Know The Format
If not offered, ask in advance for information on the format of the interview. Many interviews are conducted between the candidate and one interviewer at the organization’s site. Other formats include:
- On-Campus
- Phone
- Prerecorded
- Virtual
- Groups
Some may include formal testing, a series of interviews with different interviewers and groups, facility tours, and/ or social events.
Gain Insight
The more you know about the organization and the role, the better you will be able to connect your qualifications to them. You have done some research prior to applying. Now is the time to go farther.
Research the Organization:
- Mission/values
- Culture
- Services/products
- Industry trends/issues
- Customers/clients
- Location(s)
- Competitors
Research the Role:
- Responsibilities/duties Qualifications
- Challenges
- Salaries in similar roles
Use Resources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov/ooh)
- O*Net Occupational Information Network (www.onetonline.org)
- Organization’s website, social media, and LinkedIn profile
- Job descriptions of similar roles in the industry
- News sites, i.e. US News, Forbes, Google News
- Professional associations
- Contacts in the organization/industry
Prepare Your Targeted Stories
Based on Your Research Answer:
- What is important to the employer?
- What is required by the position?
- What are your skills, education, experiences, and interests which match those?
- What specific examples in your background demonstrate those matches?
Outline Your Examples Including:
- Skills, knowledge, and strengths used
- How you acquired those skills, knowledge, and strengths
- How you will use them in the position
Outline Your Message Including:
- What interests you in the organization and position
- Your motivations for pursuing the type of work and industry
- Your professional strength
Practice Your Interview Skills
Interviewing is not natural for most people, so practice your interview skills as you begin to apply for positions. You can practice on your own, but to experience an interview and get feedback on your interviewing skills, take advantage of the services and resources available to you through Career Services:
Mock Interviews with a Career Coach/Advisor and/or a mentor allow you to practice answering interview questions and get feedback on your ability to present yourself and your qualifications persuasively.
Big Interview is an online tool that allows you to practice and record yourself answering interview questions. Go to https://careers.unl.edu/ resources/big-interview/ to utilize the Big Interview resource
TIP:
Prepare for a virtual interview the same way you would prepare for an in-person interview as outlined here. In addition, ensure your technology is working, your background is not distracting, and in the interview, maintain eye contact by looking into the camera.