Interview preparation that pays off

Your resume caught recruiters’ eyes, and you’ve scheduled interviews with potential employers. Now it’s time to shine in person — or via Zoom. But walking into a job interview can feel like stepping onto a stage – nerve-racking.

Here’s the good news: You can take concrete steps to prepare for your interview and calm your jitters. Becca Scott, director of professional development and experiential initiatives for Career and Professional Development, offers this advice before the start of spring career fairs:

Follow the recruiter’s lead

Every interview is different, so it’s important to pick up on the recruiter’s cues and follow their approach. If they start with casual small talk, join in to help establish rapport. If they dive straight into technical questions or behavioral scenarios, stay focused and professional. Adapting to their style demonstrates flexibility and emotional intelligence – qualities that employers value. Remember, interviewers are not just evaluating your skills; they’re seeing if you’d be a great colleague too.

Research the organization

A strong interview begins long before the actual meeting. Take time to research the organization – its mission and values, products and services, trends and innovations. When appropriate, you can look up the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile as well. If you spot something relatable, you can use it as a point of conversation.

Peruse the job description

Carefully review the job description and note the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. Compare these with your own experiences to identify areas where you excel. This exercise will prepare you to address how your abilities align with the role and help you anticipate questions about specific qualifications.

Leverage accomplishments to tell your stories

Closely related to the above, identify three to five accomplishments in your past, and prepare to amplify these accomplishments through story-telling, relating them to what the job description calls for. Chances are you’ll be able to cover even the most challenging interview questions with these on hand.

Practice, practice, practice

Confidence comes from preparation. Practice answering questions aloud, with a friend, or through mock interviews with us at Career and Professional Development. You can also use the  VMock online tool to practice any time, 24/7.

Have some ice-breakers ready

Breaking the ice isn’t just about filling awkward silences, it’s about building rapport. And icebreakers can be used any time in the interview, not just at the beginning, to keep the conversation percolating. Some ice-breaker ideas:

• Use the setting as a conversation starter: Walking into the interview on campus? Use what’s around you to kick things off naturally. Meeting virtually? Consider something like: “That’s a great piece of artwork behind you – what’s the story behind it?”
• Tap into current events or trends: “What trends or developments in the industry are you most excited about?”
• Throw in a fun, unexpected question. Done right, it can leave a lasting impression. Here are some examples: “What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?” “What’s something new you’ve learned recently in your role?” “If someone is new to the company, what’s the best piece of advice you’d give them? “What’s one thing about this company that surprised you when you first joined?”

Be prepared

Preparing for your interview is your chance to show the interviewer you’re more than just your resume. Preparation is key to turning nerves into confidence. By following these steps, you’ll walk into your on-campus interview ready to impress.

Career and Professional Development's team is here to help. Appointments can be made on Handshake or by calling 540-231-6241. Advising appointments are available in person, by Zoom, and by phone any time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. whenever the university is open – even when classes aren’t in session. Career and Professional Development is in the Smith Career Center on the Blacksburg campus.