Interviewing

• Traditional/Structured Interviews: Follow a set of predetermined questions for all candidates to ensure consistency and fairness. 
• Behavioral Interviews: Seek examples of how candidates handled past situations, assessing behavior and problem-solving skills. 
• Panel Interviews: Involves a group of interviewers from different departments assessing a candidate's qualifications. 
• Technical Interviews: Assess specific technical knowledge, skills, and abilities required for specialized positions. 
• Phone/Remote Interviews: Conducted virtually to screen candidates before in-person meetings. 
• Group Interviews: Multiple candidates engage in discussions or activities to evaluate teamwork and communication. 
• Situational Interviews: Present hypothetical scenarios to gauge critical thinking and decision-making abilities. 

1. Preparing for an Interview:

• Research the company and industry. 
• Complete a mock interview with the Career and Professional Development Center  
• Review the job description and understand the role. 
• Prepare responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). 
• Showcase achievements and quantify accomplishments. 
• Develop thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. 
• Show up on time. 
• Dress professionally and test technology if it's a virtual interview. 
• Follow up with a thank-you note to express appreciation. 

2. Preparing for Virtual Employment Interviews: 

• Test and ensure proper functioning of technology. 
• Complete a mock interview with a career counselor or with InterviewStreams  
• Choose a quiet, well-lit environment with a professional background. 
• Dress professionally and maintain good posture. 
• Practice clear and concise communication. 
• Pay attention to non-verbal cues and maintain eye contact with the camera. 
• Be prepared for technical issues and have a backup plan. 
• Follow up with a thank-you email to reiterate interest. 

3. Interview Techniques: 

• Research the company or institution thoroughly. 
• Prepare examples and anecdotes to support responses. 
• Clarify questions and think out loud when needed. 
• Leverage non-verbal communication and storytelling techniques. 
• Utilize knowledge of the company and interviewers. 
• Send a well-timed thank-you note after the interview. 

4. Before and After the Interview: 

• Prepare systematically using a checklist. 
• Review your resume and understand the position. 
• Craft meaningful thank-you communication post-interview. 
• Stay patient and avoid overthinking. 

By mastering these strategies and techniques, you can confidently navigate the interview process, showcase your potential, and secure the opportunities you aspire to. This guide empowers you to excel in interviews and unlock your true potential. Start your journey to interview success today! 

Understanding job interviewing etiquette is crucial for making a positive impression and increasing your chances of success. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Professional Attire: We understand that each industry has its own unique dress code. While traditional industries often lean towards conservative colors, such as gray, black, or charcoal, other sectors embrace more relaxed styles. We encourage you to research your specific industry and organization to make an informed attire choice. However, we also have staff on hand who can help you discover what suits your needs.  If you need help check out Izzy’s Closet.  
• Punctuality: Arrive on time or a few minutes early, showing respect for the interviewer's time and demonstrating your reliability. 
• Non-Verbal Communication: Maintain good eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and exhibit confident body language. 
• Active Listening: Pay attention to the interviewer, avoid interrupting, and provide thoughtful responses that address their questions. 
• Prepare Thoroughly: Research the company, job role, and industry. Be ready to discuss your qualifications and align them with the company's needs. 
• Ask Thoughtful Questions: Prepare questions that showcase your interest and understanding of the company's goals, culture, and expectations. 
• Be Concise: Provide concise and relevant answers, focusing on key skills and experiences that match the job requirements. 
• Positivity and Enthusiasm: Show genuine enthusiasm for the role, the company, and the opportunity to contribute. 
• Stay Professional: Avoid negative comments about previous employers or colleagues. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview. 
• Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email or note after the interview to express gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position. 

By adhering to these fundamental etiquette principles, you'll create a lasting positive impression and stand out as a strong candidate during your job interview.  

Prepare for success in your grad school interview with these key insights and tips: 

• Why Interviews Matter: Grad school interviews go beyond applications, helping admissions committees assess your dedication, motivation, and fit within the program. It's a chance to showcase your enthusiasm and personality. 
• Your Opportunity to Shine: Dress professionally and exude confidence. Thoroughly research the program, its faculty, and unique offerings to demonstrate your genuine interest. 
• Sample Questions: Be ready to tackle important questions about your career goals, research interests, strengths, weaknesses, and how you'll contribute to the program. 
• Interviews' Vital Role: The interview is the last stage of the application process and indicates serious consideration. It's an opportunity for the university to understand you on a personal level and for you to determine if the program aligns with your aspirations. 
• Top Preparation Tips: Research the university and program thoroughly, practice mock interviews, prepare thoughtful questions to ask, and confirm all interview details. Schedule a mock interview with the Career and Professional Development Center today.  
• Mastering Questions: Practice answering common questions such as introducing yourself, explaining your program choice, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, sharing accomplishments, and discussing past failures. 
• Final Thoughts: Adequate preparation is key to interview success. By mastering these insights, you'll confidently navigate your grad school interview and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. 

Here's a list of some of the most common interview questions that candidates might encounter during a job interview: 

• Tell me about yourself. 
• What interests you about this role/company? 
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? 
• Describe a challenging situation you've faced at work and how you handled it. 
• Can you give an example of a time when you worked effectively as part of a team? 
• How do you handle stress or pressure? 
• Where do you see yourself in five years? 
• Why do you want to leave your current job? 
• What is your greatest professional achievement? 
• How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time? 
• Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a coworker. 
• What skills or qualifications make you a good fit for this role? 
• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments? 
• Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a change in a work project. 
• How do you handle feedback and criticism? 
• What do you know about our company? 
• Why do you want to work here? 
• How would your colleagues describe you? 
• Can you provide an example of your leadership experience? 
• Describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline. 
• How do you approach problem-solving? 
• What motivates you in your work? 
• Give an example of a time when you demonstrated creativity or innovation. 
• How do you handle a situation when you disagree with your supervisor? 
• What do you consider to be your most relevant work experience? 
• How do you handle ambiguity or uncertainty in your work? 
• Can you share an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a project or task? 
• What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 
• Do you have any questions for us? 

Remember, interview questions can vary depending on the job, industry, and company. It's essential to be prepared for a range of questions and to tailor your responses to highlight your qualifications and fit for the specific role. To help you prepare and ask more industry specific questions schedule a mock interview with a career counselor. 

Quinncia is a resume review and mock interview AI tool that provides students with immediate feedback and guidance on improving their resume and and allows students the opportunity to practice  interviewing skills. Current TAMU-CC students will access Quinncia with their islander email address and single sign on credentials. Please note that students must submit a resume to practice an interview. 

Accessing Quinncia - https://quinncia.io/access

• Using Quinncia: https://help.quinncia.io/article/272-introduction-to-quinncia-student-walkthrough
• Logging In: https://help.quinncia.io/article/70-logging-into-quinncia
• Uploading a Resume: https://help.quinncia.io/article/42-how-do-i-upload-my-resume
• The Interview Experience: https://help.quinncia.io/article/55-the-quinncia-interview-experience

1. What are Informational Interviews?

• Informational interviews are valuable conversations between students and professionals in a chosen field. They offer insights into careers, organizations, and industry dynamics, aiding students in making informed decisions about their career paths. 

2. Why Should Students Should Complete Informational Interviews? 

• Career Exploration: Informational interviews help students explore different careers and industries to align their interests and skills with potential opportunities. 
• Insightful Learning: Students gain firsthand knowledge about job roles, daily tasks, challenges, and rewards from experienced professionals. 
• Networking: These interviews foster valuable connections, helping students build a network of industry contacts and potential mentors. 
• Refining Goals: Informational interviews help students refine their career goals, identify necessary skills, and understand the paths to success. 
• Confidence Boost: Engaging with professionals and learning from their experiences boosts students' confidence and motivation. 

3. How Should Students Conduct Informational Interviews? 

• Research: Identify professionals in your desired field through personal connections, alumni networks, or platforms like LinkedIn. 
• Initiate Contact: Send a concise and respectful email introducing yourself, explaining your purpose, and requesting a brief meeting. 
• Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Craft questions that delve into the professional's career journey, job responsibilities, challenges, and advice. 
• Engage Actively: During the interview, listen actively, ask open-ended questions, and encourage the professional to share insights and stories. 
• Dress and Behave Professionally: If meeting in person, dress appropriately and arrive on time. Show gratitude and professionalism throughout. 
• Follow Up: Send a thank-you note expressing appreciation for their time and insights. Maintain the connection by updating them on your progress. 
• Continued Networking: Build on these connections, attend industry events, and stay engaged with your network to further your career goals. 

In summary, informational interviews are an indispensable tool for students seeking career guidance and industry insights. By engaging in thoughtful conversations with professionals, students can make informed decisions about their career paths, build a strong network, and pave the way for future success.