Boise State University Career Guide - 2025 - Flipbook - Page 28
INTERVIEWS
Congratulations - You landed an interview! What happens next and how can you best prepare?
The Interview: A Two-Way Street
Mindset - What You Can and Can’t Control
The interview is a conversation between you and
the potential employer. Their goal is to assess your
qualifcations, skills, and how you can contribute to the
position and team. However, it’s also your chance to
learn more about the position, the company culture,
and how well this opportunity aligns with your work
values and career goals.
The goal of an interview is to convey your experience
and qualifcations as it relates to the role. If you can
leave the interview having done that to the best of
your ability, you’ve had a successful interview! There
are many things in the interview process that you can’t
control, such as who else is being interviewed and
what specifc questions they’ll ask you. Focus on what
you can control in the process.
Things You Can’t Control
•
•
The interview format
and questions asked
•
Other candidates’
qualifcations
The interviewer’s
personal preferences
•
External factors
like trafc delays
Things You Can Control
•
How prepared you are: Research the company, practice common
interview questions, prepare insightful questions for the interviewer.
•
Your attitude: Demonstrate enthusiasm, positivity, a willingness to
learn, and an interest in getting to know more about the company.
•
How well you communicate your qualifications: Prepare and
practice so you can clearly articulate your skills and experiences and
how you’ll be able to contribute in this role.
•
Your follow-up: Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate
your interest in the position in a follow up email.
•
Your presentation: Make strategic decisions about your attire, body
language, and communication style.
•
Planning ahead: Anticipate potential issues, like trafc or technology
issues, and take steps to avoid them (leaving early, testing everything
in advance, etc.)
Interviewing Resources
Scan the QR code or go to
boisestate.edu/career/
jobs-and-internships/interviewing
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