Citi College | Career Services

| Career Services

Ace Your Interviews with Confidence

Gain the skills and insights you need to impress your future employers.

An employer will schedule an interview with you when they see potential in your skills to contribute positively to their organization. During the interview, they’ll gauge your enthusiasm for the role and the company, assess how well you’re prepared for the challenges it presents, and determine your ability to enhance their team’s success.

The way you respond to their questions plays a crucial role in helping them evaluate your experience, skills, and drive.

On this page, we provide you with essential tips on how to effectively prepare for your interview, present yourself confidently, and engage in meaningful follow-up afterwards—all to ensure you shine in your next interview opportunity.

Navigating Your Interview Journey

Embark on your path to interview success with our comprehensive guide. From initial preparations to the critical follow-up, each step of your interview process is crucial in securing your dream job. This section will help you master every phase: starting with how to prepare before your interview, what to do the day before and on the day of the interview, and how to effectively follow up afterwards. Gain the confidence and skills needed to impress potential employers and stand out from the competition. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or looking to refine your techniques, these insights will guide you through a successful interview experience.

Research the Company and Industry

Understanding the company and industry is crucial to demonstrating your motivation and interest during the interview. Here’s how you can prepare:

  • Review the Job Description: Familiarize yourself again with the job posting and think critically about how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate for the role.
  • Explore the Company’s Digital Presence: Spend time on the organization’s official website and follow their social media channels to get a sense of their culture, achievements, and recent news.
  • Stay Informed About Industry Trends: Keep up with the latest developments that could affect your prospective employer. This knowledge can set you apart in an interview setting.
  • Leverage Your Network: Reach out to contacts within the industry, such as Citi College alumni, LinkedIn connections, or family members who might provide insider insights into the company.
Prepare Key Points You Want to Communicate

Tailor your responses to common themes to ensure you’re ready for various types of questions:

  • Your Interest in the Position: Reflect on how your past academic, professional, and personal experiences have shaped your interest in this role. Consider why you’re drawn to this type of work at this specific organization.
  • Your Suitability for the Role: Evaluate how your qualifications, from work experience to co-curricular activities, make you a strong candidate. Prepare to showcase your skills through specific examples, using the SARA method (Situation, Action, Result, Application) to describe your achievements and how they apply to the new role.
Practice Your Interviewing Skills

Practicing your responses is as crucial as preparing them:

  • Verbal Practice: While it’s helpful to organize your thoughts on paper, practicing out loud is essential. You can practice alone, or with peers, mentors, or through scheduled sessions with a Citi College career counselor.
  • Mock Interviews: Take advantage of Citi College’s Practice Interview Program, which allows you to engage in mock interviews and receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals.
  • Utilize Digital Resources: Engage with tools like Big Interview, available through Citi College, to conduct mock interviews by industry or job function. Record your responses, review them for self-assessment, or share them with a mentor for feedback.
Learn About Your Potential Employer

The interview is also an opportunity for you to determine if the role and the company are a good fit for you:

  • Prepare Insightful Questions: Develop thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, company culture, and industry challenges. These questions can help you understand the position and company better and demonstrate your deep interest in the job.

Ensure you’re fully prepared and poised for success by following these steps a day before your interview:

  • Review Essential Documents: Revisit your notes, resume, cover letter, and the job description. Also, review any summaries you have on the company and industry to refresh your memory and ensure your responses are tailored and impactful.

  • Plan Your Journey: For an in-person interview, confirm the route to the interview location and determine the travel time needed. Add extra time to avoid any delays that could make you late.

  • Prepare Your Interview Attire: Choose and prepare your outfit the day before to ensure you look polished and professional. 

  • Organize Interview Materials: Prepare a folder containing several copies of your resume, a list of references, a notepad, and pens. These items will help you appear organized and prepared to both take notes and provide any additional information needed.

  • Know Your Interviewer: Note down the name and title of the interviewer or the person you will check-in with upon arrival. This can help personalize your interaction and shows attention to detail.

  • Rest Well: Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep to ensure you are alert, focused, and at your best for the interview.

Before the Interview Begins
  • Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at the interview location 10–15 minutes early. This shows punctuality and gives you a moment to gather your thoughts.
  • Bring Your Supplies: Carry the materials you prepared the night before, including resumes, references, notepad, and pens.
  • Be Courteous: Treat all staff members you encounter with respect and politeness. First impressions count, and you never know who might relay their impressions to the hiring manager.
  • Silence Your Phone: To avoid interruptions, ensure your mobile devices are on silent before entering the building.
  • Mind Your Fragrance: Skip strong perfumes or colognes, as these can be distracting or off-putting in close quarters.
  • Positive Mindset: Enter the interview with a positive attitude, ready to engage and impress.
During the Interview
  • Listen Attentively: Focus on the questions asked by the interviewer to ensure your answers are relevant and well-targeted.
  • Link Your Skills to the Company’s Needs: Clearly relate your skills, accomplishments, and career objectives to what the company needs, demonstrating how you fit into their goals.
  • Use Specific Examples: Whenever possible, provide specific examples using the SARA method (Situation, Action, Result, Application) to illustrate your competencies and achievements.
  • Stay Positive: Emphasize the positive aspects of your training and experience. There’s no need to highlight what you lack; instead, focus on what you bring to the table.
  • Communicate Clearly: Use concise and direct language. Avoid filler words and be mindful not to ramble.
  • Engage with Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with your interviewer(s). If facing multiple interviewers, engage with each to show inclusivity and respect.
  • Mind Your Body Language: Adopt a posture that shows confidence and engagement, enhancing the impression of professionalism.
  • Observe the Environment: Take note of the office dynamics and interactions to gauge the company culture.
  • Secure Contact Information: If you haven’t already, ask for a business card or contact details at the end of the interview for follow-up thank you notes.
Send a Thank You Note
  • Promptness Counts: Make sure to send a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview. 
Evaluate Your Performance
  • Reflect on Your Answers: Review how the interview went. Were there any questions that stumped you? Think about how you can refine your responses for future interviews.
  • Assess the Opportunity: Consider what you learned about the position and the employer during the interview. Reflect on whether the role aligns with your career goals and priorities.
Prepare for Possible Next Steps
  • Further Interviews: If you’ve completed a first-round interview, be prepared for possible additional rounds. Visit our resources for insights into what to expect in a second-round interview and tips on how to prepare.
Handling Job Offers
  • On-the-Spot Offers: If you receive an unexpected job offer during the interview, it’s appropriate to thank the employer and express that you need a little time to consider the offer. Politely ask about the timeline they have in mind for your decision.
Following Up
  • If You Haven’t Heard Back: If the employer doesn’t contact you within the originally stated hiring timeline, it’s acceptable to follow up once. Reach out either by calling or emailing the interviewer or HR contact. Reiterate your interest in the position and inquire about any updates to the hiring timeline.

Dressing for Success

Selecting the right outfit for your interview can significantly impact the impression you make. Here are some guidelines to ensure you dress appropriately, keeping in line with industry standards:

  • Understand the Norms: If unsure, opt for a slightly more formal attire than what you might expect is necessary for your industry.
  • Ensure Clean and Neat Presentation: All clothing should be clean, pressed, and polished. 

 

Guidelines for Different Dress Codes

  • Business Attire: Opt for a two-piece suit in conservative colors like black, gray, or navy. Pair it with a neatly pressed shirt or dress, ensuring that it is modestly buttoned at the neckline. In formal settings, consider a tie for men and stockings for women. Always choose dark, closed-toed shoes.
  • Business Casual Attire: This can include dress pants or a skirt paired with a shirt or sweater, without the need for a jacket. Alternatives can include khakis or neat slacks with a well-chosen shirt. Ties and stockings are generally not required for business casual.

What to Avoid

 

  • Do not wear clothes that are revealing, have holes, or are unclean.
  • Avoid excessive jewelry, visible tattoos, and heavy makeup.
  • Refrain from strong cologne or perfume.
  • Hats should be removed indoors, and avoid wearing open-toed shoes, headphones, or sunglasses during your interview.

 

Understanding Types of Interviews and Strategies for Success

Phone/Screening Interview

This preliminary interview helps determine if candidates should advance in the selection process.

  • Tips:
    • Remain enthusiastic and articulate how your skills align with the employer’s needs.
    • Keep your resume, company notes, and calendar handy.
    • Choose a quiet location with good phone reception and minimal background noise.

In-Person Interview

This can involve one or more representatives from the employer’s side, potentially lasting a full day with multiple interview sessions.

  • Tips:
    • Prepare for both traditional and behavioral interview questions.
    • Dress professionally and arrive prepared with copies of your resume.

Group Interview

Involves multiple candidates and assesses interpersonal skills.

  • Tips:
    • Balance assertiveness with cooperation; contribute to the discussion without overshadowing others.
    • Prepare a brief introduction summarizing your qualifications and career objectives.

Panel Interview

Conducted by two or more interviewers to gain diverse perspectives.

  • Tips:
    • Engage with all panel members, making eye contact with each as you respond.
    • Pose questions to the group as a whole, rather than to individual interviewers.

Videoconferencing/Internet Interview

Often conducted via platforms like Skype.

  • Tips:
    • Dress as you would for an in-person interview and ensure your background is neutral and non-distracting.

Pre-recorded Interview

Involves responding to a set list of questions via a recording, without live interaction.

  • Tips:
    • Maintain a natural tone, avoiding overly rehearsed responses. Ensure your attire and background are appropriate.

Stress Interview

Designed to see how candidates handle pressure, useful in high-stakes environments where quick decision-making is crucial.

  • Tips:
    • Focus on your problem-solving approach rather than finding the “right” answer. Stay calm and poised under pressure.

Case Interview

Tests analytical and problem-solving skills through hypothetical scenarios.

  • Tips:
    • Clearly articulate your thought process and reasoning as you address the case questions.