (and show!) that you are a strong fit for the role you are interviewing for.
Researching can help you to:
PRO TIP: Imagine being on a first date when the other person only talks about themselves and never shows interest in you. Avoid this same behavior when in an interview.
RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS AND JOBS
Before Your Interview: Where to find company information
RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS AND JOBS
Most companies have published mission statements and values. These can give you a good idea of whether that company is a good fit you.
To find out whether the company where you will be interviewing has a published mission statement and/or values, Google your company adding either mission statement or values.
Mission and Values
"Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis."
Patagonia’s Mission:
“Innovation, Collaboration, Caring, Integrity, & Accountability”
CVS Values:
RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS AND JOBS
The web is a great source for information about companies. Knowing more about the organization might put you at a competitive advantage against other candidates. This shows how interested you are in the organization.
Start with a company’s home page and review both the “About Us” and/or “History” sections if available
Finding Other Information
Access the worksheet that accompanies this module.
Complete Part 3 before moving on to the next part of this module.
Visit Your Worksheet
Preparing for Questions
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - BE YOURSELF
You may be surprised to learn that some of the most common (and difficult) interview questions to answer are those about yourself. Therefore, you’ll want to think deeply about the questions below to provide genuine as opposed to generic responses.
Commonly Asked Questions: About You
Tell me about yourself.� Why should we hire you?� Why do you want to work for our company?� What are your strengths (and weaknesses)?� What are your career goals?
PRO TIP: Be sure your answers are clear, concise, and to the point. Give specific examples that reflect your strengths, knowledge, and experience.
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - BE YOURSELF
This is more of a personal question for you and depends on the employer, your level of comfortability, etc. If you have done your research on the organization and you believe that you are a good fit, you want to treat the interview as a chance to understand if the organization is a good fit for you. Before going to your interview, consider the following:
Can you be your full authentic self in an interview?
PRO TIP: Contact your CES to have a more in-depth conversation about authenticity in interviews.
How, when, or should I disclose that I have a disability?
Will it count against me in the hiring process?
Disclosing is a personal decision that only you can make. If you aren’t ready to disclose, you can provide a reason for certain behaviors without disclosing. For example, if you prefer not to make eye contact, you can inform the employer at the start of the interview that you process information better when not making eye contact.
However, it is your right to advocate for accessibility to the interview location. Ask about the physical location (i.e. asking about wheelchair ramps, flights of stairs, parking accommodations, etc.) so that you can easily attend your interview.
Students with Disabilities: Do You Disclose?
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - BE YOURSELF
PRO TIP: Contact your CES to have a more in-depth conversation about if you should disclose in an interview.
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How, when, or should I disclose my sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression?
Will it count against me in the hiring process?
Disclosing your sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression is always a personal decision and there is no right way to do it. There may be instances in which some of this information may be disclosed involuntarily during the job search process such as when a background check is performed or if social security documents are requested. Yet, how you approach your disclosure voluntarily may depend upon the circumstance and your level of personal comfort. You should also explore and engage with organizations that are LGBTQ+ inclusive as they can provide a safer environment to express yourself authentically. The Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index can be a helpful resource in learning about different companies' inclusion practices.
Source: https://career.berkeley.edu/Diversity/LGBTdisc
LGBTQ+ Students: Do You Disclose?
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - BE YOURSELF
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - BE YOURSELF
The résumé is your table of contents to your story. �The answer to the question “tell me about yourself” is your story. ��Review the video on this slide to learn more about answering the “tell me about yourself” question.
Tell me about your story
Credit: jobspeaker
PRO TIP: The key to this question is to not list off all of your experiences. You want to briefly mention a few but also provide some perspective about your personality. What is most important to you in relation to your professional goals?
Access the worksheet that accompanies this module.
Now that you understand the basics for answering “Tell me about yourself”, provide your unique response to the question on the accompanying worksheet.
Visit Your Worksheet
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS
These are the type of questions the employer/hiring manager will ask to help understand how the interviewee might do in future similar situations. The interviewee will prepare answers (“stories”) that highlight the different competencies and skill sets the employer is looking for. Behavior interview questions often start like:
Behavioral Interview Questions
Describe a situation when:
Give me an example of:
Tell me about a time when:
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
STAR Method: The STAR method is a strategy for answering Behavioral Interview Questions. It’s a useful guideline for staying on track and providing examples of prior related experience.
QUESTION: �Describe a time you completed a task under a tight deadline. Describe the situation, and explain how you handled it.
RESULT: Describe the outcome of your actions. �ex. “As a result, we were all able to complete the additional work, put the pieces together, and submit the final product.”
SITUATION: Describe the situation that you were in or the goal that you were working towards. �ex. “For one of my class projects, a group member left for vacation days before a big project was due.”
TASK: What is the task at hand?�ex. “Our group was tasked with having to take over his part of the work with only a few days to complete the project.”
ACTION: Describe the actions you took to accomplish the task. �ex. “I took initiative by delegating the remaining work of the group member to the rest of the group.”
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A
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PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Remember, your résumé is your story.
If it’s in the job description or on your résumé, there is a good chance that you will be asked about that content. Therefore, go through each of the documents and make sure you have a story for everything listed.
Utilize the STAR method as appropriate and infuse within your stories specific skills that you have developed.
Reviewing the Job Description & Your Résumé
S I T U A T I O N�
T A S K
A C T I O N
R E S U L T
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The website linked below contains a list of 100 questions commonly asked during an interview. Review some of the question and consider how the STAR method would help as a framework in constructing answers to them.
Commonly Asked Questions
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Additional Perspective on Commonly Asked Questions
Question: “What is one of your weaknesses?”
Answer Tips:
Answer Tips:
Question: “Why do you want this position?”
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK?
During your interview, you will have the opportunity to ask questions. It’s a great chance to show your interest and investment in what the company does in a specific way that may not have come up during the interview itself. This is also the time to learn about whether or not the company meets your personal and professional values and expectations. It’s best to keep the nature of these questions practical and positive.
Now it’s your turn!
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK?
Here are some examples of questions you could consider asking at the end of your interview:
“What are the next steps within the process?”�This shows interest and excitement in starting this new role
“What are the priorities over the next year for the company and for my group?”�This shows interest in the company
“What opportunities for personal and professional growth are there for the person hired into this role?”�This shows interest in learning and growing as an employee within the company
“What’s your favorite aspect of working here?”�This shows interest in learning about the interviewer
Now it’s your turn!
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK?
When is the right time to ask some of the questions you’ll want to know about, but cannot ask during the interview?
“What will my salary/pay be?” or “What benefits are included with the position?”�This is best asked after an offer is made. More information on this topic is available in the Salary Negotiation Module.
“How did I do?”�This is best asked in the way of gathering constructive feedback If you are not offered the position.
“What obstacles are often faced when working at this company?”�This is best asked if you have the opportunity to talk to a potential peer at the company in a one-on-one setting.
“ What diversity, equity and inclusion training is offered?”
This can be asked to help you determine the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Asking the tricky questions...
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - ILLEGAL QUESTIONS
One in five employers ask illegal interview questions unknowingly. At least one in three employers are unsure as to the legality of certain interview questions.
Did you know?
Illegal vs. Legal Phrasing
“What is your race or ethnicity?” vs. none - there is no legal version of this question.
“What is your sex, gender, or sexual orientation?” vs. none - there is no legal version of this question.
“How old are you?” vs. “Are you over 18?”
“Do you have any disabilities?” vs. “Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job?”
“Have you ever been arrested?” vs. “Have you ever been convicted of ______?”�
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - ILLEGAL QUESTIONS
How to Answer
Question: “Are you a U.S. citizen?”
Answer: I am authorized to work in the USA.
Question: “How old are you?”
Answer: I meet the age requirements of this job.
Question: “Do you have children?”
Answer: My personal life will not interfere with my professional life.
Question: “Are you married?”
Answer: Let’s get back to my qualifications.
Question: “Is English your first language?”
Answer: I am fluent in these languages: ________.
Question: “Have you ever been arrested?”
Answer: Nothing in my past will affect my performance of this job.
Question: “What religion do you practice?”
Answer: I can’t work on (relevant day/time.)
Question: “Do you have any disabilities?”
Answer: I can perform the required duties of this job without assistance.
Question: “What is your gender?”
Answer: My gender will not affect my ability to work.
PREPARING FOR QUESTIONS - ASKING FOR CLARIFICATION
Sometimes you may experience a question where you may not quite understand what is being asked from you. You may also have a moment where you “blanked out” while listening and don’t quite recall the question being asked. Here are some examples of how you can politely ask for the question to be repeated:
Would it be possible to reframe the question in another way so that I can better understand it?
I want to be able to best answer the question so could you just repeat the question for me?
What if you don’t understand the question?
Access the worksheet that accompanies this module by clicking the following link:� �Interviewing Worksheet
Complete Part 5 before moving on to the next part of this module.
Visit Your Worksheet
Logistics & Attire
Introduction (brief) – time to establish rapport
Interviewer asks questions (extensive)
Candidate asks questions (brief to moderate)
Closing with information about follow-up (brief)
The Interview Structure
Interviews can take a variety of forms depending on the type of job and organization you are applying for. The general outline for most interviews follow four basic stages:
LOGISTICS AND ATTIRE
PRO TIP: Remember that your interview starts the moment you walk in the building. All people in that building are associated with the company, this includes the maintenance, custodial, and reception staff. Be polite to everyone.
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Before Your Interview: Prepare Yourself
Here are some steps for success to think about before your interview:
LOGISTICS AND ATTIRE
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PRO TIP: Your identity is a strength, and often leads to skill building such as communication, appreciation of diversity, and leadership.
Accessibility: Technology & Quiet Space
LOGISTICS AND ATTIRE
If you do not have access to a reliable laptop/computer or quiet space on campus, URI offers a few options:
Technology
Space
Be warm and courteous to whomever you meet because your actions before and after the actual interview matter.
Keep your belongings organized and have a pen and notepad, as well as copies of your résumé and reference list within reach.
If you feel nervous, step into the bathroom or another private place to calm your nerves.
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At the Interview Site
LOGISTICS AND ATTIRE
When in doubt about what would be appropriate to wear for your interview consider the following:
General Attire Rules
LOGISTICS AND ATTIRE
PRO TIP: For most interviews, it is expected that you dress more formally than what you would normally wear to work at that job.
Visit the Career Closet!
LOGISTICS AND ATTIRE
URI's Career Closet is an office in Roosevelt Hall designed for advice and guidance on what to wear to interviews, networking events, and other professional occasions.
As part of the Center for Career & Experiential Education, we want to make sure our students are prepared for upcoming interviews, internships, and jobs, and we are here to help you with fashion and fit from head to toe. Our goal is to work with students to advance their appearance and confidence while finding professional attire on a budget.
Roosevelt Hall Room 122A Contact us: careercloset@uri.edu
Access the worksheet that accompanies this module by clicking the following link:� �Interviewing Worksheet
Complete Part 6 before moving on to the next part of this module.
Visit Your Worksheet
Interview Follow-Up
INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP
Following each interview, write a timely and thoughtful letter or email of appreciation.
Sending a Thank You Note
PRO TIP: Send a thank you even if you are no longer interested in the job. In many cases, your information will be retained for a future position or forwarded to another manager.
INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP
Sending a Thank You Note
Don’t forget to say “Thank you.”
Be enthusiastic, authentic, and mention specific details from the interview that heightened your interest in the position.
July 1st, 2023
Dear Ms. Gold,
Thank you again for meeting with me. It was such a pleasure to meet the group and I am even more excited at the possibility of becoming part of such a dedicated and energetic staff.
Based on my skills and experience in account support and administration, I believe I will be able to make an immediate and positive impact in the Associate Account Manager position.
I look forward to hearing from you regarding your decision.
Sincerely,
Sara Singer
PRO TIP: Be sure to send your thank you note immediately after the interview. It is suggested to do so no later than 48 hours after the interview.
INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP
Keep in mind that hiring is often not the interviewer’s full time job. Interviewers will need time to process through applications, work with human resources, and meet with colleagues to make a decision that best meets their company’s needs.
If your employer gave you an estimated timeframe, your best move is to respect it and resist the urge to follow up until after that date has passed.
Be patient
INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP
If it is past the timeframe that you have been given, then, it is appropriate to follow up. A strong follow-up email is thoughtful, succinct, and underscores the following:
Even though your interview is completed, every communication says something about you to the interviewer. In all correspondence, use a professional tone similar to the example on the next slide.
Haven’t Heard Back from your Interviewer?
PRO TIP: The tone you hear in your head when you write an email may differ from the tone the email conveys to the reader. Read your email aloud to yourself to try to catch phrasing that may sound negative or inconsiderate.
INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you again for meeting with me last week! Speaking with you about the responsibilities of the role and the company’s culture confirmed what a great fit this position would be for me.
I’m following up about the status of my application. If there’s any more information that you need from me in order to make your decision, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Your Name
Subject Line: Interview Follow Up
Email Text:
Access the worksheet that accompanies this module by clicking the following link:� �Interviewing Worksheet
Complete Part 7 before moving on to the next part of this module.
Visit Your Worksheet
Review
REVIEW
“What can I do with my completed worksheet?”
Congrats! All the hard work is done :)
You’ve finished the Interviewing module.�
We hope this information was helpful on your journey to set and achieve your college and career goals!
If you’re interested in exploring the other modules in this series, please visit the CCEE Professional Development Module home page.
END OF MODULE