Interviews
An interview is your moment to be confident and tell an employer why you can do the job or internship better than the rest. We’re here to help you be prepared and get the job or internship that’s right for you.
On this page:
Smile
Smile, have a firm handshake, sit up straight, make eye contact and nod your head to show that you're listening. These are top ways to keep the interviewers loving you.
Answer completely
Make your answers accurate, brief and as interesting as possible. Try to stay on topic.
Be specific
Focus on your role/part in the situation and specifically what action steps you took.
Think STAR. ⭐️
Thoughtful questions
"Do you have any questions for us?" This is your opportunity to show how interested you are in the position.
Next steps
Find out what their next steps are in the interviewing process and when they might occur.
Express Thanks
Thank the interviewer for their time and interest in you. Also, thank anyone else who helped you on the way out.
What's Next
Remind the employers why you'd be a good fit for the position by sending a thank you note.
- Practice. Use Big Interview, a free online video interviewing tool, to practice your interview style.
- Test your virtual technology before the interview and make sure you have a good internet connection.
👉 Pro Tip: If possible, use an Ethernet cable to connect to your modem to ensure you have a reliable internet connection. - Turn off all notifications and close all nonessential apps and programs on your device.
- Dress as you would for an in-person interview. See what to wear.
- Check your lighting. Get lighting tips and tricks for shooting video at home.
- Make sure your background is uncluttered.
👉 Pro Tip: If possible, try to avoid having a bright light behind you or use an appropriate virtual background. - Limit background noise. If you’re sharing a living space, let others know you will be on an important call, so they’re quiet during your interview.
- Use your preferred name in your virtual platform address, not just a user name or email address.
- Be on time. Log in 7 – 10 minutes before the start of the interview.
- Keep your video on. It's a video interview as opposed to a phone interview, they want to see you.
👉 Pro Tip: Be aware of your facial expression when you’re listening to the interviewer. Keep it positive and show you’re open to what they’re saying. - Make eye contact.
👉 Pro Tip: Raise your screen to eye level and about an arm’s length away. Minimize your screen and move your thumbnail view of the person you're talking to towards the top middle of your screen. That way, when you look at them, you will also be looking into your camera and you'll have better eye contact. - Maintain good posture.
- Let the interviewer finish speaking before you answer a question.
Big Interview
Practice at home! Create a practice interview session on Big Interview, an online video interviewing and resume tool.
*This online tool is free when you register with your UB email address.
Practice Interview Appointment
Practice your interview style with a pro. Schedule a practice interview appointment in Bullseye powered by Handshake with one of our career experts.
Sign in to Bullseye powered by Handshake to make an appointment.
Career Design Studio
You'll find advice, resources and tools all together to help you prepare for and ace your interview with an employer.
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