Few things create stress, anticipation, and fear quite like the prospect of an interview. Take a deep breath, relax, and concentrate on how to sell yourself most effectively.

An interview enables an employer to evaluate a candidate's personality, qualifications, non-verbal communication, punctuality, and general appearance. An interview also enables an employer to ask specific questions and observe a candidate's responses in a high-stress situation. You not only need to show the employer that you know about the job and the organization, but that you are someone they want to work with and that you will represent the company well.

You must take the time to prepare in advance for each interview to increase the likelihood of receiving an offer. 

Interview Practice is critical

Colorado College Career Center is pleased to provide Big Interview, an online training system that combines expert training, and AI-based video practice (available 24/7) to prepare you for traditional and virtual interviews for all experience levels, dozens of industries, and graduate school admissions. 

 
Features of the platform include:

• A database of thousands of interview questions with tips on how to answer them. 
• The ability to rate and share your recorded interview answers for feedback.
• A comprehensive video training curriculum covering all aspects of landing a job, negotiating a job offer and salary, and transitioning successfully to the workplace.
• A step-by-step interview “Answer Builder” for crafting answers to behavioral questions.
• and more.

Visit Big Interview today to improve interview techniques, build confidence, and learn how to get inside the head of any interviewer and prove that you are their best candidate. 

Need more support? Schedule a mock interview with the Career Center. Be sure to share the practice you have done in Big Interview so they will know how best to structure your time together.

Tips to Ace Your Next Interview

• Check out our complete Interview Skills Guide for specifics regarding how to make a positive impression and practice a variety of questions,
• In a pinch and need tips now? Read our Quick Tips to Ace Your Interview.
• Like to write things down to help you remember them? Complete our interview preparation worksheet.
• Practice and search for potential job interview questions. 
• You have rights as an applicant: know them! These are questions that you can legally be asked in an interview.
• Not sure how to dress for your interview? Check out Dressing for Success.
• Case interviews are a specific style which require special preparation. Take a look at our Case Interview Resources.
• Don't forget to send a thank you note after your interview. Read more on following up.

How to Ace a Video Interview

Many employers and recruiters now use video interviews. Sometimes video interviews are brief, timed recordings that ask candidates to answer general interview questions, and sometimes these are video meetings using Skype or other platforms.

• Dress like you were interviewing in person. Your camera will be focused on your waist up, so plan your outfit accordingly.
• Make sure you've chosen a background that's free of distractions, and location that's quiet and well lit.
• Check your technology ahead of time. Test your setup with a friend the day before your interview to familiarize yourself with the process, and bring chargers for all of your devices.
• And always remember to look at the camera - not yourself on the screen!

More interview tips