Be yourself—your best self. Employers are looking for professionalism, enthusiasm, and authenticity.

Do Your Research

• Learn everything you can about the organization: website, recent news, and LinkedIn.

• Look up your interviewer on LinkedIn if you know their name.

• Review your own résumé and cover letter so you can confidently talk about your experiences.

Get Prepared

• Bring: Extra copies of your résumé in a professional folder or portfolio.

• Attire: Dress for the job. For professional roles, wear a suit.

  • Professional Attire for Interviewing (PDF) - CCPD Handout
  • Interview Attire - Virginia Tech’s site
  • Dress to Impress - Washington State’s site

• Etiquette: Be ready for dining or social situations—they’re part of the evaluation.

• Arrive early: 5–15 minutes before. Do a test run to know exactly where to go.

Body Language Matters

• Handshake: Firm but not crushing.

• Eye contact: Steady, with natural breaks.

• Posture: Sit tall, lean slightly forward, avoid crossed arms.

• Gestures: Use hands naturally, but don’t fidget.

• Smile: It conveys confidence and positivity.

Deliver with Confidence

• Speak clearly, avoid filler words (“um,” “like”).

• Share specific examples from past experiences to prove your skills.

• Show energy, curiosity, and a “can do” attitude.

Answering Questions

• Behavioral questions: Expect “Tell me about a time when…”

  • Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

• Transferable skills: Highlight communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.

• Tough topics: Focus on how you learn quickly, take initiative, and uphold strong values.

Ask Your Own Questions

End with 1–2 thoughtful questions to show your interest, especially following up on something you researched. Examples:

• “I noticed you’re implementing the new [X] project. How is that going so far?

• “In your personal experience, what have you valued most about working with this organization?”

Tip: Don’t ask about pay, benefits, or vacation until you have an offer.

Follow Up

• Collect your interviewer’s contact info.

• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours—reiterate your interest and key strengths.

• A thoughtful note can set you apart.

Other Resources

Interview Etiquette

My Interview Checklist (PDF) - CCPD handout

Telephone/Video Interviews (PDF) - CCPD handout

Job-Applications.com’s Interview Questions - Great advice to answering common and tricky interview questions

JobInterviewQuestions.com - This free site offers thousands of job interview questions that are position-specific.

Job Interview Question Database from LiveCareer.com

The Protocol School of Texas’ Interview Tips for College Graduates

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