Interview Preparation

The interviewing process can be scary if you don't know what to expect. Review the resources below for tips for succeeding in interviews. Visit for tips, questions, and practice interview tools.

Get Prepared

Interviews help to demonstrate skills and experiences to potential employers. Research shows that employers prioritize strong verbal communication, relevant knowledge, and superior nonverbal behavior. Students who begin preparing early for job interviews are more likely to secure internships, co-ops, and job offers after graduation.

CDS provides the following resources to help with interview preparation:

  • - An online resource with training materials and interview questions. You can receive AI feedback using this platform.
  • Mock Interviews with your career advisor
  • Practice Interviews with Employers
  • Workshops throughout the semester which are listed in .

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Important Preparation Strategies for Interviewing - Quick Tips

  1. Know Your Story
    Be ready with a short 60鈥�90 second introduction: who you are, what you鈥檝e studied, a key project or internship, and why you鈥檙e excited about the role. Practice it so it sounds natural, not memorized.
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  2. Show, Don鈥檛 Just Tell
    Employers love concrete examples. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe experiences. For instance, instead of saying 鈥淚鈥檓 good at teamwork,鈥� explain how you worked with classmates to finish a project ahead of deadline.
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  3. Do Your Homework
    Research the company and role. Be ready to answer: 鈥淲hy us?鈥� and 鈥淲hy this role?鈥� Showing you understand their work and how you can contribute sets you apart from other candidates.
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  4. Ask Smart Questions
    Interviews are two-way. Prepare 2鈥�3 thoughtful questions (e.g., 鈥淲hat skills make interns successful here?鈥� or 鈥淗ow does your team support new hires?鈥�). This shows genuine interest.
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  5. Practice Professional Basics
    Dress appropriately, arrive early (or log in a few minutes before a virtual interview), and bring copies of your r茅sum茅. Keep your phone on silent. Small details send a big signal of professionalism.
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  6. Reflect and Improve
    After each interview, jot down what went well and what could improve. This builds confidence and helps you get better with every attempt.

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Additional Interview Preparation Resources:

* Material is taken with permission for Career Recruitment Media's Division of Career Development Services Career & Recruitment Guide

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