Prepare for an Interview

Preparation is the key to interview success.  From crafting compelling responses to common questions, to mastering body language and etiquette, we’ve got you covered. Our resources will guide you through:

• Researching your potential employer/graduate program
• Polishing your personal pitch
• Tackling tricky behavioral questions
• Dressing for success
• Following up effectively post-interview

So, let’s dive in and transform your interview anxiety into unshakeable confidence!

What Questions Will I Be Asked?

It’s hard to know exactly what questions you will be asked in an interview. However, there are a lot of very common questions that you can PREDICT may come your way. The following article will walk you through some of these common questions, and also provide strategies for effective responses: https://www.themuse.com/advice/interview-questions-and-answers

Behavioral questions focus on past experiences and require specific examples from these experiences when answering questions. It’s best to NOT answer behavioral questions hypothetically.

How to answer behavioral questions:

  1. Give the complete story of an event first (include any key points and results).
  2. Give specific examples about what you did, said, felt, and thought.
  3. Separate your actions from the actions of others.
  4. Use “I” examples more than “we” examples.
  5. Ask for clarification if you are unsure of the question.
  6. Watch and listen for interviewer clues.
  7. Do not make vague proclamations of your skills.
  8. Answer negatively-phrased questions (“Tell me about a failure…”) as you would a question about a weakness. Show that you have acknowledged the weakness and are proactively making progress to make it a strength.

The STAR Method is a great strategy to use when answering behavioral questions during an interview. This method allows you to organize your thoughts and present effective supportive details:

Here’s a link with more in-depth information and examples: https://www.joinleland.com/library/a/tell-me-about-a-time-interview-question-guide

5 Video Interview Tips That Will Set You Apart from the Pack

In a recent blog, I outlined my five-step method for professional networking. I offered a perspective on how the strategy for conducting informational interviews is just as applicable today as it was 10 years ago when I entered business school. …

Read more

Do’s and Don’ts of Virtual Interviewing

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most companies have switched to virtual job interviews. And to ace your virtual interviews, you need to know what to do as well as what not to do. Here are the most important do's and …

Read more

Sidebar

LinkedIn Learning

How to Make a Positive First Impression with a Hiring Manager

Discover how to make a positive first impression with a hiring manager with career coach Brittany Hayles. This course outlines…

Harnessing AI for Effective Interviewing

Taught by Shweta Mogha
This course is designed to equip recruiters with the knowledge and skills to leverage AI in interviewing practices. Learn how…

Nail Your Java Interview

Taught by Kathryn Hodge
Have you lined up an interview for a Java developer position? In this course, review critical Java concepts-and commonly-asked interview…

Ace Your Remote Interviews: Tips for Virtual Candidates

Taught by Madecraft
Think in-person and virtual interview prep are the same? Think again! In this course, career consultant Brittany Hayles shares her…

Nano Tips for Answering Common Interview Questions with Tiffany Uman

Taught by Tiffany Uman
Welcome to our Nano Tips series, where LinkedIn Learning creators deliver impactful lessons in literally seconds. In this installment, discover…

Nailing your Interview, Resume, and Negotiation FAST

Taught by Pete Mockaitis | How to Be Awesome at Your Job
In this audio-only course, Steve Dalton—author of The Job Closer: Time-Saving Techniques for Acing Resumes, Interviews, Negotiations, and More— breaks…

Virtual Job Interviews for Non-Native English Speakers

Taught by Liesje Sandler
The application process can be stressful for anyone, but interviewing in a foreign language brings unique challenges, especially if the…

Ten Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews

Taught by Madecraft
Informational interviews are gateways to career insight, industry knowledge, and networking opportunities. In this course, former HR director Keisha Haymore…

Integrating Performance Management into the Hiring Process

Taught by Lou Adler
Most hiring processes emphasize what a person must have to even be considered for the job. By reversing the process…

Preparing to Get a Job in Data Analytics

Taught by Jess Ramos
Thinking about a career in data analytics or looking to land a more senior-level role? This course offers a friendly…

Impress Interviewers with These Five Questions

Taught by Madecraft
Interviews are used to see if you would be a good fit for a specific role. They are also used…

Recruiting Techniques to Reveal Transferable Skills

Taught by Barbara Bruno
When filling opening job requisitions, do you often feel constricted by searching a pool of candidates filtered by job title…

Nail Your SQL Interview

Taught by Nichole Pulley
Are you looking for a new job but terrified about having to prove your skills? Worry not. A coding interview…

Fair and Effective Interviewing for Diversity and Inclusion

Taught by Vernā Myers
Every organization knows that talent makes the difference in how well it can execute on its mission and goals. To…

Ace Your Web Developer Interview

Taught by Emma Bostian
You know you’re a great developer for the job, but how do you prove it to your interviewers? It can…

Job Interview Nano Tips with Madeline Mann

Taught by Madeline Mann
Welcome to our Nano Tips series, where LinkedIn Learning creators deliver impactful lessons in literally seconds. In this installment, discover…

Job Market Basics for Business Leaders

Taught by Jason Schenker
Understanding labor market dynamics is an important skill for leaders on multiple levels. Leaders need to hire people, they need…

Job Interviewing for Leaders and Managers

Taught by Sarah Johnston
If you think of a job interview like a test, wouldn’t it be good to go into the test knowing…

Remote Interviewing Techniques for Creative Jobs

Taught by Chris Nodder
You’ve lined up a remote interview for an exciting creative role. Now what? In this course, Chris Nodder helps you…

Mastering Web Developer Interview Code

Taught by Ray Villalobos
Whether you’re actively looking for a new job, or you just want to keep your coding skills sharp, it’s important…

Alumni Connections

  • Columbia, SC
Meet Sydney
  • Starkville, MS
Meet Hudson
  • 55774 Baumholder, Germany
  • Platoon Sergeant US Army
Meet Dee
  • Madison, MS
  • President Malouf Construction
Meet George
  • Jackson, MS
Meet Ruby
  • Murfreesboro, TN
Meet Ainsley
  • Yazoo City, MS
  • Owner Blue Winds Aviation LLC
Meet Cantrell
  • Anchorage, AK
  • Credit Analyst Stearns Bank N.A.
Meet David

Career Center Office

300 Montgomery Hall
Mississippi State Campus

Phone: 662.325.3344
Fax: 662.325.7975
Email: career@career.msstate.edu

Mailing Address

Post Office Box P
Mississippi State, MS 39762

Campus Mailstop 9533

Co-op Program Office

335 McCain Hall
Mississippi State Campus

Phone: 662.325.3823
Fax: 662.325.8733
Email: coop@career.msstate.edu

Mailing Address

Post Office Box 6046
Mississippi State, MS 39762

Campus Mailstop 9548

Career Service Hours

Day of the week
Office Hours Drop-In Hours
Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 11:00 am - 2:00 pm