Types of Interviews
This type of interview is typically a phone and lasts between 5 and 15 minutes.
Screening interview. Its purpose is to verify your application and to set up an actual interviewing time.
True of False: You don't need to wear full-on attire for a virtual interview as long as you look good from the waist up
False. You may have to get up in the middle of an interview, so be mindful of what you wear
True or false: Students should copy/ paste the job description into a Word/ Google doc and save it to prepare for the interview
True
How can a candidate show engagement and confidence during an interview?
good eye contact and open body language (e.g. leaning slightly toward the interviewer. arms should not be crossed)
What should you do IMMEDIATELY following an interview?
Jot down notes on how it went, your impressions on the company, and any questions that stumped you.
This type of interview is most common for entry-level titles
one-on-one interviewing (either in person or virtual)
For a more flattering look, where should your camera be located
slightly above eye level
What CCPD resource might one use to prep for an interview
I'll take Big Interview, interviewing guide, Career Studio worksheets, mock interviews with staff
When asked a question you weren’t expecting, doing this before answering can help you avoid rambling or freezing.
pause to think or ask for a moment to gather thoughts
What should you do 24-48 hours after an interview?
Email or send a message via LinkedIn to thank them for their time. Include something positive that stuck out to you about them/ the company.
This interview involves multiple people interviewing you at the same time
panel interview. PRO TIP: Make eye contact with everyone; not just the person who's asking the questions
What's one common issue with an online interview and how can you mitigate this issue?
software updates directly before an interview; update software the night before
I'll also take video or sound issues and testing those beforehand
This structured method is recommended for organizing behavioral interview answers (storytelling) so they’re clear, specific, and outcome‑focused.
BONUS: What does it stand for?
STAR method
Situation, Task, Action, and Result
Besides bringing copies of your resume, what's one other item we recommend students bring with them to an in-person interview?
padfolio
At what point would it be appropriate to email or contact the employer for an update on the hiring process?
A week after they said you'd know or two weeks after the interview (if they didn't specify)
This type of interview involves interviewing in front of multiple candidates.
BONUS (100 additional points): Where is this type of interview most common?
Group interview
Med school interviews (will also take graduate school interviews)
Where should your light source be located?
In front of you
When an interviewer asks, ‘What questions do you have for us?’ what is the least effective approach and a very common mistake?
BONUS: What should they do instead?
saying "I don't have any questions"
BONUS: ask 2-3 relevant, forward-thinking questions (e.g. What type of professional development do you offer your employees? or What would impress you in the first 90 days)
Statistically speaking, how many minutes early should a candidate check in before their interview to boost their chances of getting hired? (think a specific number, not a range)
7 minutes
Who should you contact to give them a heads up they may be hearing from your prospective employer?
References
This type of interview typically consists of harder and more specific questions, sometimes questions based on case studies or completing a task to prove you have skill sets needed -- most common in entry-level tech or higher-level positions
2nd/ third round interview
This subtle strategy involves adjusting a technical setting before the interview so that your eyes appear naturally aligned with the interviewer on screen to create a stronger rapport and to reduce the impression that you're reading from notes.
Positioning your notes at eye level and moving your zoom screen toward the web camera
Strong candidates connect their skills to the employer’s needs before being asked, by doing this research-driven strategy?
Tailoring talking points to the needs of the employer and tailored to job description
An Engineering student has a full-time interview in person. The interview is for a technical sales position. What should they wear?
business suit. In general, Engineering students can get by with business casual; however, this is a sales position which leans more traditional and therefore they should wear a suit.
At what point is it appropriate to negotiate salary?
BONUS: What other things can you negotiate?
after you receive a written job offer
BONUS: signing bonus, paid time off, start date, moving expenses, work modality, professional development funding, evaluation timing (with opportunities for fast advancement)