Best Practices for In-Person Interviews
For an in-person interview, prepare by becoming familiar with the physical location of the company or program. Review directions to the facility in advance, and, if possible, do a practice run to the address and identify alternate travel routes in the event of traffic or unexpected road closures. Knowing how long it will take to get there and how to navigate the facility’s property will help to ensure you are able to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your interview. This extra time will allow you to review your notes, take care of any last-minute personal needs, as well as acclimate to the setting and help reduce the nerves associated with being in a new environment.
Arrive at your interview with just the essentials, which may include a notebook or padfolio with paper and pen to take notes, extra copies of your resume/application materials, business cards (if you have them), a briefcase or small bag, a bottle of water, and any assistive technology or other accommodation-related items. If you bring in your cell phone, make sure to silence the device before the interview begins.
Lastly, assume that the interviewer will ask everyone you interact with (such as front desk employees, maintenance staff, or passing colleagues) their opinion of you. Be mindful of greeting everyone you meet in a polite and confident manner.
Best Practices for Phone and Online Interviews
When preparing for a phone or online interview, start by ensuring you have a quiet, well-lit space where you won’t be interrupted. For virtual settings, ensure that your background is appropriate and presentable. Check your technology in advance: test your cell service or internet connection, headphones, microphone, and camera, and make sure that any required meeting software (like Zoom, Teams, or Webex) is updated. Doing a test-run with a friend or family member can help you work out any technical issues and feel more comfortable. Have your resume and notes within reach, and remember to charge your device or keep it plugged in to ensure you don’t get disconnected.
Attire
Interview attire can vary across industries and programs and is subject to personal comfort. With that in mind, it is important to consider the dress code of the company/program you will be interviewing with when choosing what to wear. You may be able to discern this information from photos on the organization’s website or social media pages.
Check out the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills’ Attire Gallery. The Attire Gallery features photos of students, alumni, and community members in their workplace attire. Some photos were taken at UConn events, like a career fair or internship showcase, some were submitted by students and alumni who wanted to provide inspiration to others, and some were sourced from public photo databases. Photos feature both in-person and virtual events as well as a variety of styles, including business professional, business casual, and smart casual.
Scroll through the gallery to draw inspiration for your own workplace attire decisions. The gallery also links out to Pinterest where you can pin outfits if you have your own Pinterest account!
The bottom line: There is no one right way to dress for an interview, and recommendations even vary within an industry. Gather as much information and inspiration as you can, and make a decision you feel confident about.
Communication Tips for All Interview Types
Your verbal and non-verbal communication has a big impact on the interviewer’s perception of your competence. Below are some tips and tricks specific to verbal and non-verbal communication that you can use to impress the interviewer.
Verbal Communication Tips
- Use formal grammar and avoid slang or colloquial phrases (e.g., “you guys”).
- Avoid filler words such as “um,” “like,” and “you know.”
- Listen carefully to questions in their entirety and respond in a clear, concise, and logical manner. It is ok to pause to gather your thoughts before responding.
- Ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase the question if you are unclear. This also demonstrates that you are paying attention and committed to providing a thoughtful answer.
- Speak at a moderate pace, as rushing can make it harder for the interviewer to understand you, while speaking too slowly may disrupt the conversation flow.
- Keep answers to an appropriate length. Plan for 1-2 minutes, on average, per response.
Learn more about verbal communication tips here.
Nonverbal Communication Tips
- Maintain steady eye contact during the interview, but avoid staring. If there are multiple interviewers, be sure to shift your gaze naturally to engage with each person.
- Avoid fidgeting or spinning in your seat.
- Maintain good posture: sit forward and alert, not slouched in your chair.
- Demonstrate professionalism through your eye contact and body language, even if the interviewer assumes a more casual demeanor.
- Smile when appropriate.
Learn more about nonverbal communication tips here.
Preparing for an interview with careful attention to etiquette shows your respect for the interviewer’s time and expectations, setting you apart as a considerate and prepared candidate. Proper etiquette helps you make a memorable, positive impression from the start. Whether in person, on the phone, or online, demonstrating professionalism throughout the entire interview experience reinforces your commitment to the role and your capability as a candidate.
