How to Prepare for a Professional Interview — Part 1

Whether your next interview will be with us or with a future employer, your future is sure to hold many of these conversations. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your next professional interview.

 

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with proper preparation and education, you can stand out from the crowd. We’ve included an interview in our own admissions process, which means that your experiential learning at Golisano Institute of Business & Entrepreneurship begins before you even walk through the door. This is not only an opportunity for the admissions team to get to know you better—it’s an opportunity for you to polish your interview skills.

 

Do Your Research

First and foremost, study the position description and company. Ensure you have a clear understanding of what you are applying for and the organization’s mission and values. This will help tailor your responses to the questions and show that you are a good fit for the culture and all the position has to offer.

To truly set yourself apart, you can also look up your interviewer on LinkedIn to learn more about their background and interests. Building rapport during your conversation is key—and it’s a powerful skill to master early in your career. And don’t forget to make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized if you choose to connect with them after the interview.

 

Practice With Peer Interviews

Next, practice your answers to common interview questions. Questions like “Tell me about yourself” come up frequently, but often can be answered with more intentionality. Practice answering questions out loud with a peer so you can get a sense of how you sound, where you need to improve, and the type of impression you are making through your choice of words.

We believe in the power of practice and real-life experience, which is why our students will have the opportunity to interview with real business leaders and mentors during the program.

 

Have Questions Ready

In addition to preparing answers to their potential questions, make sure to prepare questions for the interviewer in advance. Asking meaningful questions about the organization’s vision and culture demonstrates your interest in the position and your ability to think critically. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about the company and the role you are applying for. We aim to prepare our students for any interview at any stage of their professional journey here at Golisano Institute.

This is also an opportunity to put your networking skills into practice—be authentic and intentional with your questions and answers. An interview could create opportunities outside of the position specifically discussed in that conversation. Keeping an open mind is key.

 

Know Your “Why”

Prior to an interview, make sure to take time to think about what drew you to the organization and, more specifically, to the role you’re applying for. This will help you articulate your enthusiasm, as well as demonstrate why your skillset would be a great fit.

Part of the strategy behind our curriculum is to empower you to immediately begin building an entrepreneurial mindset and developing self-awareness. This is designed to help you find projects and opportunities that are aligned with your skills, interests, and goals—and communicate them in all your future interviews.

Interview preparation requires a combination of research, practice, and self-reflection. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students develop the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers, and, during our program, we offer resources and support to help students navigate the interview process successfully.

Interested in learning more about our unique and hyper-focused curriculum? Learn more here.