The document provides guidance on how to prepare for and conduct oneself during a job interview. It discusses the different types of interviews one may encounter, including phone interviews, one-on-one interviews, and panel interviews. It stresses the importance of researching the company beforehand, preparing answers to common interview questions, dressing professionally, and arriving on time. During the interview, it recommends making eye contact, taking time to think before answering, and using the STAR method to discuss past experiences. Follow-up includes sending a thank you email to reiterate interest in the role.

1. Interviews are
Hard
Madalyn Popp
Talent Acquisition Specialist, MRI Software

2. Types of Interviews
 Phone Interview
 Likely with a Recruiter to filter out
qualified candidates to progress to Hiring
Manager
 Behavioral, situational, and technical
questions – be prepared!
 Face-to-Face
 One on One with Hiring Manager
 Panel/Group Interview
You may be interviewed by more than one
person, tailor answers/questions to
each one

3. Before the Interview
 Do your research – Company’s
website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter
& Facebook accounts, Glassdoor
 Know the role and desired skills
 Prepare questions to ask the
interviewers
 Get ready to answer the standard
questions”
Why do you want to work at this
company?
Why do you want this job?

4. Interview Must-Dos
 Dress to impress! ALWAYS dress a
step above the company’s dress
code: when in doubt, wear a suit &
tie
 Checklist: Resumes, List of
Questions to Ask
 Arrive 10 – 15 minutes early
 Strong first impression
 Make eye contact

5. During the Interview
 Be convincing
 Prepare for the difficult questions
 Tell me about yourself
 Greatest strength/biggest weakness
 Previous job dislikes
 Make eye contact with person who asked
the question
 Take a breath, collect thoughts, answer
thoughtfully
 Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat
the question!

6. During the Interview Continued…
 Use the STAR Method
o Situation
o Task
o Action
o Result
 How to Succeed:
o Recall recent situations that show favorable
behaviors or actions, especially involving course
work, work experience, leadership, teamwork,
initiative, planning, and customer service.
o Prepare short descriptions of each situation; be
ready to give details if asked.

7. During the Interview Continued…
 How to Succeed:
o Be sure each story has a beginning, middle, and
an end. Be sure to avoid using “you know”, “that
kind of thing” and other vague phrases
o Be specific. Don't generalize about several
events; give a detailed accounting of one
event.
o Be honest. Don't embellish or omit any part of
the story. The interviewer will find out if your
story is built on a weak foundation.
o Vary your examples; don’t take them all from
just one area of your life.
o Professional, personal, education

8. Interview Follow Up
 Thank You Email – reflect on what you learned,
reiterate your passion for the job, confirm why you’re
the best candidate
 Always address the recipient and sign with your
name!
 You aren’t texting, use complete sentences and
words!

9. Questions/Comments