Interviewing
Have an interview coming up and do not know where to start?
Get Started with Big Interview!
- Start with Fast Track Video Lesson to learn about quick tips on interview preparation
- Browse the Question Library to get a glance of all types of interview questions
- Practice or do a mock interview anywhere, anytime
Reserve an Interview Room
Need a quiet space for an interview? Interview rooms may be requested 24 hours in advance, and are assigned based on availability.
Mock Interview
Schedule an Appointment for a Mock Interview
The best way to prepare is to participate in a mock interview. Think of it as a practice run. These are held in person and will help you get comfortable in this type of situation. ECS advisors are here to help you practice interviews.
Big Interview
Does your schedule not match our office hours? Big Interview allows you to practice anywhere, anytime. In person, over the phone, or via skype, this is a great tool to get you ready for your interview, no matter the medium.
Interview Questions
We've compiled some of the most common interview questions to help you prepare. You can expect to answer these questions in most of the interview situations.
- Tell me about yourself
- Why should I hire you?
- Are you a team player?
- What is your greatest strength and weakness?
- Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?
- Read about tips and sample answers
- Tell me about a time when…
- Give me an example of...
- Describe a situation when…
Use STAR method to describe your experiences
- Situation: Set the scene by introducing the situation, challenge, or project you faced
- Task: Tell your specific role and explain your responsibilities in the situation
- Action: Tell specifically, step by step, what you did to overcome the challenge, and why you did it
- Results: Share the results of your efforts, also including what you learned and how the experience helped you grow
Read more about examples of behavioral question answers.
Usually at the end of an interview, it is very likely that the last question you will get is "Do you have any questions for me"? Here are several ideas for you to think about questions for interviewers:
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Ask about the kinds of projects you might work on
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Ask your interviewer about their experience with the organization
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Ask about the team structure, culture and environment
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Ask about the overall interview process and timelines
Check out Big interview's Question Library for more ideas. Log in needed for access.
Types of Interviews
There are a variety of types and ways that companies interview for positions, and you may actually experience a number of these for one job.
Initial Screening
Initial screening is usually a brief call to ensure you meet basic qualifications and you are clear on the job posting.
Behavioral
Behavioral interviews look at past behavior to find indicators of how you will perform on the job. You will be asked to describe past behavior using the STAR format in your answer. (Situation, Task, Action, and Result)
Technical Interviews
Software engineering interviews have a very specific format focused on whiteboard coding and algorithm design, and many students struggle if they haven’t practiced that specific format. Work on practice problems and focus on how to arrive at the answers, not just what the answers were.
Tips:
- Practice coding problems at online sites such as Interview Cake
- Think out loud. Provide a rationale why your thought could work well and try to answer the question, even if you don’t know the answer.
Case Interviews
This type of interview is popular with consulting firms and is designed to test your ability to think analytically and professionally, handle ambiguity, and measure your confidence and problem-solving skills. These can include brain teasers, engineering problems, and real-life situations. Feel free to ask your recruiter what type of case interview to expect.
Tips:
- Utilize big picture thinking to focus on key issues in solving the problem.
- Think out loud. Provide logic and reasoning for your decisions and share your assumptions.
- Stay focused. You can ask for clarification to ensure you’re answering the question asked.
Follow Up after the Interview
Follow up with the interviewers and recruiters within 24 hours to find out next steps in the hiring process, ask for business cards, and thank them for their time to interview you.
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Record the names of the interviewer(s) during your interview
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Send a “Thank You” email & a LinkedIn connection request and message
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Share any examples that you forgot during the interview
- Redeem any missed opportunities
- Re-summarize your top three strengths as they relate to the role
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Send an email if you do not hear back within one business day of the communicated timeline