Prepare for an Interview

• Phone Interviews – Often used as an initial screening step. 
• Video Interviews – Increasingly common, using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. 
• In-Person Interviews – Traditional face-to-face meetings with hiring managers. 
• Panel Interviews – Multiple interviewers ask questions, often from different departments. 
• Group Interviews – Several candidates interviewed at the same time, typically for collaborative roles. 
• Self-tape interviews – Recorded video responses to employer-provided questions. 

• Behavioral Interviews – Focus on past experiences and assess if you’re a good cultural fit for the team (common in people-oriented fields like business, education, and nonprofit work). 
• Technical Interviews – Assess job-specific knowledge and problem-solving skills (common in STEM fields and technical roles). 
• Case Study Interviews – Require candidates to analyze a problem and present a solution (common in consulting and business roles). 
• Take-Home Project – Candidates are given an assignment (such as coding a program, designing a presentation, or creating a work sample) to complete independently and submit within a set deadline.

Most interviews will include a mix of these formats, depending on the role and industry.

• Research the Company – Understand the company’s mission, values, and recent projects.
  
• Analyze the Job Description – Identify key skills, responsibilities, and expectations of the role and how they align with your strengths and growth-opportunities.
  
• Search for the Interviewers – Learn about who your interviewers are and their role in the company.
  
• Prepare Answers to Common Questions – Use structured responses for behavioral and technical questions.
  
• Practice with Mock Interviews – Rehearse answers with a friend, career coach, or by recording responses.
  
• Don’t over-prepare your answers  – While it’s important to have examples and stories ready, memorizing responses word-for-word can make you sound robotic and rehearsed. Instead of focusing on hitting every point perfectly, aim to be natural, conversational, and adaptable in your responses.
  

Taking time to prepare ensures confidence and readiness when the interview day arrives.

Certain interview questions come up in almost every interview, regardless of industry. These standard questions help employers get a better understanding of your background, strengths, and how you fit the role. Below are some common questions and tips on how to structure your answers effectively.

1. Example Question: “Tell me about yourself.”

This is often the first question in an interview, and your answer sets the tone for the conversation. Structure your response in categories:

• Education – Briefly mention your degree, school, and relevant coursework or training.
• Work Experience – Highlight past jobs, internships, or projects that relate to the role.
• Skills & Strengths – Share key skills that make you a great fit for the position.
• Current Goals – Explain why you’re excited about this opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals.

Example Answer:

“I recently graduated from UNLV with a degree in Marketing, where I focused on digital strategy and analytics. During my studies, I interned with a local nonprofit, managing their social media and increasing engagement by 40%. I also worked part-time in customer service, which strengthened my communication and problem-solving skills. I’m excited about this opportunity because it aligns with my passion for digital marketing, and I’d love to bring my creativity and data-driven approach to your team.”

2. Example Question: “What are your strengths?”

Choose one or two strengths that are relevant to the role and back them up with examples.

Example Answer:

“One of my biggest strengths is adaptability. In my previous role, I worked on multiple projects at once and had to shift priorities quickly based on client needs. For example, I was assigned a last-minute presentation for a major client, and I had to learn new software overnight to deliver a polished final product. This ability to adjust and problem-solve under pressure has helped me succeed in fast-paced environments.”

3. Example Question: “What is your greatest weakness?”

Employers don’t expect perfection, but they do want to see self-awareness and a willingness to improve. Pick a weakness that isn’t critical to the job, explain how you’re working on it, and highlight your growth.

Example Answer:

“In the past, I struggled with delegating tasks because I wanted to ensure everything was done perfectly. However, I’ve learned that teamwork and trust are essential. In my last group project, I made a conscious effort to assign tasks based on team members’ strengths, and we completed the project ahead of schedule. I continue to improve by seeking feedback and reminding myself that collaboration leads to better outcomes.”

4. Example Question: “Why should we hire you?”

This is your chance to sell yourself by summarizing what makes you a great fit for the role. Focus on your unique qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm.

Example Answer:

“I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I bring a combination of technical skills, creativity, and strong communication. My background in graphic design and social media marketing has allowed me to create engaging content that drives results. In my internship, I developed a campaign that increased engagement by 35%. I’m excited to apply these skills to your team and contribute to your company’s success.”

5. Example Question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Employers ask this to see if your goals align with the company’s growth. Avoid being too vague or unrealistic—focus on career progression within the industry.

Example Answer:

“In five years, I see myself growing within this industry and taking on more leadership responsibilities. I’m eager to develop my expertise in project management and eventually mentor new team members. I’m excited about the possibility of doing that at a company like yours, where innovation and professional development are valued.”

These standard questions may seem simple, but answering them thoughtfully can make a strong impression on employers. Practicing your responses and structuring them with clear examples will help you communicate your value with confidence.

Employers often ask behavioral questions that are designed to assess your skills and behaviors by asking you to describe past experiences, focusing on how you handled specific situations and the outcomes you achieved.

Using the STAR Method:
The STAR method helps structure your answers effectively:

• Situation – Describe the context.
• Task – Explain the challenge or responsibility.
• Action – Detail the steps taken.
• Result – Highlight the outcome.

The STAR method helps structure your answers:

Example Question: “Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a goal.”

Example Answer:

• (S) In my biology lab course, I was part of a team conducting an experiment on plant growth.
• (T) We needed to design the experiment, collect data, and present our findings within a tight deadline.
• (A) I took the initiative to organize a task schedule, facilitated communication among teammates, and ensured we stayed on track.
• (R) As a result, we completed the project on time, presented our findings effectively, and received recognition from our professor for our teamwork and organization.

Other behavioral questions can be:

• Tell me about your process for completing tasks when you have to meet a tight deadline.
• Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a major change.
• Give an example of a time when you had to resolve a disagreement within a team.
• Tell me about a time you took initiative on a project.
• Can you share an example of when you received constructive criticism and how you responded?

These questions assess your past work, projects, or coursework to gauge your current skills and abilities. When discussing experience in the field you’re applying to, be as specific as possible. Highlight what you did, the tools or technologies you used, the challenges you overcame, and the impact of your work. Employers want to understand not just what you’ve done but how your experience prepares you for this role.

Example Question: “What type of experience do you have in this line of work?”

Example Answer:
“During my internship at XYZ Biotech, I assisted in conducting lab experiments on bacterial cultures to test antibiotic resistance. I also analyzed data using Excel and presented findings in team meetings. This experience strengthened my technical lab skills and my ability to communicate scientific results clearly. Additionally, my coursework in microbiology has provided me with a strong theoretical foundation that complements my hands-on experience.”

Other experience questions can be:

• What relevant experience do you have for this role?
• Can you describe a project where you applied [specific skill relevant to the job]?
• What is the most challenging task you’ve handled in your previous job or coursework?
• Tell me about a leadership role you’ve taken on in school or work.
• What skills have you developed in your previous experiences that will help you in this

These questions assess how a candidate would handle real or hypothetical workplace scenarios.

Example Question: “How would you handle a conflict with a coworker?”

Example Answer (STAR Method):

• (S) In a group project for my marketing course, a teammate and I had different ideas about how to approach a campaign strategy.
• (T) Our challenge was to find common ground and ensure the project moved forward smoothly.
• (A) I scheduled a meeting where we both explained our perspectives. By focusing on the project’s goals rather than personal opinions, we combined elements from both ideas into a strategy that satisfied both of us.
• (R) This resulted in a well-rounded campaign that received positive feedback from our professor, and it reinforced my ability to manage conflicts professionally and collaboratively.

Other situational questions can be:

• What would you do if you had multiple high-priority tasks due at the same time?
• How would you handle a customer or client who is dissatisfied with your service?
• If your team disagreed on a project direction, how would you help resolve the situation?
• What steps would you take if you made an error that impacted your team’s work?
• If you were assigned to a project outside of your expertise, how would you approach it?

Industry-specific or technical questions are common in STEM, business, and creative fields. These questions assess your job-related knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and how you approach complex tasks. Employers want to see not only if you have the necessary skills but also how you think through challenges.

When answering, clearly explain your thought process. If applicable, reference relevant tools, programming languages, methodologies, or frameworks. If you don’t know the exact answer, focus on demonstrating logical reasoning and problem-solving skills rather than making random guesses.

Whenever possible, use real-world examples from past work, coursework, or projects to showcase your experience. Be concise but detailed—employers are not just looking for the right answer but also insight into how you tackle technical challenges.

Example Question: “Can you walk us through your process for analyzing data in Excel?”

Example Answer:
“When analyzing data in Excel, I start by cleaning the dataset to remove duplicates and errors. Next, I use pivot tables and conditional formatting to identify trends and outliers. If deeper analysis is needed, I apply formulas such as VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH for comparisons and create visualizations using charts and graphs. For statistical analysis, I leverage Excel’s Data Analysis ToolPak to run regressions and t-tests. Recently, in a research project, I used these methods to track environmental changes over time, which helped my team draw meaningful conclusions about climate impact.”

Other technical questions can be:

• Can you explain how you would troubleshoot a coding error in Python? (Software Development)
• How would you calculate the break-even point for a new product launch? (Finance/Business)
• Can you walk us through your approach to designing a marketing campaign? (Marketing)
• What steps do you take to ensure data integrity when analyzing large datasets? (Data Science)
• How do you ensure safety and accuracy when working with lab equipment? (Science/Engineering)

After the first interview, you should ask questions that show you want to learn more about the company and position, such as:

• What does success look like in this role?
• Can you describe the team I’d be working with?
• What is your favorite thing about working for this company?
• How will I be collaborating with each of you in this role?
• What does a typical day look like in this role?
• How would you describe the company culture?

If you were invited to the second interview, this likely means you’ve successfully proven yourself as being a good candidate. Now you can ask questions that show you want to grow in a role like this, such as:

• Are there opportunities for advancement in this role?
• Are there any trainings or professional development opportunities?
• What is the leadership style of the management for this role?
• What are the benefits associated with this position?
• What are some current challenges this role could help address?

Salary questions: Salary discussions are a crucial part of the hiring process, but timing is key. Bringing up salary too early in the interview can shift the focus away from your qualifications and onto compensation before the employer has fully evaluated your fit for the role. Instead, let the employer initiate the conversation. If they ask about your salary expectations during the interview, provide a researched range that aligns with industry standards and your experience level. Be confident, but also express flexibility by emphasizing that you’re open to discussing the full compensation package, including benefits and growth opportunities.

If salary isn’t mentioned during the interview, wait until you receive a job offer before discussing compensation. At this stage, the employer has already shown strong interest in hiring you, giving you a better position to negotiate. Before engaging in negotiations, research salaries for similar roles, consider the full benefits package, and be prepared to justify your request with specific skills, experiences, or certifications that add value to the organization.

Click here to explore more of our negotiating salary tips and learn how to confidently navigate these conversations.

Background Checks: Background checks are a standard part of the hiring process, especially for roles that involve sensitive information or security clearance. While you may not have control over when they occur, it’s important to be transparent about your background. If you are informed about an upcoming background check, or directly asked about your criminal history, credit score, or other sensitive areas, be honest and provide context if necessary. Employers are more likely to trust candidates who are upfront about any issues. If you anticipate challenges, such as being justice impacted or previous personal struggles, it’s helpful to mention how you’ve learned from past mistakes and grown professionally.

Drug Tests: Drug testing policies vary by company and industry. Some employers may request drug tests before or after extending a job offer, particularly for roles that require operating heavy machinery or work in safety-sensitive areas. It’s important to be aware of the employer’s policy on this. If asked during an interview, it’s okay to inquire about their policy if it’s mentioned. If you know you’ll need to take a test, be prepared to comply and ensure you’re aware of any regulations or company expectations. If you have any concerns, it’s best to address them honestly with the employer at the appropriate time, demonstrating transparency and a commitment to following company policies. A proactive, honest conversation can help you address any issues before they arise.

Time Off: Questions about time off, such as vacation days, sick leave, or a planned absence, should typically come up once a job offer is extended or near the final stages of the interview process. Employers generally focus on your skills and qualifications first. When asking about time off, be mindful not to make it seem like a priority over the job itself. It’s better to wait until an offer is made before discussing specific time-off requests. If time off and flexibility is important to you, be sure to approach the subject politely and professionally, keeping in mind the company’s policies.

Benefits: Benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks, are an important part of the overall compensation package. Similar to salary discussions, it’s better to wait until the employer brings up benefits in the later stages of the interview process or after an offer is extended. When the topic does come up, be prepared to ask specific questions about coverage, eligibility, and the company’s contribution. This will help you assess if the benefits align with your personal needs and priorities. Make sure to ask about any relevant benefits, such as professional development opportunities, remote work policies, or wellness programs, if they align with your goals.

Regardless of the type of interview, it’s always important to dress in business professional or business casual attire. While expectations may vary by industry, when in doubt, it’s best to dress to impress. Even for phone or video interviews, dressing professionally can boost your confidence and help you get into the right mindset. Plus, you never know when you might need to stand up on camera, so always be fully prepared.

Masculine-Specific Attire: Business professional attire typically includes a suit with a tie or a collared shirt paired with dress pants. In more business casual settings, a well-fitted shirt with dress slacks or khakis may be acceptable. Ensure that your clothing is neat, clean, and pressed. A polished look helps project professionalism and confidence during interviews.

Feminine-Specific Attire: Business professional attire often includes a suit, a blouse, or a conservative dress paired with dress pants or a skirt. In business casual settings, a neat blouse or top with slacks or a modest dress might be appropriate. Just like with masculine attire, ensure that your clothing is well-fitted, clean, and pressed for a polished and professional appearance.

Gender-Neutral Attire: If you prefer a gender-neutral presentation, it’s important to feel comfortable while still adhering to the company’s expectations for professionalism. Consider selecting clothing that fits your personal style but is still polished and appropriate for the environment. For example, tailored slacks and button-up shirts or professional blouses in neutral colors can offer a balance of comfort and professionalism.

Tattoos and Piercings: While some companies are becoming more accepting of tattoos and piercings, others may still have policies that discourage visible body art or require them to be covered during work hours. If you have visible tattoos or piercings, be prepared to assess the company culture before the interview. If the company culture values traditional or conservative attire, it might be best to cover visible tattoos or remove piercings for the interview. Ultimately, it’s your decision whether you want to work for a company that has specific grooming policies related to appearance. Keep in mind that the decision should be based on how much you align with the company’s values and expectations for professionalism.

Being mindful of these factors will help you strike a balance between being authentic and presenting yourself as a polished candidate, and it will also provide insight into whether the company culture aligns with your personal style and values.

• Answer thoroughly – Be sure to answer the question with as much relevant information as possible.
• Use eye contact – It shows confidence and engagement. If making direct eye contact feels challenging, try looking at the bridge of the interviewer’s nose instead.
• Vary where you look – It’s okay to glance away briefly while thinking about your answer, just avoid looking down for too long.
• Make everyone feel valued – If you’re speaking with multiple interviewers, alternate eye contact and who you’re speaking to to acknowledge everyone and ensure no one feels overlooked.
• Use a friendly but professional tone – Keep energy in your voice to convey enthusiasm.
• Sit up straight & use positive body language – Avoid slouching or crossing arms.
• Limit filler words – Reduce “um,” “like,” and “you know” to sound more confident. Be okay with silence and pauses.

• Take deep breaths & pause: Stay composed and collect your thoughts before responding.
• Remember it’s a two-way conversation: View the interview as a mutual exploration to see if it’s a good fit for both sides.
• Practice and prepare: The more you prepare, the more confident and smooth your responses will be.
• Balance personal and professional: Let your personality shine while maintaining professionalism.
• Focus on the present moment: Stay focused on answering the current question, not past or future ones.
• Visualize success: Picture yourself succeeding to boost your confidence.
• Remember that nerves are normal: Acknowledge nerves and turn them into positive energy.

Phone interviews are often used as an initial screening step.

Purpose: A quick way for employers to assess qualifications and interest before scheduling longer interviews.

Tips for Success:

• Find a quiet space – Avoid background noise. Use headphones for clarity.
• Keep notes handy – Have your resume, job description, and key points in front of you.
• Speak clearly and with enthusiasm – Since there’s no body language, your tone matters.
• Pause before responding – Prevents talking over the interviewer due to audio delays.
• Smile while you talk – It naturally improves your tone and makes you sound more engaged.

Virtual interviews are conducted via Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or similar platforms.

Purpose: A substitute for in-person interviews, commonly used for remote or distant positions.

Setting Up a Professional Space:

• Choose a quiet location – Ensure minimal distractions and good lighting.
• Declutter your background – Keep it clean or use a neutral virtual background.
• Check your framing – Your face should be centered, with good lighting on your face.

Technology Checks:

• Test your internet, camera, and microphone – Do this at least 15 minutes before, ideally with someone to give you feedback.
• Use headphones with a microphone – Reduces background noise and improves audio clarity.
• Have a backup plan – If tech issues arise, ask for a phone alternative.

Staying Engaged:

• Look directly at your interviewer – You do not need to stare at the camera, looking at the screen is acceptable but don’t let your eyes wander.
• Use hand gestures and facial expressions – Adds warmth and personality.
• Speak clearly and pace yourself – Prevents miscommunication due to audio lag.

In-person interviews are the traditional face-to-face meetings.

Purpose: Allows employers to assess your personality, body language, and cultural fit.

Tips for Success:

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early – Shows punctuality and preparedness.
• Greet with a firm handshake – If appropriate for the setting.
• Make eye contact with all interviewers – Don’t just focus on one person.
• Be a positive and friendly person – Show you’re someone they’d want to work with.
• Bring printed copies of your resume – Some interviewers may not have a copy.
• Engage in small talk if prompted – Helps build rapport with the interviewer.

Self-Tape interviews are pre-recorded video responses to employer-provided questions.

Purpose: Often used for initial screening when employers have many applicants.

Tips for Success:

• Read all instructions carefully – Follow time limits and submission guidelines.
• Record in a quiet, well-lit space – Ensure clear audio and professional presentation.
• Practice before recording – Refine your responses to be concise and engaging.
• Speak clearly & at a moderate pace – Avoid rushing or sounding robotic.
• Avoid excessive editing – Keep it natural unless instructed otherwise.

A one-on-one interview is a more traditional format where you face a single interviewer, often the hiring manager or someone from the team you’d be working with.

Purpose: This type of interview is common for many roles, as it allows the interviewer to assess how well you fit with the team and the company culture.

Tips for Success:

• Build rapport: Create a comfortable atmosphere and showcase your personality.
• Be engaged: Listen actively and elaborate on your answers since you have more time.
• Ask insightful questions: Show genuine interest in the company and role.
• Show flexibility: Adapt your responses to the conversational tone of the interview.
• Follow up with a thank-you note: Mention key points from the conversation and reinforce your fit for the role.

A panel interview happens when multiple interviewers ask questions, often from different departments, to one candidate.

Purpose: Common for roles requiring collaboration across teams. Employers assess how well you engage with different personalities.

Tips for Success:

• Address each panelist – When answering a question, start by looking at the person who asked, then shift to others.
• Take notes on names & roles – Helps personalize responses.
• Balance attention evenly – Avoid focusing too much on one person.
• Prepare for rapid questions – Different panelists may shift topics quickly.
• Follow up with personalized thank-you emails – Mention specific discussions with each person.

During group interviews, several candidates interviewed at the same time, typically for collaborative roles.

Purpose: Employers evaluate teamwork, leadership, and communication skills in a group setting.

Tips for Success:

• Be confident but not overpowering – Find the balance between contributing and allowing others to speak.
• Actively listen – Acknowledge others’ points and build on them.
• Demonstrate teamwork – Engage with fellow candidates professionally.
• Make yourself memorable – Highlight unique experiences relevant to the job.
• Stay composed under pressure – Remain professional even if competition is present.

After an interview, it’s essential to follow up with a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reaffirm your interest in the position. Send the email within 24 hours, making sure to reference something specific from your conversation to keep the connection fresh.

A prompt and thoughtful thank-you email leaves a positive impression. It should include:

• A brief thank-you for the interviewer’s time.
  
• A mention of something discussed in the interview.
  
• A reaffirmation of interest in the role.
  

Example:
“Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I enjoyed learning more about your team’s work, especially [mention something specific discussed]. I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to [specific project or company goal]. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Looking forward to the next steps!”

If you haven’t heard back within the time frame discussed during the interview, it’s okay to follow up again to inquire about the status of your application. Be patient, but proactive, and use this time to reflect on your performance and prepare for the next steps in the process.

Your polite follow-up email to check on the hiring decision can be:

Example: “I wanted to follow up on my application for [Job Title] and see if there are any updates regarding the hiring process. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and look forward to hearing from you.”

Not every interview will result in a job offer, but each one provides valuable insights that can help you grow professionally. After an interview, take the time to:

• Ask for Feedback – If the employer offers constructive feedback, take it to heart. Whether it’s about your communication, your experience, or specific areas for improvement, feedback is a chance to refine your approach and perform better in future interviews.
• Reflect on Your Performance – Consider what went well and where you might have fallen short. Did you answer questions clearly? Were there moments you felt unsure or stumbled? Use these reflections to identify areas where you can prepare more thoroughly for the next opportunity, whether that’s practicing answers or researching the company more deeply.
• Stay Positive and Keep Going – Not every interview will be the right fit, and that’s okay. Stay positive and remember that each experience is a step toward finding the right role for you. Keep applying to other opportunities, and maintain a proactive attitude. The right job will come along when you least expect it, and the more you keep learning and improving, the better your chances will be next time.

Every interview is an opportunity to sharpen your skills and build confidence for the future!