Prepare for Interviews

Ace the Interview

Job interviews can vary based on the company, but don't worry there are some straightforward steps to help you prepare and perform your best! These tips work for any job whether it's becoming a leader, joining a special group, getting a scholarship or continuing your education.

View Interview Guide (PDF)

Know Your Audience

Connect your academic background, life and work experiences to relate to the role.
Highlight your qualifications and how they align with the job requirements.
Emphasize your uniqueness and how it matches with the opportunity.

Do Your Research

Explore the organization's goals, expectations and vision.
Visit the organization's website to gather information relevant to the position.
Use this research to tailor your conversations during the interview.

Value Your Worth

Acknowledge that receiving an interview means your experience is valued and the organization is eager to learn more about you.
Recognize the potential value your background and experience can bring to their team.

Use the STAR Method

This technique provides a framework for your stories and shows how you have handled past situations. This acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result.
This can also provide insight into what attitude you can provide in a workplace environment.

Demonstrate Non-Verbal Behaviors

Smile, make eye contact and maintain a good posture to demonstrate an attentive attitude.
Minimize distracting behaviors, such as fidgeting or overuse of filler words such as "um, like and you know."

Ask Clarifying Questions

An interview is a two-way street that allows you to learn more about the company. A good way to retain information is to take notes during your interview.
OSU Career Services offers the option to purchase $10 padfolios by bursar charge at our central office in 360 Student Union.

Follow Up With the Employer

A follow-up thank you letter or email is a professional way to show your gratitude for the potential employer's time.
- OSU Career Services offers free thank you cards at our central office in 360 Student Union.
This is a great way to express your interest in the position, as well as use the notes from an interview to make the card personal to the interviewer.

Understand the Offer

Understanding a job offer is an important part of the process.
Ask questions to clarify an employer's offer before accepting it.
Respect timelines that are given by the employers before following up, unless there is a pending status with another job offer that has a deadline.

Dive Deeper With Interview Prep

You also have access to Interview Prep, a site that allows you to practice your interview skills via video and review a library of industry-specific questions.

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Additional Support

Request Business Cards Reserve an Interview Room Practice with Sample Interview Questions (PDF)

Career Services