Interview Skills

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Whether you are interviewing for an internship, a student job on campus, an entry-level position, or graduate school, it's important to know about the interview standards and norms. Below are resources to help you know what to expect.
 

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Make a Good First Impression

 

Depending upon your industry, you may dress in business casual or business professional clothing.

Business casual is between casual and formal. This style includes business dress pants or khakis, knee-length skirts, button-down shirts or blouses, closed-toed shoes like loafers or low heels, and simple accessories.

Business professional is in more conservative settings or industries like finance, government, or law. This style includes well-tailored and tidy dresses, dark-colored suits and ties, neat button-down shirts or blouses, and closed-toed business shoes like Oxfords or low heels.

Learn more about the levels of business attire and what to wear to an interview. If you’re unsure about the interview setting, you can ask the person who invited you. If you are experiencing financial hardship that prevents you from purchasing professional clothing, please visit our Career Clothing Closet.

General interview questions assess your knowledge, qualities, and aspirations. These include interview prompts like "Tell me about yourself" and "Why should we hire you?" Below are examples of general interview questions and how to answer them using the M.S.R. method.
 

Behavioral interview questions ask about your past experiences and require examples that demonstrate your character and abilities. These include interview prompts like "Tell me about a time when...?" Below are examples of behavioral interview questions and how to answer them using the S.T.A.R. method.
 

Situational interview questions assess how you would handle a particular situation on the job. These include interview prompts like "What would you do if...?" Below are examples of situational interview questions and how to answer them using the A.R.C. method.
 

The interviewer may have finished asking their questions, but it does not mean the interview assessment is finished. Below are examples of how to answer the last question, "Do you have any questions for us?" and how to follow up after the interview.
 

 

Interview Practice System

We provide an online job interview practice system called Big Interview. This AI-feedback interview practice tool mimics real-life interviews. You can submit practice interviews for AI review and email practice interviews to a career advisor or faculty mentor for review.

Log In: Interview Practice System

Additional Support

Career advisors, students and campus mascot Eddie smile while at a booth outside the Career Center

Career advisors are available by individual appointment. Schedule an interview practice appointment using Navigate LA (Student Life & Wellness).

Career events are offered all year to help you develop build your interview skills. Sign up for career events and fairs.

Employers host events all year where you can learn more about what to do in an interview. Sign up for employer events using Handshake.

We provide new and gently used interview and career-appropriate clothing. Schedule a career clothing closet appointment using Navigate LA (Student Life & Wellness).