Prepare for an Interview

Carefully review your resume so you can confidently speak about everything on it. Be prepared to explain your experiences, highlight key accomplishments, and connect your skills to the role. If it’s on your resume, it’s fair game in an interview.

Learn about the organization’s mission, values, products/services, and recent news. Understanding the company helps you tailor your answers and show genuine interest. Be ready to explain why you want to work there and how you can contribute.

Practice answering common interview questions out loud to build confidence and improve clarity. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend, mentor, or career advisor. The more you practice, the more natural and polished you’ll feel.

Think of specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experiences. Use a structured approach (like S.T.A.R: Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answers focused and impactful. Strong examples help employers see your value in action.

Choose professional clothing that aligns with the company’s culture. Make sure your outfit is clean, comfortable, and appropriate for the role. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly more formal than too casual.

Set up a quiet, well-lit space free from distractions. Test your technology (camera, microphone, internet connection) ahead of time. Make sure your background is clean and professional, and position your camera at eye level. If you need a professional, quiet space, our Career Center offers interview rooms that students can reserve. Call us at 530-898-5253 to schedule a space.

Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early for in-person interviews to allow time for parking, check-in, and settling your nerves. For virtual interviews, log in a few minutes early to ensure your technology is working properly. Being early shows professionalism and helps you start the interview feeling calm and prepared.

Bring a professional portfolio or folder with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and any relevant work samples. Having these materials organized and accessible allows you to confidently share your experience and respond to requests during the interview.

Take a few moments before your interview to build confidence with positive self-talk. Remind yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and preparation. A confident mindset can help reduce anxiety and allow you to present your best self.

Make a strong first impression by being friendly and professional. Offer a confident handshake (if in person), maintain eye contact, smile, and use positive body language. Building rapport helps create a more comfortable and engaging conversation.

Listen carefully to each question and tailor your responses to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. Avoid going off-topic—keep your answers focused on what the employer is looking for and how you meet those needs.

Support your answers with specific examples using the S.T.A.R method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This approach helps you clearly explain what you did and the impact of your actions, making your responses more structured and memorable.

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, or company. This shows your interest and helps you determine if the position is a good fit. Avoid questions that can easily be answered by reviewing the company’s website.

Within 24 hours of your interview, send a brief thank you email to each interviewer. Express your appreciation for their time, reiterate your interest in the position, and briefly highlight how your skills align with the role. A thoughtful thank you message helps you stand out and leaves a positive final impression.

If you haven’t heard back within the employer’s stated timeline, it’s appropriate to send a polite follow-up email to check on your application status. Keep your message professional and concise, and reaffirm your interest in the position. Following up demonstrates initiative and continued enthusiasm.