According to a 2020 J.D. Power survey, 93% of Americans have experienced some level of anxiety in regards to interviewing. So if you are getting ready to embark on an internship or job search and are feeling slightly nervous about the prospect of being asked for an interview, you are not alone! One of the best strategies for overcoming interviewing anxiety is to prepare in advance. If you take the time to reflect on your experiences, skills, and strengths and familiarize yourself with standard interviewing techniques, you will be able to walk into any potential employer interaction feeling more confident.
The Career Center is here to help you ace the interview. In this section, we will break down common interviewing practices and share tips on how you can prepare in advance to ensure you stand out as a top candidate!
As you receive interview invitations, you may see a few different forms and platforms for the experience:
HireVue (or other online interview platforms)
An online video interviewing software commonly used by big name employers, HireVue is typically sent to the candidate for an initial screening prior to the 1st round interview. There will be pre-recorded questions that candidates answer by recording responses in an allotted timeframe. Candidates usually have the ability to re-record their answers (yet not always) 1-2 times before submitting their final responses. Artificial Intelligence technology does play a role in the interview playback but it allows for the employers using HireVue to eliminate bias in the hiring process. HireVue also manages virtual assessments, such as coding or psychological games companies.
Tips for HireVue
- Schedule a time to record your responses when you have free, quiet time
- Dress as if you are attending an in-person or live virtual interview
- Take advantage of the practice round and rerecord your answer
- Answer naturally and know that you do not have to fill up the entire allotted time with your answer
- Show your personality!
Phone Interviews
Phone interviews are typically used as a screening process or first round to determine whether or not the company wants to meet for an official interview. Phone interviews are often conducted by a member of the recruiting team. They will assess your interest and fit as well as answer any questions you have. The phone calls are typically quick and may be used to gather your schedule for the next round of interviews. You may be caught off guard with a phone screening if it is not scheduled, so make sure to keep track of each job (and the job description) you have applied to and have it readily accessible to refer to in these cases.
Tips for phone interviews
- Always answer unidentified numbers in a professional tone
- Make sure your voicemail is set up (and available to receive messages!), with a professional message, in case you miss the call
- Have your answers to simple questions ready to go (i.e. Tell me about yourself, What are your strengths and weaknesses?, Where do you see yourself in 5 years?, etc.)
- If you are not in a quiet, distraction free environment, get to one but if you are unable to, it’s okay to ask if they can call you back
- Follow-up thanking them for their time via email!
Virtual interviews
Virtual interviewing has become more prevalent as technology has increased over the years. It saves companies money during the hiring process and offers more flexibility for everybody involved. Virtual interviewing can be conducted live via Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams or with a virtual interviewing platform such as HireVue.
Tips for virtual interviews
- Set up a clutter-free, distraction-free, well-lit area to conduct your virtual interview
- Dress in professional clothing from top to bottom
- Check your internet connection and audio beforehand
- Have your camera at eye-level and look at the camera to show good eye contact
- Put your phone and other technology on silent
On-campus interviews
Many employers come to WashU to specifically recruit WashU students. Employers may conduct on-campus interviews (OCI) when they are on campus for an information session or career fair. You can find companies visiting campus on Handshake [link to Handshake] Once students are invited to interview, you will be prompted to select a time slot on Handshake for the OCI. Make sure you are checking your email and Handshake regularly during this time period so as to not miss any alerts.
Tips for on-campus Interviews
- If you do not have the contact information for your interviewer, ask the Career Center staff so you can send a thank you email
- Ensure you are dressed to meet the expectations of the industry and company where you are interviewing [link to What to Wear in Interviews page]
- Use the waiting time in the lobby to calm your nerves
- As with any interview, be sure you are at least 10 minutes early
Superday
day.” To get to this point, you have usually passed many other rounds of interviewing. Normally, the night before the “Superday” is a networking event where you will meet the other candidates and associates or managers of the firm. Though the networking event may feel less formal, it is still a crucial part of the interviewing process. The next day begins the series of back-to-back interviews including both one-on-one and group interviews. Many of the interviewers will be looking for fit, but there will also be technical questions asked including brainteasers. Check out our tips for technical interviews for more information.
Tips for Superdays
- The structure of Superdays mirrors the fast-paced environment of the industry and work environment, so remember to stay calm and poised
- Remain confident and consistent as you may be answering similar questions multiple times through the day
- Showcase your best, genuine self with each person you meet
- Expect the unexpected
In-person interviews
Final round interviews are typically on-site, which allows you the opportunity to see where you may be working as well as engage with potential co-workers. As technology increases, virtual interviews may replace in-person interviews at final rounds.
Tips for In-person
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early
- Be courteous to every individual you encounter
- Bring a pen and something to write with, as well as multiple copies of your resume and other documents you may want to reference
- Dress for the culture of the industry; It’s better to be over-dressed rather than under-dressed
- Be enthusiastic and humble
Overall tips
- Make sure you prepare for any interview by researching the company and understanding the job description
- Always follow-up with each person you interviewed with, including details from the conversation
- Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer because you are also interviewing them to see if it’s a good fit