1. Eduardo M. Najera Ortega Career Advisor
Ace Your Interview
Eduardo M. Najera Ortega Career Advisor

2. Overview Before the interview Types of interviews & questions
Response tips & approaches to questions
After the interview

3. Before the Interview
Research the company and analyze the position description
Assess your strengths & value add – what are your short-comings or gaps for the position
Prepare your interview attire in advance
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer(s)

4. Research: To Get the Gig, know the JIG!
JOB
What skills does the job require? What are roles and responsibilities?
INDUSTRY
A particular form or branch of economic or commercial activity
GROUP (ORGANIZATIONS & PEOPLE)
How big is the organization? What’s the history? What do they do?
Who will you be working with? What are their interests?

5. Assess your strengths & value add
What happens if you don’t have a skill they are looking for?
Identify and articulate a concrete example of an experience that can serve as a substitute for that skill
Express your interest to have that skill be a greater part of your experience
Focus on transferable skills rather than relevant experience

6. Questions to ask the interviewer(s)
Avoid asking questions that could easily be answered by looking online or in an organization’s website.
Do ask questions regarding:
The interviewers perspective of the organization’s culture, environment and/or business structure
Policies concerning diversity, LGBTQ+, and professional/community building

7. Types of Interview Questions
The basics
Tell me about yourself or Walk me through your resume
What are your strengths & weaknesses
Off-the resume & experience verification
What do you enjoy to do in your free time?
How long did you work at X place?
Why did you choose to attend Dartmouth College?
Fit/Culture
Why are you interested in this position?
How does this opportunity align with your career goals?
Behavioral & Situational
Tell me about a time…
Provide an instance when…
Technical/Analytical/Quantitative
More specific to finance, consulting and technology related experiences
Case interviewing
Specific to consulting interviews

8. Approaches to Behavioral Questions

9. S.T.A.R.
Situations or Tasks that reflect favorable behaviors or actions
Action: Specific steps You took to address the situation/task
Result: Direct outcomes of your actions
*Make sure stories have beginning, middle and end

10. After The Interview 1. Ask for Business Card.
2. Ask What Happens Next.
3. Send Thank You Letter Within 24 Hours

11. Thank You Notes Highlight
Why you are especially interested in the position
One thing you learned about the job or organization in the interview
One skill you hope to apply in the position if hired

12. Traps To Avoid Weak handshake, poor eye contact, poor posture
Lack of enthusiasm, lack of focus
Lack of research on organization/field
Rambling answers/answers that are too short, vague
Inability to clearly articulate transferable skills
Claiming skills you don’t possess
Being overly modest or conceited
Putting down professors, previous employers
Lack of questions at end of interview
Lack of originality (I like to solve problems)