Overview

Interviewing for any type of employment, acceptance to a university, or scholarships can be nerve-wracking for many people. However, with enough preparation and practice, you can set yourself up for success.

Do Your Research

Go beyond reading the job description. Before the day of the interview, take the time to research the company, the department, and the position. You should present yourself as someone that is knowledgeable and invested in the company, but also make sure that the company aligns with your values and career direction- remember that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Here are a few items that help in pinpointing what the company values:

Mission Statement
Strategic Plan
Services offered
Populations that the services are customized for
Department's specialty
Company's prestige ranking
Company's community involvement

Types of Interviews

There are multiple ways to interview for a position. While some recruiters may call you in immediately for an in-person interview, others will have you go through a more extensive process including an initial phone interview or video interview along with a skill assessment. To prepare well for the interview, ask for clarification on the format of the interview. Below, you will find a list of common interviews:

Phone Interviews are a common first-round interview process that will involve a recruiter to call you at a scheduled time. During a phone interview, make sure you are in a quiet area away from distractions, you have a strong service connection and a functioning earpiece, and that you smile while you speak clearly.
Video Interviews can be formatted differently based on the company's preference. The most common format is through a live video conference platform such as Zoom or Skype. However, some companies will opt into per-recorded video interviews that will have a prompt question on the screen and then record your response. In either situation, it is important for you to treat a video interview as you would an in-person interview: make sure that you are groomed and wear appropriate interview attire, that your body language conveys a calm and confident demeanor, and that you speak clearly with a smile. Additionally, due to the nature of the interview, you will need to ensure that you follow a few more steps. Review The Ultimate Guide to Acing Your Next Video Interview for further tips on video interviewing.
In-person Interviews can also involve different formats such as one-on-one, panel, and multiple one-on-ones or small group interviews that can range between 30 mins to 1 hr per interview. In some cases, employers can schedule you for 3+ hours to give a presentation, take a tour of the company, or have lunch with the team as part of the interview process. This is why it is essential to clarify the format of the interview to properly prepare and dress for the interview.
Group Interviews are a common preliminary in-person interview process. Depending on the competitiveness of the position, the interview will consist of a group of 2-10 candidates interviewing simultaneously. During the interview, make sure you have a strong elevator pitch, you're professionally dressed, you speak with confidence, you respectfully take a turn to speak.

Interview Prep

Be friendly with EVERYONE- As soon as you walk into the building, you are being interviewed. Hiring managers often ask for feedback from any staff member who had an interaction with you, including the front desk when you checked-in or the person who gave you a tour around the office. This is why it is important to smile, be polite, patient, and respectful with everyone.
Practice your handshake: How to Shake Hands With Confidence
Introduce yourself: Answer the "Tell me about yourself" question with an Elevator Pitch
Practice Questions: Interview Prep with LinkedIn
Questions to ask: Top 12 Best Questions to Ask at the End of the Job Interview
Other Resources: Books on Interviewing at CBC Library

For more details on how to prepare for an interview, email Career Services at careerservices@columbiabasin.edu.

What to Wear to an Interview

Select the Accessible PDF Dress for Success Guide Here