Interviewing
Preparation is the key to a successful interview. Just like you study before a test, you should be preparing ahead of time for an interview.
After submitting an application for an internship or job, you will receive an invitation to interview if the employer thinks you have the right qualifications for the role. An interview may be:
- only one round, or multiple rounds with different representatives of the company/organization
- conducted via phone, virtual meeting software (such as Zoom or Teams), or in person
- with one interviewer or multiple
A job posting advertises an open role at a company/organization where you can submit an application. It provides key information about the responsibilities and job duties of the role and the required and/or preferred qualifications of an ideal candidate. Reading it in full and referencing its content is imperative to submit a strong application and later prepare for an interview.
Pro tip: Save a copy of every posting you apply to (not just the web page URL because that will likely disappear after the application deadline).
Step 1: Reread the job posting in detail, particularly the role’s responsibilities and work duties. The goal of the interview is to prove to the employer that your past experiences and education prepare you to perform those duties.
Step 2: Review the qualifications section in the job posting. Focus on the skills/responsibilities listed to understand what the interviewer will ask about. For example:
If the job posting lists this as a qualification… | ensure you prepare at least 1 STAR story that clearly and specifically explains your experience/ability to: |
Exceptional organizational and time management skills | stay organized, prioritize what’s most important, and manage time effectively |
Demonstrated ability to effectively build team relationships. | collaborate, communicate, and successfully meet goals with peers |
Exceptional writing skills & a capability to simplify complex topics is required. | read or learn about complex topics and then write clearly and concisely about them |
Step 3:
Prepare your key responses and STAR stories.
Key responses:
- Introduction/tell me about yourself
- Strengths and weakness (areas for growth)
- A STAR story (sometimes called PAR or CAR) refers to a method of responding to behavioral interview questions that is particularly effective. STAR stands for:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
You can use this template to help you prepare your STAR stories.
Step 4: Research the company and take notes. From rereading the job posting and information you discover during company research, try to draw connections to the STAR stories you prepared.
How do your STAR stories connect with the position’s needs or the company goals? During your interview, point out these connections where you can.
Step 5: Prepare questions to ask the interviewer at the end of your interview.
Step 6: Practice. Everyone has interviewing jitters, and the best antidote is practice – in front of a mirror, with friends and family, or with a career counselor from your college. Most colleges offer mock interview practice, which you can schedule through their website, or use InterviewPrep, a free platform for UMN students which allows you to record your responses and self-assess your progress.
Step 7: (After interview): Send a thank-you note (via email).
- Know what you’re wearing.
- If the interview is in person, know your route and arrive 15 minutes early if going in person.
- If your interview is remote, test out your set up the day before. Make sure your audio and camera are working. Make sure you know where you will conduct your virtual interview–the space should be quiet and free of interruptions as much as possible. Dress for a virtual interview as you would one in-person.
Need a quiet space?
Reserve a room in the Bruininks Hall Interview Center or a study space through the libraries.
Bruininks Hall Interview Center
524 Bruininks Hall
Call 612-624-7577, email career@umn.edu,
Or reserve a room through our form: z.umn.edu/interviewcenter
*Note, rooms are not guaranteed until your reservation is confirmed. For the best chance at securing at room, submit your request at least 2 business days in advance.
UMN Library Study Spaces
Multiple locations across campuses
Call 612-624-3321, email,
Or reserve a room through through their website.