The job interview is a pivotal moment in any career journey—it’s where preparation meets opportunity. Now is the perfect time to refine your interview skills and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Whether you’re exploring internships, full-time roles, or networking opportunities, here’s how you can walk into your next interview with confidence and leave a strong impression.

💻 Research the Company

One of the best ways to stand out is to showcase your knowledge of the company you’re interviewing with. Before your interview, review the company’s website, mission statement, values, and recent news. Familiarize yourself with the job description and think about how your skills align with the role. Having informed questions prepared will demonstrate initiative and interest.

Ask yourself these questions:

❗What is the mission, goal, or purpose of the organization?

❗What kind of content do you see on its official website?

❗Has the company been in the news recently?

❗ What projects or initiatives are they currently working on?

❗How much do you know about the culture of the organization?

💼 Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

Your elevator pitch is your chance to make a strong first impression in a matter of seconds. Practice a concise introduction that highlights who you are, your skills, and what you bring to the table. For example:

“Hi, I’m [Your Name], a [your major] student at Indiana University with a passion for [industry/skill]. I’m particularly interested in [specific role or company] because [reason].

I’d love to learn more about your company’s values and goals.”

📃 Rehearse Answering and Asking Questions

Practicing your interview skills helps reduce stress during the actual interview, allowing you to focus on connecting with your interviewer rather than struggling to come up with answers. Interviewers usually ask a mix of general and industry-specific questions. Research questions specific to your industry.

These are common interview questions:

❗Tell me about yourself.

❗Why are you interested in working with our organization?

❗What is one of your greatest strengths in the workplace?

❗ What is an area of weakness for you, and how are you working to address it?

❗How would you handle a disagreement with a coworker?

You can practice answering these questions using the SPAR method. SPAR stands forSituation, Problem, Action, Result. It is a useful method for delivering effective responses to behavioral interview questions that prompt you to give an example or tell a story.

Here’s an example of the SPAR method:

Sample Question:Can you tell me about a time you had to problem-solve?

S -I was participating in a research project where we manage toddlers’ interactions and behaviors.

P -One of the children became very sick during one of our sessions.

A -I took the initiative and accessed our emergency contact information database to contact the child’s parent.

R -I was able to calm the child down without upsetting the other children, and her father was thankful for the way I handled the situation. He assured us that his daughter would be back to participate as soon as she was feeling better.

While it’s good to anticipate interview questions, the SPAR method allows you to practice discussing key experiences. You can use SPAR to develop examples that address multiple themes, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, time management, organization, and how you respond to challenges.

👗 Dress for Success

First impressions matter. Dressing professionally will set the right tone and show that you take the opportunity seriously. Business casual is typically a safe choice unless otherwise specified. Aim for a polished look that aligns with industry expectations.

Arrive ready-to-go for any type of interview:

In-Person Interview:

❗You can take notes! Bring a padfolio or notepad, extra copies of your resume, and your list of questions to ask the employer.Receive a free padfolio upon checking in for your first appointment at the Walter Center.

❗Look up the address, parking, and directions well before leaving, and allow yourself extra time so you can arrive a few minutes early.

❗Have their contact info handy

Virtual Interview:

❗If you’re not taking notes by hand, have an open document ready to use in a separate window. (Tip: Use the “Split Screen” function on your computer to avoid switching between windows during an interview).

❗Have a list of questions written down to reference during the interview.

❗Ideally, find a quiet, uncluttered space free of distractions .

❗You will need a computer, webcam, microphone, working internet, and possibly headphones. Test everything before the interview starts. Computers are preferred over other devices because it’s easier to avoid interruptions or bad angles. The Student Care and Resource Center offers loaner laptops. The Walter Center’s interview rooms are also well-equipped and quiet.

❗Sign into the meeting a few minutes early to allow time to sort out technical difficulties.

Pre-Recorded Interview:

❗Carefully review the instructions given to you by the employer to make sure you understand the procedure, including how much time you will have to give each answer.

❗Research the platform you will use to record and submit your responses to learn how it works and how to use it efficiently. You may only have one or two chances to record your answers, so it is important you feel confident using this technology.

❗Test your video and audio settings to ensure the recording will look and sound the way you want it to.

✉️ Follow Up with Employers

Your interview doesn’t end when you leave the room. Always follow up with a thank-you email to express appreciation and reinforce your interest. Reference specific points from your conversation to make your message personal and memorable.

Here’s an example of a follow-up email:

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure to learn more about your team and [specific thing you learned about].

I am excited about the possibility of contributing to [specific project or aspect discussed].

Our discussion reinforced my interest in the position and my belief that my background in [relevant experience or skill] would benefit your team.

Again, thank you for your time. I look forward to connecting again soon.

Best regards,

[Your first name]

[Your Email Signature, including Name, Phone Number, and Email Address]

🌟 Final Thoughts

A successful interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about showcasing your value, demonstrating confidence, and making a connection with your potential employer. With preparation and the right approach, you can make a lasting impression and take meaningful steps toward your career goals.

Are you ready to ace your next interview? Visit the Walter Center’s website for career resources and expert guidance and be sure to visit our Career Studio to schedule a mock-interview with one of our expertly-trained Peer Career Coaches!