Interview Skills
Congrats on your upcoming interview!
You’ve made it through the screening round and you’re heading to your job or internship interview. Do your research and prepare your answers to common questions in advance. Below are some tools and tips to help you prepare.
How to prepare for interviews
1. Understand the type of interview you can expect
Depending on the interview, your interview strategy and approach may differ. Interviews could be a 1:1 meeting, panel interview, technical interview, or group interview. They could be over the phone, in-person, virtual, etc.
2. Familiarize yourself with the job description
The job description tells you what they’re looking for in a candidate. It contains clues as to what types of questions they may ask, and what types of answers may be favorable.
3. Review and practice answering interview questions
We’ve got you covered with some common interview questions and a guide for mock interviews on this webpage.
4. Do some research
Research the employer including their mission, vision, values, product or service, company in the news, work environment, etc. In addition, research industry-specific questions that might be asked.
5. Be ready to ask questions
Prepare at least three questions that you can’t find the answer to on their website. They should communicate your curiosity and eagerness to work there. Questions can serve as an opportunity to see if the company is a good fit for YOU!
Practice interview questions
Here are some questions to practice answering in advance, with specific examples, before your interview.
Common interview questions
Versions of these questions nearly always show up in interviews. Have a strong grasp on how you’d answer these.
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this position?
- Why are you the best fit for this position? (Why should we hire you?)
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Qualities and work style interview questions
These questions are used to assess soft skills and your fit for the position and work environment.
- What type of environment do you thrive in?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- How would you describe your work style?
- In a team setting, what role do you usually play?
- What motivates you at work?
- How do you like to be managed? What’s your management style?
- How would you describe your leadership style?
- What has been your most challenging work experience and why?
- What did you like about your current/last job? What would you change?
- What achievements are you particularly proud of?
Situational interview questions
These questions are used to see how you would handle certain situations.
- How would you prioritize your work if you have multiple tasks with the same deadline?
- How would you handle receiving constructive feedback from your manager?
Behavioral interview questions
These types of questions usually look for specific examples and story-like answers; they’re usually used to assess your soft skills and how you navigate certain types of scenarios.
- (Teamwork) Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict or challenge with a coworker. How did you handle that?
- (Adaptability) Tell me about a time you were under a lot of pressure. What was going on, and how did you get through it?
- (Problemsolving) Describe a time you faced asignificant challenge at work or in school, and how you faced that challenge.
- (Time management) Give me an example of time you managed numerous responsibilities at once. How did you go about that?
- (Communication) Give me an example of a time when you had to have a difficult conversation with someone. How did you handle the situation?
- (Motivation and values) Describe a time when you saw a problem and took the initiative to correct it.
- (Proactive) Can you provide an example of a time you showed initiative and leadership?
Qualification interview questions
These questions are looking for details to assess how your skills and experience align with the job description. These will sometimes also ask questions related to industry knowledge.
- What experiences do you have that best align with this position?
- How has your previous experiences prepared you for this work?
- How does this job fit into your overall career goals?
- What do you believe is the biggest challenge this position presents? How wouldyou approach that challenge?
- What do you hope to accomplish in the first 90 days of being hired?
- What should I know about you that’s not on your resume?
Outside of the box interview questions
These are not looking for the right answer, they’re more focused on seeing your though process.
- Sell me this pen.
- What is the animal you most identify with?
- How many tennis balls can you fit in a limo?
- If you had unlimited money, what would you do with it?
Practice additional interview question
You can use our Making Waves AI copilot or ChatGPT or other tools to get more ideas for interview questions specific to your industry.
What’s your elevator pitch?
When you are seeking job and networking opportunities, you’ll need an elevator pitch: a brief way of introducing yourself with a few key points. Your elevator pitch is vital for making connections and preparing to answer the question in job interviews: “Could you share a little more about yourself?“
Mock interviews
Mock interviews are simulations of job interviews used for training and practice purposes. A mock interview is a chance to prepare and give yourself the best chance to make the most of the real interview opportunity.
Why are mock interviews important?
Mock interviews provide space to work through and workshop your answers to both typical and challenging interview questions that you might encounter in the real interview.
Who can you ask for a mock interview?
You can ask a trusted advisor, mentor, or friend if they’re willing to do a practice interview with you. If you are a Making Waves student, ask your Making Waves College Coach or make a request with the Making Waves Early Career and Alumni Team.
How do you ask for a mock interview?
Request 45-60 minutes of the person’s time to conduct a mock interview. Share pertinent information with them such as the job description, employer information, and what you want help with.
How do you make the most of a mock interview?
Take it seriously. You should come prepared to the mock interview as if you’re actually interviewing. Afterwards, ask for feedback and reflect on strengths and challenges ofthe experience. Then, create a plan of improvement to keep preparing for the real interview.
What are some common mock interview questions?
Common questions include: Could you tell me a little about yourself? Why are you interested in this position? Why are you the best fit for this position? What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
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