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7.7: Mastering Interviews

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    Learning Objectives
    • Be prepared to participate in different types of interviews
    • Develop vivid, professional responses to questions
    • Use strategies to improve communication with recruiters and hiring managers

    Types of Interviews and How to Be Ready for Them

    One size does not fit all. In some companies, such as large retailers, interviews may be conducted ONCE in person or online using a ChatBot or other technology. Conversely, tech companies may require anywhere from 2 to 5 rounds of interviews before selecting the best candidate. While no one can ascertain the veracity of posts on Reddit, one person stated that Meta required 11 interviews, and mercifully, the person received a job offer. (Reddit) [1] Treat job searching and interviewing like a job; be prepared for whatever method of interviewing the company prefers.

    1. Screening Interviews (Phone or Video Call)

    Purpose: Quickly assess your qualifications and communication skills

    This is a photo of two ethnic women sitting at a table speaking to each other. You can see the face of one of the women; she is gesturing with her hands. The other woman is facing her, sitting in a chair and resting her arms on a circular table.
    Figure 7.7.1 : Two females facing each other for an interview

    Tips to Stand Out:

    • Keep your responses concise and focused
    • Speak clearly; use a confident tone
    • Highlight key achievements that match the job
    • Prepare questions for the interviewer; visit this site for smart questions to ask
    • End on a positive note

    Example Question & Response:

    • “Tell me about your experience in customer service.”
      “During my internship at XYZ Retail, I managed customers' issues every day. I often used my people skills to calm angry customers and offer them a satisfying solution. My store's customer satisfaction surveys improved 20%, and I improved my people skills.

    2. Virtual Interviews (Phone or Web Conference)

    Purpose: A cost-effective way for employers to meet candidates remotely

    Preparation Checklist:

    • Test your technology (Wi-Fi, camera, microphone, and lighting)
    • Dress professionally (even if it’s virtual)
    • Choose a distraction-free environment (clean background, good lighting)
    • Look at the camera (not the screen); maintain eye contact

    Common Mistakes to Avoid:

    ❌ Leaving laundry or clutter in the background
    ✔ Fix: Use a virtual background or a tidy space

    ❌ Not informing family or friends that you should not be disturbed
    ✔ Fix: Close the door to your room or office; consider using a "Please Do Not Disturb" sign; turn off or silence all devices.

    3. One-on-One Interviews

    Purpose: An in-person meeting to discuss your skills and personality

    How to Impress:

    • Be punctual and confident
    • Make a great first impression (strong greeting, eye contact, smile)
    • Prepare your elevator pitch
    • Bring a portfolio or examples of past work

    Example Question & Response:
    “Why should we hire you?”
    “I have strong leadership skills from my role as a student club president, where I organized events (such as X, Y, Z) for 100+ attendees. My ability to manage projects within budget and lead teams makes me a great fit for this position.”

    4. Panel Interviews

    Purpose: A group of interviewers take turns asking you questions

    Best Strategies:

    • Address each panelist, not just the person asking the question
    • Remember names and roles (you can demonstrate competence and be able to follow up with individuals)
    • Bring extra resumes, business cards, sample projects, etc. to show that you are well-prepared and serious about the position

    5. Serial Interviews (Multiple Rounds)

    Purpose: A series of in-depth interviews with different stakeholders

    How to Stay Sharp:

    • Treat each interview as a fresh start
    • Take notes to recall key points from previous conversations
    • Stay energized to ensure you are physically and mentally ready to engage with different personalities

    6. Social Interviews (Breakfast, Lunch, Tennis, etc.)

    Purpose: To observe how you interact in a social setting while evaluating your qualifications

    How to Look Sharp:

    • Prepare the same way you would for any interview (clarify logistics, timing, and participants; research the company; dress appropriately; bring your materials, etc.)
    • Make smart small talk; avoid sensitive topics such as politics or religion
    • Take questions seriously, but don't overshare
    • Be sure to send a thank you note, yes, even for a burger and fries

    Dining Etiquette:

    • Order a simple, easy-to-eat meal
    • Avoid alcohol even if the interviewer does not
    • Use polite table manners, eg., don't talk while eating
    • Be kind to your server

    CAUTION: Be careful not to disclose information that may result in unconscious bias. Unconscious bias is the tendency for people to hold automatic prejudices or stereotypes about others based on factors such as gender, age, etc. These judgments can influence decisions. For example, avoid saying that your religion doesn't allow you to eat something, or that your partner would kill you if you ordered the grilled onions. While these comments may seem harmless, they may cause a hiring manager to eliminate you (consciously OR unconsciously) as a potential employee.

    7. Group Interviews

    Purpose: To observe how candidates interact in a team setting

    How to Stand Out:

    • Be confident but not overbearing
    • Listen actively and contribute thoughtfully
    • Demonstrate leadership, problem solving, and other skills
    • Involve others to show how well you collaborate

    Example: If asked to solve a problem: “I think Alex’s idea has merit. Maybe we can combine that with Maya’s suggestion to create a stronger solution.”

    Mastering Common Interview Questions

    While you can’t predict every question, preparing for key categories can help you feel ready.

    Category Example Question Best Approach
    Introduction and Fit "Tell me about yourself." Keep it under two minutes; highlight relevant skills & experiences.
    Why This Job? "Why do you want this position?" Show enthusiasm and connect your skills to the job.
    Experience and Skills "How has your education prepared you for this role?" Give specific examples from coursework, internships, or projects.
    Behavioral "Describe a time when you had to deliver bad news." Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
    Problem-Solving "How do you handle difficult people?" Show adaptability and time management skills.
    Ethical Dilemmas "What would you do if you saw a coworker take company equipment?" Emphasize integrity and problem-solving.

    Find additional resources for interview questions and answers online:

    Use Technology to Practice Interviewing Skills

    Sites such as Grow with Google: Interviewing warmup can help you to get comfortable answering interview questions. While the site appears to cater to those interested in technology jobs, you can "Get Started" by clicking on the General field. This online tools enables you to:

    • Practice responding to questions
    • Get feedback about your answers

    Tips for Success

    • Practice with Mock Interviews (with friends, family, or career services)
    • Record Yourself to analyze your responses and body language
    • Send a Thank-You Note within 24 hours of your interview; see a sample email below
    This is a sample thank you letter; the sender thanks the interviewer for the job and tour of the department. She says that she is well suited for the role with her passion for art and innovation and B.A. in Marketing. She states her interest and suitability for the job and looks forward to hearing a reply.
    Figure 7.7.2 : A Sample Thank You Letter

    By following these steps, you'll walk into any interview prepared, confident, and ready to land the job!

    Contributors and Attributions

    This page titled 7.7: Mastering Interviews is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Nina Burokas via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.