How to Prepare for the Interview
What is one way to research a company before the interview?
Review their website and recent news.
What does the ‘S’ in STAR stand for?
Situation
What kind of interview questions ask about past experiences to predict future performance?
Behavioral interview questions
How soon should you send a follow-up email?
Within 24 hours.
How should you respond when asked about your greatest weakness?
Identify a real weakness, then explain how you are working to improve it.
What document should you closely review before the interview?
The job description.
What part of STAR involves explaining what you did to solve the problem?
Action
Give an example of a common behavioral question.
"Tell me about a time when you had to solve a difficult problem."
What should you always include in your follow-up email?
A thank you and a recap of key points.
How can you respond to a question about gaps in your employment?
Be honest and explain how you spent the time productively.
What type of questions should you practice before the interview?
Common interview questions and answers.
How long should a STAR answer typically last?
1-2 minutes
When answering a behavioral question, what should your result focus on?
The positive outcome of your actions.
Why is it important to follow up after an interview?
It shows your interest and professionalism.
What should you do if you're asked a question you don’t know the answer to?
Stay calm, acknowledge it, and offer a logical approach or ask for clarification.
Name one type of question you should ask the interviewer.
Questions about company culture or team expectations.
Why is using the STAR method effective in interviews?
It provides a clear and structured response to behavioral questions.
How should you frame a mistake when asked in an interview?
Explain what you learned and how you improved.
What else can you include in a follow-up email besides thanking the interviewer?
Any additional qualifications you didn’t mention.
How do you answer a question about why you left your last job if it wasn’t on good terms?
Be honest, but focus on what you learned and how you're moving forward.
What are two important items you should bring to an interview?
Copies of your resume and a list of references.
When using the STAR technique, how can you ensure your Result is impactful?
Quantify your result whenever possible (e.g., "increased sales by 15%")
How can you answer a behavioral question when you don’t have direct experience for that specific situation?
Use a related experience and focus on transferable skills.
What additional follow-up step can you take if you haven’t heard back from the interviewer within a week?
Send a polite follow-up email to check in and reiterate your interest in the position.
How can you handle a question that seems discriminatory or illegal?
Politely redirect the conversation back to your qualifications or ask for clarification.