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COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

INTERVIEW GUIDE

• Learn their mission statement, values and

goals.

• Articulate why you’re the best candidate.

• Learn about their clients or the services and

products they provide.

• Re-read the job posting and identify essential

qualities for a successful candidate.

• Note experiences where you developed skills.

• Write down questions you anticipate.

DO THE RESEARCH

If you made it to the interview, you already made it farther than most candidates. Pat

yourself on the back, celebrate the step and start preparing with this three-step guide.

Behavioral-based questions are common. Answer

them with the STAR method.

• Situation: Provide context for the example.

What was the setting or situation?

• Task: Help the interviewer understand your

goal. What specific problem or task needed to

be addressed/achieved?

• Action: What did you do? What specific skills/

tools did you use to address the task?

• Result: What was the outcome of the task

and actions taken? What did you learn? What

would you do differently in the future?

BEFORE

PRACTICE ANSWERS

“Give me an example of...” or

“Tell me about a time...”

Can you tell us about yourself?

This will likely be the first question. Tell your story

with confidence. It will spark future questions.

• Present — Where are you now? What skills do

you have that are relevant?

• Past — What experiences prepared you for

this position?

• Future — Why are you interested in and excit- ed for the opportunity?

Gender identity, sexual orien- tation, marital/family status,

citizenship/nationality/ language,

What can’t they ask you age and religion.

during the interview?

No matter the format, preparation matters. Ditch

the sweatpants, even if you’re doing a phone inter- view. It will put you in the right mindset.

Learn more at z.umn.edu/illegal-interview-qs

KNOW THE FORMAT

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DURING

AFTER

When the employer asks, “Do you have questions for us?” You should always say, “Yes.”

ALWAYS HAVE A QUESTION (OR A FEW)

• How does your organization/program demonstrate a commitment to racial

equity and social justice?

• Will you tell me about your office culture?

• What is the timeline for next steps?

• What can I expect for the first six weeks in this role?

• What do you like most/least about your job/program?

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Organizations have expectations about employee attire. Research the company or ask

the recruiter about their specific expectations for your attire. Dress appropriately for

your interview, even if it is a phone or virtual.

• Business professional: blazers or pant/skirt suit

• Business casual: slacks, khakis, skirts, button down or collared shirts, blouses, sweaters

• Clothes: clean and wrinkle free | Shoes: comfortable | Cologne/perfume: pass

• Thank interviewers for their time.

• Reaffirm your interest in the position.

• Ask the best way to follow up.

AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

• Send a quick note — either email or handwritten to your interviewers.

• Mention something unique about the conversation, express gratitude for their time

and interest in position.

WITHIN 24-48 HOURS

Map the route and

arrive 10-15 min early.

Eliminate

distractions.

Request accomodations

at interview offer.

Be prepared to

take notes.

Pause before you

answer.

Send a thank you

email or letter.

QUICK

TIPS

GET

SUPPORT

• Schedule a mock interview with a CBS Career Coach at cbsss.appointments.umn.edu.

• Using a webcam, record responses to questions and review them umn.interviewstream.com.

• Practice in front of the mirror or with a friend/family member.