Interviewing

What is an interview?

An interview is an opportunity for you and a potential employer to learn more about each other by discussing your interest in the position, and your education, skills, and experiences.

Interview formats

The most common interview formats are phone, video, and in-person. While more employers are incorporating tests and simulation activities during the interview process, the most common way for employers to determine your skills/qualifications is to ask you questions, particularly behavior-based interview questions.

Visit our career-specific pages for details on technical interviews and case interviews in consulting.

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Reserve an Interview Room

Did you land a virtual interview, but need a quiet space to take it? Reserve a private room at UCS for a virtual interview with any employer for up to two hours.

5 steps for a successful interview

1. Prepare what you want to communicate
  • Review the organization’s website to learn about its mission, primary clients, major services/projects, and recent news
  • Review your resume and the qualifications for the position and be prepared to provide examples from your coursework, previous work experience, volunteering, and activities that demonstrate you can do the job or internship
  • Use the STAR technique to prepare your answers for behavior-based questions
  • Download our Interview Prep Checklist to prepare for different interview formats
2. Practice answers to common questions

Use InterviewPrep, an online interview tool, to rehearse your answers to commonly asked interview questions and practice your interview skills anytime.

3. Develop questions to ask the employer

Throughout the interview process you may interact with multiple people such as recruiters, hiring managers, or a search committee panel. Asking questions is the best way to get more details and insight into the role, find out what your boss will expect of you, and learn about the culture of the organization. Download this chart for a few examples of the types of questions you might want to ask on each of these situations.

4. Dress appropriately

Traditional interview-wear is a suit or business attire. What is appropriate for your interview will depend on the industry, organization, and role. While interviews in the virtual space may feel less formal, you still want to leave a positive impression.

If you’re not sure what is expected of you, ask the person coordinating your interview. You can say something like, "I want to make sure I understand your organizational culture and dress appropriately. What is the recommended attire for my interview day?"

5. Follow up

At the end of the interview, ask for the interviewer's email address, if you don't already have it. Follow up within 24 hours of the interview to reiterate your interest the position, using something like this sample follow up message.

Frequently Asked Questions