When it comes to preparing for a successful interview, the Krannert Professional Development Center (KPDC) will be with you on each step toward your next giant leap!
The interviewing process can be scary if you don’t know what to expect. Here are some tips to help guide you.
You will likely encounter behavioral questions during your interview. These go beyond the standard “What are your 3 greatest strengths?” into questions like, “Tell me when you applied your 3 greatest strengths during a project.” In fact, “Give me an example when...” or “Tell me about a time when…” are the most common ways to start behavioral interview questions.
Why do interviewers ask these questions? Because the best way a hiring manager can know how you’re going to do in your future job is to inquire how you performed in a past experience. Your answers to these types of questions show credibility and thoroughly convey your skills and capabilities to the interviewer.
Sound intimidating? It shouldn't, because you are simply telling a story about an experience! The best way to answer these kinds of questions and impress recruiters is to apply the STAR method. Each letter represents a step, as explained below.
S: SITUATION
T: TASK
A: ACTION
R: RESULT
An elevator pitch is a brief verbal communication given to employers intended to focus on the candidate’s education, skill set, background and interests. It should last no longer than an elevator ride (hence the name) and should fall somewhere between 30 seconds to 1 minute in length. Krannert students can use the elevator pitch as a way of introducing themselves to employers at career fairs, national conferences, professional receptions, and other social gatherings. It provides students with a more structured method for presenting themselves to potential employers and minimizes the possibility of engaging in awkward casual conversation with recruiters.