Landing an interview means you’re already a competitive candidate. Now, it\u2019s your chance to show the employer that you:<\/p>\n
Explore our resources to guide you through the process from start to finish.
\nReady to practice? Check out Big Interview or schedule an appointment with us to sharpen your skills.<\/p>\n
Big Interview<\/a> Make an Appointment<\/a><\/p>\n","blocks":[{"acf_fc_layout":"mirror-content","page":194,"component_options_toggle":true,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"Big Interview","identifier":"big-interview","navigable":true}},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion-with-notes","module_background_color":"off-white","accordion_position":"right","title":"Before the Interview","notes":" Interviewing can be nerve-racking. Imagine going on your first date, meeting the parents, and proposing\u2014all in one day! It\u2019s even more stressful if you\u2019re unprepared.<\/p>\n With the right preparation, you\u2019ll navigate the process with confidence and present yourself as the ideal candidate.<\/p>\n Discover the steps you can take ahead of time to feel confident and fully prepared.<\/p>\n Make an Appointment<\/a><\/p>\n","include_spacing":true,"expanded":false,"sections":[{"label":"Questions to Ask When Scheduling Your Interview","copy":" When you get the call to schedule your interview, keep in mind that you are speaking with someone who may influence the hiring decision. Your tone and approach during this call can make a difference.<\/p>\n Here are a few questions to ask that will help you feel more prepared for the interview:<\/p>\n Investing time in researching the company is crucial to interview success.<\/strong> It shows you care about the opportunity and are ready to contribute meaningfully.<\/p>\n Know their story.<\/strong> Align with their mission.<\/strong> Discover their personality.<\/strong> Understand their impact.<\/strong> By preparing in advance, you\u2019ll be equipped to stand out as a candidate who shares their vision and goals.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Plan Your Interview Outfit","copy":" Dressing for success starts with choosing the right outfit for the occasion.<\/strong><\/p>\n Business professional is a standard go-to for most interviews. If you need inspiration, visit our Professional Attire<\/strong><\/a> resource for guidance.<\/p>\n Do not hesitate to ask if there are specific clothing requirements, especially if you are visiting a site or facility where safety gear or specialty attire may be necessary.<\/p>\n Taking the extra step to prepare will show your attention to detail!<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Prepare for Commonly Asked Questions","copy":" Interview questions reveal your professional background, industry knowledge, skills, and personality. While you cannot predict every question, using a three-step response pattern can help you answer any question clearly and confidently.<\/p>\n Step 1:<\/strong> Start with a brief overview of your answer.<\/p>\n Example: Step 2:<\/strong> Elaborate with a specific example. Share a story to illustrate your point.<\/p>\n Example:<\/em> Step 3:<\/strong> Connect your answer to the role you are interviewing for.<\/p>\n Example:<\/em> Use the three-step pattern to practice these common interview questions:<\/p>\n Try Big Interview<\/strong><\/a>, an online platform offering video-based practice tools, tutorials, and strategies for answering interview questions. It is free with your Eagle\u2019s email\u2014start practicing today!<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Prepare Questions to Ask Them","copy":" This shows your genuine interest in the position and the company, while also demonstrating your preparation. Avoid discussing salary or benefits in the first interview\u2014those topics can be addressed later. Instead, focus on questions that are not readily available on the company website or in the job posting.<\/p>\n Plan to prepare 3 to 5 questions, even if you may only have time to ask 2 or 3 during the interview. Pro Tip:<\/strong> Personalize your questions based on what you learned about the company, such as recent projects, organizational values, or challenges in the industry. Writing down your questions beforehand can also help you feel more confident during the interview.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Prepare Your Materials","copy":" Prepare your materials the day before your interview to avoid last-minute issues like printing malfunctions. Being organized helps you feel confident and ready.<\/p>\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> If you tend to fidget, bring a twist pen! It is quiet and provides a subtle way to keep your hands busy during the interview.<\/p>\n Bonus Tip:<\/strong> Organize your materials in a folder, bag, or portfolio for easy access. If presenting digital work, ensure files are ready on a USB drive or emailed to yourself beforehand.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Schedule a Mock Interview","copy":" Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to interviews. A mock interview with a Career Advisor can help you feel prepared, build confidence, and refine your skills in a stress-free environment.<\/p>\n Get feedback tailored to your needs and learn how to showcase your strengths effectively.<\/p>\n Ready to start? Make an Appointment<\/strong><\/a> now to schedule your mock interview!<\/p>\n"}],"component_options_toggle":true,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"Before the Interview","identifier":"before-interview","navigable":true}},{"acf_fc_layout":"copy-with-image","layout":"half-image","show_left":true,"module_background_color":"white","title":"At the Interview","copy":" To make a strong impression, follow these simple yet effective steps:<\/p>\n Be Early:<\/strong> Arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of your scheduled time to show punctuality and preparedness.<\/p>\n Confidence and Warmth:<\/strong> Greet everyone with a firm handshake and eye contact.<\/p>\n Listen Carefully:<\/strong> Pay close attention to questions. If you are unsure, ask for clarification. Take notes to ensure you address each part of the question completely.<\/p>\n Engage and Ask Questions:<\/strong> Demonstrate enthusiasm by asking insightful questions about the job and company when prompted.<\/p>\n Clarify Next Steps:<\/strong> Inquire about the hiring timeline and how you will hear from them next.<\/p>\n","image":{"ID":109,"id":109,"title":"2024-2-28 Career Fair-9","filename":"2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9.jpg","filesize":2299491,"url":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9.jpg","link":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/career-fairs\/2024-2-28-career-fair-9\/","alt":"","author":"433","description":"","caption":"","name":"2024-2-28-career-fair-9","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":676,"date":"2024-12-16 21:07:40","modified":"2025-01-15 22:09:11","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2400,"height":1601,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9-300x200.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":200,"medium_large":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9-768x512.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":512,"large":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9-1024x683.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":683,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9-1536x1025.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1025,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9-2048x1366.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":1366,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9.jpg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":200,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9.jpg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":267,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/test-www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2024-2-28-Career-Fair-9.jpg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":600,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":400}},"youtube_video_id":"","video_orientation":"horizontal","image_alt":"","secondary_image":"","background_vertical_alignment":"center","background_horizontal_alignment":"center","background_crop":"chevron","component_options_toggle":true,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"At the Interview","identifier":"at-interview","navigable":true}},{"acf_fc_layout":"copy-with-image","layout":"half-image","show_left":false,"module_background_color":"off-white","title":"After the Interview","copy":" Send a Follow-Up Email:<\/strong> Within 48 hours of your interview, send a brief email thanking the interviewers for their time and expressing your continued interest in the position. If you do not have the interviewer’s contact information, you can send your email to the HR representative or recruiter to forward.<\/p>\n Avoid Asking About Timelines:<\/strong> Resist the urge to ask when a hiring decision will be made. Ideally, you asked this during the interview, and the organization will notify you once a decision has been reached.<\/p>\n\n
\nExplore their website, blog, and press releases for recent news and updates.<\/p>\n
\nUnderstand their values and purpose\u2014these often appear in an \u201cAbout Us\u201d section or mission statement.<\/p>\n
\nGet a sense of their culture through social media posts, employee testimonials, or behind-the-scenes videos.<\/p>\n
\nLearn about their products, services, and clients by reading case studies, reviews, and industry insights.<\/p>\nThe Three-Step Pattern<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/em>“What is your greatest strength?”<\/em>
\n“My greatest strength is my ability to communicate effectively.”<\/p>\n
\n“At my previous role as a project manager, I communicated daily with my team through emails, client updates, and weekly in-person meetings. One time, a dissatisfied client requested urgent changes to an advertising project. I reassured them, relayed the changes to my team, and ensured the updates were delivered within 24 hours. The client was impressed by our prompt response and loved the final product.”<\/p>\n
\n“I want to bring my strong communication skills to X Company, where I know clear communication is essential for managing internal teams and client relationships.”<\/p>\nPractice Common Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Take Your Practice to the Next Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Always have questions ready to ask during the interview. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nBe sure to ask about the next steps in the hiring process as your final question.<\/p>\nSample Questions:<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Essential Documents<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Writing Tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Optional Items<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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