Preparing for Interviews
Before You Begin: Interview Preparation Essentials
Research the Organization
Prepare Examples
Use the STAR Method
Prepare Questions
Interview Fundamentals
Interviews are an opportunity for employers to evaluate your qualifications, communication skills, and potential fit within an organization. They are also an opportunity for you to assess whether a position, team, and workplace culture align with your goals and interests.
Effective preparation involves understanding the position, researching the organization, and developing clear examples that demonstrate your experiences.
Preparing for Interviews
The articles below are helpful for understanding how to prepare for interviews, common questions you may be asked, and exploring the purpose of the interview.
Virtual, Video, and Telephone Interviews
Virtual interviewing has become a standard component of the hiring process across academic, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. Interviews may occur through Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Webex, or by telephone.
While many interview fundamentals remain the same, virtual formats require additional preparation related to technology, communication, and presentation.
In-Person Interviews
In-person interviews may range from brief meetings with a hiring manager to full-day visits that include multiple interviews, presentations, meals, and interactions with potential colleagues.
On-Campus Interviews (For Academic Positions)
The guides and resources below are focused on preparing broadly for campus interviews for teaching and tenure-track positions. We strongly suggest beginning your campus interview prep early with faculty in your department as beyond the general advice below, there is often discipline specific advice you'll need to be aware of.
AI, Applicant Screening, and Modern Interviewing
Advances in artificial intelligence are changing how organizations recruit, evaluate, and interview candidates. Understanding these processes can help you navigate modern hiring systems more effectively.
AI Prompt for Interview Practice-Use the following prompt with any LLM tool (Copilot, Gemini, ChatGPT, etc.)
"I am preparing for an upcoming interview and want to practice answering questions out loud or in writing.
Please act as an interviewer for the following role:
[insert full position description or position title, institution/company, and role type: academic / industry / nonprofit / government/]
Interview format:
[phone / video / panel / campus or onsite]
Please:
Ask me one interview question at a time
Vary the questions between behavioral, role‑specific, and fit‑focused questions
Wait for my response before continuing
After each response, provide brief feedback only on:
Clarity and structure of my answer
Use of specific examples or stories
Whether my response aligns with what interviewers typically assess
Do not:
Rewrite my answer
Provide a “perfect” sample response
Add experiences or language that are not mine
If helpful, suggest one specific way I could strengthen my answer while keeping my voice and experience intact."