As a graduating senior staring into the mysterious abyss of the Real World™, there are few things more daunting than that dreaded phrase: “We’d love to bring you in for an interview.” On paper, it’s the golden ticket. In practice, it’s a panic attack with a calendar invite. Between final projects, classes, and trying not to spiral into a quarter-life crisis over my LinkedIn profile, finding time to prepare for interviews can sometimes feel borderline impossible.
If this is something you can relate to as well – have no fear! That’s where Career Coach Mary Catherine steps in, like the fairy godmother of job readiness, minus the wand and with significantly more coffee. I met with her for a 10-question speed coaching appointment to cover the basics of getting ready for the interview process – read along to see what I’ve learned from her insight!
Step One: Know Thy Enemy (a.k.a. The Company)
According to Mary Catherine, the number one mistake students make isn’t a shaky voice or a blanked-out brain. “A common mistake is just not doing enough research into the company or position,” she says. “Really reading the job description and looking at the company website is so important in helping students come up with more tailored interview responses.”
Translation? If you don’t know the company’s mission, their recent projects, or who they’re trying to hire, you’re not walking into that interview—you’re sleepwalking.
Turning Babysitting into Goldman Sachs
Let’s be real: most of us don’t have a dazzling resume packed with Fortune 500 internships. But that doesn’t mean we’re unqualified! “You want to focus on your skills—both transferable and technical—that apply to the role,” Mary Catherine emphasizes. “That can really come from anything. Babysitting, class projects, volunteering—it all counts.”
The title on your resume isn’t what matters, it’s about how you tell the story of your position. For example, maybe babysitting taught you conflict resolution, or running a student club taught you project management. Owning your skills with confidence is what will truly attract employers.
The “Tell Me About Yourself” Trap
So the interview so far is perfect – you’ve said everything right and you are feeling yourself. Then the interviewer says “so tell me about yourself?” In this moment your momentum is gone – your brain forgets your own name and life story.
Mary Catherine offers a foolproof structure: past, present, and future. “Start with what you’re doing now,” she says, “then talk about memorable past experiences that brought you here, and finally, where you want to go—and how this opportunity fits in.”
STARR Power: Your Behavioral Question Secret Weapon
You know those nightmare questions? “tell me about a time you failed”, or “describe a challenge you overcame”. They’re scary—until you realize they’re a golden chance to flex your problem-solving capabilities.
In our conversation, Mary Catherine enlightened me to the STARR method:
• Situation – What was happening?
• Task – What was your role or goal?
• Action – What did you actually do?
• Result – What happened?
• Relate – How does this apply to the job you’re interviewing for?
Think of it like an essay outline — with this framework you can turn what would be an awkward moment into proof that you’re resourceful, resilient, and ready.
Confidence vs. Cockiness: Walking the Line
It’s natural to want to impress during an interview, but there’s a fine line between showing confidence and sounding overly self-assured. According to Mary Catherine, it’s all about how you present yourself. “The key is being polite, respectful, and actively listening to your interviewer,” she explains. “At the same time, don’t be afraid to speak about your accomplishments with pride.”
Remember, it’s not bragging if it’s true—you’ve worked hard to get where you are. The important part is to back up your claims with real examples and to stay humble in your tone. Pay attention to how much you’re talking, maintain eye contact, and show genuine interest in the conversation. Engaging thoughtfully with your interviewer, asking questions, and responding with care all help show that you’re not just capable—you’re collaborative and self-aware, too.
Industry? What Industry?
Not sure what you want to do yet? That’s valid. But it’s not an excuse to go in clueless. “You don’t have to be an expert,” Mary Catherine reassures, “it all boils down to your transferable skills and how they apply across industries.” Using UConn’s resources in the Career Communities section of our website, such as Job Market Insights, can help you get a sense of what’s in demand. Researching different careers can be monumental in helping you match your skills to your future, as well as add to your capability to speak confidently to that alignment when you are interviewing for positions in the field.
The Follow-Up Email That Actually Matters
Interview done? Job’s not finished. “Within 24 hours, send a thank-you email,” says Mary Catherine. “Mention something specific that came up during the interview, reiterate your interest, and say you’re happy to provide any other info they might need.” It’s not just polite—it’s strategic. Reaching out quickly keeps your at the top of the employer’s mind and shows that you’re proactive and excited about the opportunity.
Three Tips That Could Save Your Career
Let’s end on Mary Catherine’s triple-threat prep advice:
1. Know the Interview Logistics – Who’s interviewing you? How long will it be? What’s the format? Ask these questions in advance. Interviews are not the place for surprises.
2. Bring Questions – Nothing screams “hire me” louder than genuine curiosity. Come with 3-5 tailored questions about the role, the team, or the company.
3. Prep STARR Responses – Think of examples for each of the eight core competencies (things like teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving), and practice developing off them.
Interviewing might always be a little nerve-wracking, but with the right prep—and the right mindset—it becomes less like walking a tightrope and more like stepping into the spotlight. You’ve done the work. You’ve got the skills. And if you need a reminder of how much you bring to the table, channel your inner Mary Catherine.
