Career Prep 2009 Summer Blog

Tamara Sherrod (Texas Christian University) suggests you develop 8-10 STAR (situation + task + action + result) scenarios that fit the specific interview you're going on. For example, if you're applying for an internship that requires major-specific skills and leadership abilities, give examples from your relative coursework and leadership endeavors and how they will relate to the position. Amanda Aguirre (University of Georgia) recommends that you print out common questions asked during interviews and write down what situation you will use for that particular type of question. Look over your resume before every interview to remember what you can draw from in your responses. Mario Samos (Rice University) agrees that you should think of possible questions you will be asked and have solid questions to ask. In addition to the basic questions most interviewers ask, such as "Tell me about yourself", go over tougher questions specific to you, such as "Why is your GPA only X?" or "Why did you get a C in that course?" Lastly, ask questions that demonstrate your curiosity and knowledge instead of questions that you can find the answer to on the company’s web site.