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Interview Process and Mock Interviews

There's a method

Interviewing is like preparing for a big exam or getting ready for a job. Take the time to adequately prepare for your interview to ensure success. Download this Interview Guide to aid in your preparation.

Interview Process

Interviews are used for both full-time and internship opportunities, as well as service, graduate/professional school, and fellowship opportunities. They are perhaps the most significant part of the hiring/evaluation process. Both you and the interviewer have your own objectives.

Personal Goals:

  • Showcase skills and interpersonal qualities
  • Demonstrate through specific examples and past experiences that you are a match for the position
  • Determine if the position/organization are a good fit for you

Interviewer's Goals:

  • If you have the skills to do the job
  • If you are motivated to do the job
  • If you are a fit with the organization’s culture

Formats

Resume/Traditional

This form of interviewing goes through your resume. Questions are about your education, prior work experience, and activities. It is very straightforward. Be ready with examples.

Behavioral

Based on the principle that the best way to predict future behavior is from past behavior, this method of interviewing is one of the most commonly used. Behavioral questions typically begin with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give me an example of when…” You should utilize the CAR (Context/Action/Result) technique to describe how your specific experiences relate to the job. Big Interview is a resource to help you practice your answers!

Case

Some companies, especially those in consulting and finance, are concerned not only with your experience but also with your ability to address complex problems and reach logical conclusions. The emphasis here is on your thought process; there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer.

Technical

Companies in financial services, accountancy, technology, engineering, or science may ask questions related to academic coursework or concepts (e.g. programming skills) and/or industry knowledge (e.g. market indices).

Modes

Phone

Prescreen: This may or may not be scheduled. If the employer calls unexpectedly, don’t be caught off guard - this call is still a critical part of the overall interview process. The employer will usually ask a few key questions to determine if you will continue in the interview process.

Scheduled: This is an in-depth prescreen before the site interview. However, for some internships a scheduled phone interview takes the place of a site interview and it may be the only interview. If this is the case, applicants are hired solely on the basis of the phone interview. Scheduled interviews can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

Tips for a Successful Phone Interview:

  • Have a professional voice message on your phone in case the employer reaches your voicemail
  • Ensure a good phone connection – charged battery; quiet location for the call; strong signal (Note: students can reserve a room on the 5th floor of Duncan Student Center if space allows)
  • Before the interview, call yourself and leave a message answering the question “tell me about yourself” – check your intonation, volume, clarity, and how well you answered the question

Virtual

More employers are utilizing Zoom, or other virtual formats. Remember for a virtual interview to arrange for a quiet location and a non-distracting background behind you. If you are on campus and an employer wants to schedule a video conference the 5th Floor of Duncan Student Center has rooms and equipment available. Click here to reserve an interview room or a “Zoom Room” computer setup for a virtual interview.

Super Day

In the Financial Services/Investment Banking industry these are day long interviews with bankers from across the firm. IF invited to participate there are several things you will want to keep in mind. Former students who have participated in Super Days compiled the following Ten Tips for Super Day.

  1. Don't be nervous to reach out to your contact to ask about the type of interview (technical, behavioral, case). They want you to be as prepared as possible
  2. Do your due diligence about the firm and who you will be speaking with that day. It is nice to have some familiarity and talking points about an interviewer's background.
  3. Make sure you are well rested the night before your Super Day. These days tend to be long and exhausting. Staying up all night to practice will not help you get through the entire day.
  4. Eat breakfast and try to keep your morning routine as similar as possible to your normal day. You want to be physically/mentally prepared.
  5. Unless completely necessary, stay off of your phone/computer when you arrive at the offices, give your full attention to the people around you.
  6. Make sure you greet everyone in the firm. Whether it is a receptionist, CEO, or another candidate for your position, how you interact with others is an important factor they will be evaluating.
  7. Stand up, smile and shake the person’s hand who comes to greet you. Don't tug at your clothing, convey grace.
  8. Come prepared with specific questions about the firm, the individual you are interviewing with (their background and career track), or what the role entails. No generic questions-too obvious.
  9. Write thank you notes (on stationary immediately after and leave with a receptionist) OR send emails within 24 hours to EACH person you met-speak to something specific in your note.
  10. Be yourself. You got this far with answering difficult technical questions, however, who you are is the main reason you have been invited to Super Day. Enjoy the experience and be confident!

On-site Visit

The on-site visit is usually the final stage of the interview process. A job offer for a full-time position is rarely made without a second interview, which is typically held on-site, but can also be on-campus. The purpose of this interview is for the employer and the student to become better acquainted with one another. Make sure that your cell phone is turned off the entire time you are with the employer—including events on the evening prior to the interview. Do not check the time on your phone – this could be misinterpreted. It is your host’s job to ensure you are kept on schedule and are where you need to be. Preparing for this interview, understanding travel arrangements and the schedule, and knowing what to expect are key to your success.

During a Meal

This isn’t about eating! You are being interviewed and assessed. Follow professional etiquette guidelines; select a meal that’s easy to eat neatly; stay attentive to questions, but aim for relaxed responses and conversation. If you are dining with more than one person, address and connect with everyone at the table. Meet with a Career Coach if you have additional questions.

Testing

Some employers give candidates different types of tests as part of their hiring process.  Testing can provide extra information about applicants that cannot be obtained from their resumes or interviews - aptitude, interests, learning styles, and other relevant characteristics.

Panel

Although the one-on-one interview is most common, a panel interview will often be conducted at the on-site visit. A group of individuals, perhaps representing different departments or functions with which the position interacts, ask a variety of questions to assess if the candidate can support the key interests of the department or function.

Group Project

Some employers will bring candidates for the same type of position together for a group project or simulation. The group is usually asked to dialogue, design, or recommend a solution to a challenge or daily project of the organization or industry. Your team player and group dynamic skills are being assessed, as well as the ideas and innovative thoughts you bring to the discussion or project.

Congratulations — you received an interview! Interviewing can seem like an overwhelming process but preparing beforehand can help you feel more confident on the interview day.

Know Yourself and Your Experiences

  • Understanding your experiences, values, skills, and personality will help you articulate your strengths to potential employers during the interview process.  Self reflection is an important first step in the interview preparation process.
  • Practice communicating your strengths concisely and clearly as they relate to the position, organization and industry. Review your experiences. Analyze your academic training, leadership experiences, critical thinking skills and non-academic activities in relationship to the position.

Research

Conduct thorough research on the organization and industry. Employers view knowledge of their organization as a critical factor in applicant evaluation because it demonstrates the candidate’s interest, enthusiasm, and seriousness about the position.

Practice

Dress for Success

What you wear conveys how important the position and the opportunity is to you. The primary goal in dressing for an interview is to feel good while projecting an image that matches the requirements of the position and organization. The professional standard is to wear a two-piece matching suit in gray, navy, or black. However, the standards of dress may vary between industries and even companies. If you are uncertain about attire, check with a Career Coach or an alumnus at the organization.

Dress for Success

Interview Like a Champion

In addition to researching the organization, practicing your responses, and dressing for success, we suggest you:

  • Arrive 10 minutes early. Give yourself plenty of time for travel. Sometimes employers run ahead of schedule. These extra few minutes may give you more time with a recruiter.
  • Map your route, parking, etc. in advance. Have the office phone number on hand in case you need to contact them.
  • Ensure that you understand the check-in process. Where do you go to check in? Will there be a place for your jacket or backpack? Is there a restroom nearby where you can check your appearance?
  • Turn your cell phone off (not on vibrate).
  • Bring a notepad, 2 extra copies of your resume (one for you and one for the interviewer), a copy of your transcript (if applicable) and your project or design portfolio (when appropriate).
  • Build rapport with the interviewer(s) in the first five seconds. Greet the interviewer(s) with a smile, firm handshake, and make eye contact.
  • Remember brief silence is OK — if you are stumped by a question, take a moment to collect your thoughts. Asking for clarification (depending on the question) may also buy you some time and/or make it more clear.
  • Be prepared with thoughtful questions.
  • Close the interview reiterating your interest in the organization and the position. Understand the next steps and the timetable. You may have to ask for this information.
  • Ask for a business card in order to follow-up with a thank you note.
  • Remember, any interaction with the organization is a part of the decision-making process (information sessions, meeting the recruiter at a tailgate, pre-nights, and talking with greeters, receptionists, or office assistants).

Follow Up

Following-up after an interview can be the one thing that makes you stand out. Following an interview the company or organization will take some time to determine whether or not you are the best candidate for the position. One way to stand out during this time is by effectively following-up.

Sending a Thank You

A thank you note restating your interest in the position and the organization should be sent within 24 hours of each interview, to each person with whom you spoke. Make each note somewhat different and try to reference something you discussed in the interview. 

Still Haven't Heard Back?

If the employer did not provide a specific time frame for getting back to you, two weeks is an appropriate time to wait before following-up on the status of your candidacy. If the employer provided a specific time frame for a decision, take no further action until at least one week beyond the date when they said they would contact you. At that time a phone call to see if a decision has been made is appropriate.

Mock Interviews

You've done your research on the organization, you've read through the the available resources on preparing for an interview, you've practiced by yourself using Big Interview, but still feel like you need more practice? Your Career Coach is here to help. Make an appointment with your Career Coach to Schedule a mock interview.