Job applications usually come with a few things: frantically updating your resume, whipping up a cover letter, and then gearing up for the dreaded interview prep. Let’s be honest, interviews can be stressful—it’s one conversation that might make (or break) your shot at a job, internship, or in this case, fellowship.
We’re not going to pretend that interviews will suddenly become your favorite thing to do, but there are certainly ways to prepare that can help make the process go as smoothly as possible. In this blog, we’ll walk you through four key pieces of advice to help you nail your interview and boost your confidence.
- Know your resume like the back of your hand, and be able to speak on these experiences.
Your interviewer has likely looked through your resume and already knows the basics of what you’ve listed, but you’re the one who really knows the details behind those bullet points, so this is your chance to dive deeper.
For example, let’s say you have a social media internship listed. Your resume says you created and managed a content calendar, designed graphics, and wrote all the social copy. If the interviewer asks about that role, do not simply repeat what is on the page. Go beyond the bullet points. Did you create the content calendar based on market research you conducted? Did you have to take the initiative to bring your ideas to life? Or maybe there’s a personal passion for content creation that drove you to pursue the internship in the first place? This is your opportunity to share the “why” and the “how,” adding layers to what the interviewer already knows. - Prep common interview questions using the STAR method.
There are only so many questions an interviewer can ask, and while some will be specific to the industry, role, or company, others are pretty standard. A quick Google search can give you a solid list of common questions to prepare for. Here is a resource with a wide variety of questions, plus some example answers to get you started. Don’t forget to have your elevator pitch ready to go!
The STAR method is an effective strategy for answering interview questions, preventing long rattling answers that don’t leave the interviewer with what they want to hear. STAR is broken down into four stages:
Situation: Start by describing the context or background for the scenario you’re talking about. This helps the interviewer understand the setting and problem you’re facing. It’s important to be clear and concise and provide enough detail to set the stage without going off track.
Task: Next, explain your specific responsibility or the challenge you were tasked with in the situation. What goal were you working toward, or what problem did you need to solve? This stage highlights your role and your understanding of what needs to be done.
Action: Here, you delve into the steps you took to address the task. Be sure to focus on your contributions—what actions did you personally take? It’s crucial to be as specific as possible, describing your thought process and the steps you followed to handle the challenge.
Result: Finally, share the outcome of your actions. This can include any tangible results, improvements, or lessons learned. Whenever possible, quantify the results (e.g., percentages, actual amounts, etc.), but know that qualitative outcomes, like improved team collaboration or customer satisfaction, are also valuable. The key is to emphasize the positive impact of your efforts.
By using the STAR method, you can provide clear, structured answers that highlight your strengths and leave the interviewer with a strong impression of your abilities and problem-solving skills. - Research the interviewer/company you are interviewing with.
You want to walk into an interview feeling like you’ve done your homework so you’re not caught off guard by any curveball questions. That means getting a good feel for the company’s culture, what the role is all about (if you have an idea on what they’re looking for), and what they’ve been up to lately. Go through their website, check out their mission statement, and do a quick dive into any news or press releases. Bonus points if you can learn a bit about the person interviewing you — it might help you connect or understand what they’re looking for.
When you’ve got a solid sense of the company’s vibe, it’ll be easier to show how your skills and experiences are a perfect match. Plus, you’ll have some well-informed questions ready to go that prove you’re not just winging the interview. The more you know, the smoother the conversation will go. - Be a good communicator.
This one’s a two-way street — like any good conversation (because, at the end of the day, an interview is really just a conversation).
First, you’ve got to be fully engaged. That means keeping good eye contact, asking for clarification if something’s not clear, and paying attention to key points the interviewer brings up. Whether you jot things down mentally or scribble a note, staying tuned in shows you’re serious and gives you talking points later on.
On the flip side, when it’s your turn to answer, take a second, breathe, and go for a direct, honest response. It’s easy to stumble over words when nerves kick in or to start speaking a mile a minute. Sometimes it’s not so much what you’re saying as how you’re saying it. Keeping your tone upbeat and your energy positive can make a huge difference. If you can steer the conversation towards topics that genuinely excite you, that enthusiasm will come through naturally, helping you connect even more with the interviewer
By keeping these four tips in mind, you’ll walk into your interview feeling more prepared, confident, and ready to tackle whatever questions come your way. Remember, interviews are as much about showing who you are as they are about your qualifications. With some thoughtful preparation and a clear game plan, you’ll be one step closer to landing that job, internship, or fellowship. You’ve got this!
