Interview Strategies
Yes.
To build rapport, understand their background, and prepare thoughtful questions (but don't be invasive; keep it to career and professional values)
A concise, 1–2 page professional document that summarizes an individual’s education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments
What is a resume?
What is the Wasserman Center?
Our career center! The Wasserman Center is dedicated to helping students take a holistic and adaptable approach to achieve their career goals. Recognizing that the resume and cover letter are crucial but only scratch the surface of the job application process, we provide resources and support tailored to your needs. Our commitment extends beyond securing a job to building a successful and fulfilling career.
Tell me about yourself.
Provide a concise history of your employment, education, relevant achievements, and why you are there.
What is the latest time you should arrive for the interview (in person)?
You should be 15 minutes early.
A person—typically a former manager, supervisor, or colleague—who can vouch for your work experience, skills, and accomplishments to a prospective employer.
What is a reference?
What is Handshake?
NYU's chosen platform for full-time on-campus interviews, professional development events, partner internships, and other resources! It is a three-sided career network connecting over 20 million students and young alumni from 1,600+ educational institutions with 1 million+ employers for jobs, internships, and career advice.
Why do you want to work here? (Make up an example OR use BSU as the "here")
Demonstrate research into the company’s mission, culture, and products.
What is the time you should follow up with an employer after an interview
Within 24 hours after the interview.
A one-page document sent alongside a CV when applying for a job, designed to introduce you and highlight your suitability for the role.
What is a cover letter?
Show us a LinkedIn profile with 500+ connections on your team! (Action-based)
Having 500+ connections on LinkedIn is important because it acts as social proof, signaling that you are an established, active professional. It boosts your visibility to recruiters, expands your content's reach for better personal branding, and increases the likelihood of finding job opportunities through a wider network. IT IS NOT NECESSARY, but it is an important boost when networking.
What is your biggest weakness?
Show self-awareness and improvement. Avoid "strengths in disguise" (e.g., "I work too hard").
Do not overshare.
What interview answer format strategy utilizes an astronomical object? (STATE THE ACRONYM AND WHAT EACH LETTER STANDS FOR)
S - Situation
T - Task
A - Action
R - Result
(Sometimes ASTAR, where A means Answer)
A curated collection of materials that showcases an individual's best work, skills, and achievements, often used by professionals to demonstrate competence to employers.
What is a portfolio?
If you are a senior, how early should you start looking for a full-time job?
The semester before you graduate. Typically, 6-9 months before graduation.
Does NOT mean you need to secure one that early, but begin looking at the market, your options, and recruiting timelines to get applications out with ease.
What are your strengths?
Select 1–3 specific, job-relevant skills (e.g., leadership, problem-solving, technical proficiency) and support them with concise, evidence-based examples. Don't be arrogant.
What is an elevator pitch, and can you give me yours?
A typically short pitch to sell yourself to a company and the format is name, major, hometown, why are you interested in the position, relevant experience, and two characteristics you can contribute.
A slim, professional, and compact portfolio designed to hold a writing pad (notepad), pen, business cards, and a few documents
What is a padfolio?
TRUE OR FALSE: You need an internship during your academic career.
FALSE. Other opportunities, such as externships, paid jobs, fellowships, and leadership experience, all contribute. BUT internships can be extremely helpful in communicating your experience and value provided. It shows you already know the work and expectations surrounding corporate/work life. It is not the end of the world to not have one, but it helps greatly.
Tell me about a time you handled conflict/stress.
Demonstrate professionalism, emotional maturity, and problem-solving skills. Ideally, use the STAR method.