Ace the Interview
Ready to nail your next interview? Whether it’s your first Zoom call from your dorm or a final-round panel with a top employer, the Bearcat Promise Career Studio has your back. This guide will walk you through every step of the interview process with practical tips and UC resources to boost your confidence.
Why Interviews Matter
The primary objective of a job interview is to identify the most suitable candidate for a position. It serves as a two-way dialogue between you and a prospective employer. This interaction provides an opportunity not only to assess whether the role aligns with your career aspirations but also to demonstrate to the employer that you are the ideal candidate for the job.
Being invited to an interview is a significant achievement, as only a small fraction of applicants reach this stage. Congratulations on advancing to this critical phase!
As a candidate, your aim during an interview is to progress to the next step in the hiring process, ultimately leading to a job offer. Familiarizing yourself with the interview process and knowing what to anticipate can give you a competitive edge.
In addition to the advice below, check out How to Nail a Virtual Interview from UC Answers.
Before the Interview: Prep Like a Pro
Get ready to impress with these actionable steps:
- Identify Key Strengths and Accomplishments: Reflect on your unique strengths, skills, and achievements. Consider how these attributes align with the role you are applying for and how they can benefit the organization.
- Understand Your Value Proposition: Determine why your expertise is essential to the employer. Consider the specific contributions you can make to the company and how your personal strengths can drive success.
- Review Your Resume: Familiarize yourself with your resume details, including key dates and your academic and career timeline, to confidently discuss your background.
- Company Research: Gather relevant information about the company, including its products and services, organizational structure, size, and future outlook. Check the employer’s website, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor for their mission, recent news, and culture.
- Role Analysis: Investigate the job specifics, such as how the position fits within the company structure, the desired qualifications, responsibilities, and the salary range.
- Cultural Alignment: Understand how your values, mission, and vision align with those of the company. Interviewers will be keen to know why you are interested in this particular company and role, considering you could potentially work elsewhere.
- Bonus for Bearcats: Search UC’s alumni network on LinkedIn to connect with grads at the company..
- Understand the Interview Format: Contact your point of contact to learn about the interview structure and the individuals you will meet. Research these individuals using platforms like LinkedIn or the company's website to understand their roles and backgrounds. This knowledge can help tailor your responses to their perspectives.
- Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Develop genuine questions about the role or organization to ask at the end of the interview. These questions should help you assess the opportunity and demonstrate your interest.
- Utilize Practice Tools: Use resources like BigInterview to simulate the interview experience.
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers, especially for behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time you solved a problem.”
- Seek Feedback: Schedule a practice session or attend walk-in hours at the Career Studio to rehearse your answers and receive immediate feedback.
- Document Preparation: Print copies of your resume to bring to the interview. If the interview is over the phone, keep a copy nearby for reference.
- Timeliness: Aim to arrive 15 minutes early. If the location is unfamiliar or distant, plan to arrive 30 minutes early to accommodate any unexpected delays. Consider asking for specific directions from your interview scheduler and even doing a practice run to ensure a smooth arrival.
- Business professional for in-person or virtual interviews (think blazer, dress shirt, or blouse).
- Pro Tip: UC’s Career Closet offers free professional attire—stop by the Bearcat Promise Career Studio (TUC 310) during walk-in hours for a limited selection of items. Find a wider range of professional attire at the Bearcats Pantry & Resource Center located in Stratford Heights, Building 16, Room 101 (2634 Stratford Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220).
During the Interview: Shine Bright
You’ve prepped—now it’s time to show what makes you a standout.
- Initiate and Conclude with a Firm Handshake: Begin and end the interview with a confident handshake to convey professionalism.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Engage with the interviewer by maintaining appropriate eye contact, demonstrating confidence and attentiveness.
- Smile and Show Enthusiasm: Display genuine enthusiasm and positivity throughout the interview to leave a memorable impression.
- Understand the Question: Before responding, ensure you fully comprehend the interviewer's question. If anything is unclear, politely ask for clarification.
- Be Present: Focus on listening rather than formulating your response while the question is being asked. It's okay to pause briefly before answering to gather your thoughts.
- Demonstrate Your Research: Pose insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the organization and your eagerness to learn more.
- Influence Perception: The questions you ask can shape the employer's view of you as a candidate.
- Avoid Certain Topics Early On: In initial interviews, refrain from inquiring about salary, benefits, or working hours unless prompted by the interviewer.
- Express Continued Interest: Reaffirm your interest in the position, even if you're undecided. The goal is to secure an offer, keeping your options open for future consideration.
- Inquire About Next Steps: Ask about the subsequent stages in the hiring process to demonstrate your proactive approach and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
After the Interview: Seal the Deal
Wrap up strong to leave a lasting impression.
- Promptly follow up with a formal and concise thank-you card or email to each person who interviewed you. While a mailed note is thoughtful, it may arrive after the hiring decision is made, so sending an email is often more practical and timely.
- Personalize each note by mentioning specific topics or discussions you had during the interview. This shows genuine interest and attention to detail.
- Reinforce your unique skills and qualifications that set you apart from other candidates.
- Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position and the company, highlighting your eagerness to contribute to their team.
- No response after a week? Send a polite follow-up: “Dear [Interviewer]: I’m checking in on the status of the [role]—I remain very interested and happy to provide additional details.”
- Jot down what went well and what you’d tweak for next time. Use BigInterview or book an appointment with a Career Coach to practice.
- Remember, every interview is valuable, regardless of how you feel about your performance. Each experience offers an opportunity for learning and growth.
UC Interview Resources
As a Bearcat, you have access to top-notch career tools:
- Bearcat Promise Career Studio (TUC 310): Book mock interviews, resume reviews, or attend a helpful workshop. Visit Handshake to book appointments or view upcoming workshops.
- BigInterview: Practice interviewing and get resume feedback with this online tool (log in with your UC username and password).
- UC Alumni Network: Connect with Bearcat grads on LinkedIn for insider tips.
- Need professional attire for career fairs or interviews? UC students can access free clothing options through the Bearcats Pantry & Resource Center Career Closet.