So, you’ve just graduated … now what? Getting into the workforce, whether you’re interviewing for your first job or your third promotion, can be very nerve-wracking. You may be very anxious to interview, and that feeling is completely normal. This blog will help calm those pre-interview jitters with helpful tips and tricks from Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Career Development Center (CDC).
Applying
The first step to getting an interview is to apply! You will first need to create a resume, listing out your relevant work experience, research, accomplishments, and recognitions you received during your study. You will also need to make a cover letter, which you should change to meet the requirements of the job.
*Tip: when writing your job functions, try to use quantitative data and get specific. You should also try and write things that only you could have done. For example, instead of “Managed social media profiles,” you could say, “Managed and grew Instagram account 15% in a 6-month time frame with targeted social media campaigns.”
Communication Etiquette
The timing of communication between you and a prospective company can vary. You may get frustrated by this, and you will most likely need to apply to dozens before hearing any communication. Don’t get discouraged, this can be one of the most difficult parts.
Check your email and spam/junk inbox daily to make sure you don’t miss any communications. When you get a response, it is important to respond in a timely manner. Don’t forget to review your response for grammar and be professional in tone.
Here’s an example response:
“Hello X, we have reviewed your application and would like to schedule you for a phone interview. Please respond with your availability so we can schedule a call. Thank you, Human Resources”
Your response might look like,
“Hello, Human Resources! Thank you so much for reaching out, I’m very excited about this opportunity. I would be happy to schedule a call with you, and I am available any time after 2:00pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Let me know what time works for you. Sincerely, X”
Note in the response how we acknowledge the person reaching out directly, express interest in the role, and include all details that were specifically asked. The tone of the email is friendly, eager, and professional. The first interview will likely be what is referred to as a “phone interview.”
Phone Interviews
Phone interviews are typically short in nature and very transactional. They tend to be conducted by a human resource member or someone on the lower end of the management chain. Likely, the person who does this type of interview will most likely not be making the final decision. The person who conducts this interview may tell you about the role and ask some questions about your background, to see if you would be interested in moving forward. This is your opportunity to ask about the hiring process and timeline in return. You can also get more information about the role and organization to see if it is a good fit for you.
After this, if the person on the other end deems that you are a good candidate, you will be asked to schedule another interview. This interview may be with your potential supervisor, team, or department. So, you should really be prepared!
Before the Interview- Practice!
You should be well-versed in the industry, company, and job description before your interview, so be sure to do your homework. Go through your resume and highlight specific responsibilities and past work history that relates closely to the job. Look through the company website and social media to get a feel for the organization and its mission statement. Doing so will help you stand out as an applicant and ask insightful questions.
*Tip: ChatGPT can be a useful tool to practice your interviewing skills! Copy the job description into ChatGPT with the prompt: Help me practice interviewing for this position with sample questions, one at a time. Chat GPT will give you questions that you can practice answering. Ask for feedback and suggestions for improvement or tips on how to answer the question. This is a great way to practice and anticipate questions they might ask in the interview!
Zoom/ Online Interview Etiquette
You may have some form of interview in a virtual setting. If this is your first one, don’t worry! Here’s some guidelines to help you navigate your first Zoom interview.
First, choose a location with good lighting that is also quiet. You will want your background to be free of distractions, and with a minimal (or blurred) background so the interviewers can focus on you. Make sure your computer is charged or plugged in, so it doesn’t run out of battery mid-interview. Prop up your laptop so that it is a little higher than usual, to get a good, clear view of your face. Zoom may allow you to preview your video and audio beforehand, so you can get the angle just right!
Log into the video 5-10 minutes early, if possible. That way you can troubleshoot any issues with your computer and get the room set up if needed.
As people come into the virtual meeting, smile and acknowledge them politely, introducing yourself if applicable. Take a deep breath and remember, job interviews are intimidating for everyone!
Types of Interview Questions
You should be prepared to answer several types of interview questions. Below are some of the most common types of interview questions you may encounter:
Behavioral Interview Questions
Behavioral questions aim to get a sense of how you might act in various scenarios. For instance, you might be asked, “Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker.” Remember, these questions are your chance to showcase your past experiences and how you handled them like a pro.
Communication Interview Questions
Communication questions delve into how well you convey ideas and interact with others. You could be asked something like, “Describe a situation where you had to explain a complex concept to someone with little knowledge in the subject.” It’s your opportunity to highlight your communication skills and how effectively you can get your point across.
Opinion Interview Questions
Opinion questions seek to understand your perspectives on various topics related to the job or industry. For instance, you might be asked, “What’s your take on the recent changes in industry regulations?” Remember to back up your opinions with relevant insights or experiences.
Performance-Based Interview Questions
Performance-based questions aim to gauge how you handle specific tasks or challenges. For example, you might be asked, “Describe a project where you had to meet tight deadlines.” Be ready to showcase your abilities and achievements in action.
Knowledge-Based Interview Questions
Knowledge-based questions aim to gauge your level of understanding of industry knowledge. Some examples include, “What tools would you use to solve x problem?” “Guide me through your process to analyze a report.” “Here is the data from one of our experiments. What do you make of it?” Here, you will rely on the skills and knowledge you gained during your studies. Do your best and ask clarifying questions if needed.
Brainteaser Interview Questions
Brainteaser questions look for creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Examples include, “How many gold balls can fit in an airplane?” “How many gas stations are there in Japan?” “How would you weigh a giraffe without a scale?”. Take your time to answer these- give some thought to them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to answering these tough questions.
During the Interview- How to Answer Questions using the STAR method
When it comes to tackling interview questions, think of it more as sharing a story rather than searching for a right or wrong answer. You want to give the interviewer a full picture, so dive into the details!
One approach to nailing those behavioral questions is the STAR Method. It’s like your interview toolkit. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Here’s how it works: you set the stage by describing the situation or task, explain what you needed to do, outline the actions you took, and wrap it up with the results you achieved.
These types of questions usually start with prompts like “Tell me about a time when…” or “Describe a situation where you…” It’s your chance to shine by showing how your past experiences or skills are perfect for the job you’re aiming for. So, think of it as time to tell a story and let your experiences do the talking! View this helpful guide about the STAR method from the WPI CDC.
“Do you have any questions?”
You should always have some questions prepared for the interview. This is your opportunity to get more information about the job and company from people who are actively in it. Remember, Interviewing is a two-way street. Not only are they interviewing you for the job, but it’s your turn to interview them to see if they are a good fit for you. Ask very insightful questions, and steer clear of any that can easily be answered with a quick Google search.
Some examples include:
- “I recently read about x industry change. How to you think that will affect the way research/work is done here?”
- “I’m curious about what your/the company’s opinion on x (industry/ scientific/ research theory).
- “What would make someone successful in this role?”
- “What does a typical schedule look like for someone in this position?”
- “I noticed the job description mentioned x, can you tell me how that shows up in this role?”
After the Interview
It is considered polite to send a follow-up email after your response to thank the interviewers for their time. You should be brief in your email, but once again, polite and express your interest. Something like,
“Hello Interviewer Name,
Hope you are having a great day! I just wanted to say thank you so much for your time this afternoon. I am very excited about the role and am looking forward to the next steps. Please let me know if you need anything from me.
Sincerely, Your Name”
If after the interview you find that you are no longer interested in the role and would like to withdraw your candidacy, you should still send a polite follow-up. Don’t ghost the company if you want to apply for a different role at that company again. In that case, your follow-up email could look something like,
“Hello Interviewer Name,
Hope you are doing well. I just wanted to say thank you so much for your time this afternoon. Upon further reflection, I am not sure that this is the role for me. I sincerely appreciate you [and the team] taking the time to speak with me. Regrettably, I would like to withdraw my application at this time. I wish you and the company the best of luck in your candidate search. Thank you and have a great day.
Sincerely, Your Name”
Note how the response is still courteous. It acknowledges and thanks the interviewer for their time, while still having a positive and professional. It’s okay to drop out if you don’t want the job, but it’s also okay to go through the process and practice your interviewing skills. Either way, it’s up to you! For more information on following up, view the WPI CDC resource guide.
Hopefully, you found some of these tips useful! Interviews are difficult for everyone, and the job market is constantly fluctuating. If you’re not hearing back, just keep your head up and try to apply for a couple of jobs a day if you can, email for 1-2. The right job will work out for you eventually! As you continue to carve out your career path, consider leveraging the resources and opportunities available through WPI’s CDC to further enhance your expertise and marketability. Keep your chin up, stay determined, and rest assured that the perfect opportunity is on the horizon!