Ace the Interview

careers.ucr.edu

(951) 827-3631

CONNECT. INSPIRE. EMPOWER.

Agenda

• Prepare for the Interview

• Commonly Asked Questions

• During the Interview

• After the Interview

• Questions

What story do you want to tell?

NACE CAREER

READINESS

COMPETENCIES

Obtaining requisite competencies that

broadly prepare college graduates for a

successful transition into the workplace.

What You'll Learn Today

At the end of this workshop, you will be able to...

Explain what is important

when preparing for an

interview

Identify types of

interviewing,commonly

asked questions, and how

to answer them effectively

Understand your role in

the process and how to

navigate (before the

interview, during the

interview, and after the

interview)

What is an interview for?

Market

Yourself

Find out more

about the

organization

Determine

good fit for you

and the

employer

PURPOSE

The First Impression

Career Fair or

Networking

Application

Materials

Phone Call

It begins far before you actually interview!

Once you are invited…

✓ Smile

✓ Check Schedule

✓ Respond Promptly

✓ Be Courteous

Types of Interviews &

Interview Logistics

In Person Interview

• Verify the time and location

• Ask for clarification (if needed)

• Will this be a panel or individual

interview?

• Who will I be meeting with during the

interview?

• Should I prepare any materials or a

presentation for this interview?

Virtual Interview

• Find a space without interruption and a

good internet connection

• Access the link/platform ahead of time

• Dress the part

• Ask for clarification (if needed)

• What is the web conferencing system that will

be used?

• What time zone will this interview take place?

• Should I prepare any materials for this

interview?

Virtual Interview

• Test your technology: make sure your internet connection is

stable and that your camera and microphone work properly

• Create a professional virtual background: Use a plain

background (test virtual backgrounds if needed)

• Choose a suitable room: Position yourself in a quiet and

well-lit area, preferably facing a natural light.

• Use notes strategically : Avoid reading from them directly

• Dress professionally

• Be mindful of body language: Maintain eye contact; Smile

when appropriate and nod to show engagement.

Group Interview

• Focus on interactivity & inclusivity

• Speak with purpose

• Listening is key

• How do you work in a team setting?

• What unique ideas do you have?

Follow the interviewer's Lead

Maintain conversation

Follow etiquette rules

Less formal environment

Meal

Dress for Success

• Dark or muted colors are more professional

• Closed-toe shoes, dark socks if appropriate

• Avoid heavy perfume or cologne

• Clean hands, nails, and brushed teeth

• Grooming (hair & facial)

• Visit R' Professional Career Closet

• Have you checked your virtual presence lately?

Do Your Research

Review the position description

Research the company/organization

Ask current/former employees about their experiences

Prepare 3-5 questions for your interviewer

Interview Question Styles

Different interviews include different types of questions

• Tell me how your background prepares you to do the job?

• Could you tell me about a time when you worked on a

group project?

• How would you respond to a dissatisfied customer?

• What new feature would you add to MS Word if you were

hired?

Reflect on past actions and provide real examples for your answer

Straightforward

Behavioral Based

Situational

Technical

Behavioral Questions

• Problem-solving & Critical thinking: "Tell me about a time when you had to find a creative solution to a

complex problem at work"

• Time Management: “Can you provide an example of a time when you had to handle multiple projects or tasks

with competing deadlines? (How do you prioritize your tasks and manage your time?)"

• Teamwork and Collaboration: "Tell me about a time when you had to work in a team to complete the project

before the deadline.”

• Adaptability and Flexibility: "Describe a time when you had to quickly adjust to new environment, unexpected

changes or shifting priorities. How did you handle it?"

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: "Tell me about a challenging conversation you had to have with a

coworker or client. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

• Initiative and Proactivity: “How have you shown initiative?"

Behavioral Questions

Be a STAR

• Past actions are more indicative of future success than hypothetical

situations

• Prepare 3-5 STAR examples

ituation or Task

Describe a specific event or situation. Give enough detail for the interviewer to

understand. Draw from campus, work, or community experiences.

ction

Describe the action you took. If you are describing a group project, focus on your role.

esults

What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

Let's

Practice!

S T A R

Divide into groups

of 3. Person 1 will

be the interviewer

and will ask

questions first

Person 2 will be

the interviewee

first

Person 3 will

observe and give

feedback

Then switch, so

that each person

takes on each role

1 2 3 4

Interview Question 1:

Tell me about a time when you worked effectively under pressure.

How did you ensure that you were successful?

Interview Question 2:

Describe a time when you worked with a group to achieve a goal.

Interview Question 3:

Walk me through a time when you made a mistake. What would

you have done differently?

Other Common Questions

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why this

position interests you?

• What makes you different than others?

• How organized and concise are you?

• What brought you to this career?

• Why do you want to work with this

organization?

Why do you want to work for our

organization?

• Where you work should be important to

you (values)

• Recall your company research

• Let them know that you know about their

achievements and challenges

What is your greatest weakness/opportunity?

• Identify a weakness that does not

contradict a core competency needed for

the job

• Explain at least 2 specific ways you have

overcome/managed the weakness and

provide evidence

Practice Virtually Using

Schedule an interview practice or Mock

Interview Critique appointment with

your career specialist.

STANDOUT

TUTORIAL

• Arrive early (10-15 minutes so you

are not rushed)

• Leave cell phone in the car or shut

off before going into interview

• Interview begins in the parking lot —

be courteous

• Bring extra copies of resume

• Take cues from interviewer

• Check the Zoom/virtual link early and make

sure you have the link,

password, internet connection ready to go

• Put cell phone or any other

distractions away before the interview

• Have a copy of resume, CL, & job

description in front of you

• Take cues from interviewer

Arriving at the Interview

In-Person

Virtual or Phone

• Sit, taking cue from interviewer (in-person)

• Be mindful of time

• Make effective eye contact – smile!

• Express confidence in your abilities

- What would you bring to the organization?

• Tie your background to the position

• Speak clearly with enthusiasm

During the Interview

• Your time to ask questions!

• Ask about the next step (if not

already mentioned)

• Ask for business cards if not offered

• Shake everyone’s hand, call them by name

if possible and thank them for their time

• RELAX…you’re done!

Closing the Interview

Last question: Do you have any questions for us?

Prepare 2-3 questionsto demonstrate your interest in the role

• Research the company and job description

• Personalize your questions: Avoid asking simple questions that could be

answered easily by a quick online search. “What qualities or skills are you

looking for in an ideal candidate for this position?”

• Ask about the team and culture: Inquire about the work environment, team

dynamics, and company culture to assess if it aligns with your own values and

working style.

• Avoid asking about compensation and benefits

After the Interview

• Send a thank you note (email, card)

• Be specific with what you appreciated about

them in the interview

• Follow-up if the date that they said they would

get back to you has passed

• Always be professional

Exception:

If the employer stated to not contact them, do not contact them

Accepting the Offer:

• Be enthusiastic

• Find out the details

• Find out how much time they can give you

• Always deliberate before accepting

When an offer has been made...

Declining the Offer:

• Remainpositive

• Don’t burn any bridges!

• Respond promptly and courteously –

don't ghost the employer!

Should I negotiate?

• Am I completely entry-level?

• Is the job in a field that doesn't allow for

negotiation?

• Is the offer reasonable?

Salary Negotiation

How do I negotiate salary?

• Maintain professionalism

• Present an appropriate salary range for the position

• Consider cost of living and other factors

• View the What's My Worth? Salary Negotiation workshop

• Many companies do not inform you of

their decision if they are not hiring you

• Remain professional

• Situational: ask them what could have

made you a stronger candidate

• Don’t burn any bridges!

What to say when you don't get the job...

• Students are encouraged to

participate!

• Employers interview

UCR talent on campus

• Chance to interview

for multiple internship

and full-time positions

On-Campus Interviews

What questions do

you have?

careers.ucr.edu • (951) 827-3631 #HireHighlanders • #UCRCareerReady

Location: We are located in the Career Center Plaza. Our

entrance is the University Lecture Hall and the Surge Building,

behind the UCR Campus Store.

Hours:

Mon. - Fri. 8 am to 5 pm

Individual counseling appointments available

Schedule on Handshake

Drop-in Hours:

Mon. - Fri. (days & times vary)

View drop-in schedule on our website https://careers.ucr.edu/