1. Interview Skills Ashley Carlson, Assistant Director
The University of Kansas Medical Center Office of Postdoctoral Affairs & Graduate Studies
Interview Skills
Ashley Carlson, Assistant Director
Matt Falk, Senior Coordinator

2. Objectives Understand basic interview etiquette
Know how to research a company
Anticipate common questions and prepare answers
Understand the STAR approach to format strong answers
Practice with peers and learn from mentors’ experience

3. Interview Skills

4. Interview Etiquette Be on time!
Consider scouting out the location you will be going to if you are unfamiliar
Dress professionally and conservatively
Be courteous to everyone- receptionists and secretaries too
Bring copies of your application materials as well as other helpful materials such as references or writing samples
Bring a notepad and have your materials organized

5. Interview Etiquette
Greet interviewers with eye contact, a firm handshake, and a smile
It’s ok to take a breath, calm yourself, and collect your thoughts before you respond to questions
Be prepared to ask intelligent questions
After the interview, send a thank you to the interviewers for their time

6. Do your homework Research the company Review the job description
Review any application materials submitted, such as cover letter
Identify skills and experience to highlight
Review common questions and your answers
Prepare to ask informed questions

7. Common Questions Tell us about yourself What’s your greatest strength
Focus on professional experience, strengths and career trajectory
Don’t get into your personal life or unrelated points
What’s your greatest strength
Focus on a qualification for this specific position and values of the company
Don’t go overboard with boasting or underwhelm with modesty
What’s your greatest weakness
Be honest, show that you are self-aware and also working to overcome it
Don’t be cliché with a “I work too hard”

8. Common Questions Why do you want this position?
What’s your greatest accomplishment
Why did you leave your last position?
What do you know about our company?
Describe a time when….
You had to overcome a difficult situation or challenge
You took initiative
Dealt with a difficult coworker/supervisor/customer/client

9. STAR Situation: Give background, set the scene
Task: What was required, who was involved
Action: What did you do, what skills did you use, which of your qualities were at play and how
Result: What happened, what was the outcome?

10. STAR Example Question: Tell me about a time you took initiative
Situation: As a graduate student, the university lacked a policy to accommodate child birth or adoption. Many graduate students wanted to add a policy to the student handbook.
Task: I found myself with an opportunity to lead the effort to bring about the change.
Action: I organized student leaders from each program to gather feedback from the student body and draft a policy recommendation. We submitted the recommendation to administrative leadership.
Result: University leadership accepted our recommendation and a childbirth accommodation policy was added to the student handbook.

11. Asking Questions Always have a question
Focus on a question about the company
Clarify or expand on a point discovered in your research
Is there any reason why they wouldn’t hire you?
Be prepared to address any shortcomings or concerns they have
Don’t ask something you can google or find on their website
Avoid questions about pay, benefits, or applying to other positions
Stick with questions that align with “what’s in it for them”

12. Learning Communities
Each table has an invited professional who will facilitate
In your groups
Discuss interview techniques and etiquette
Practice your responses to common questions and using the STAR method
Share your experiences
Ask questions and discuss answers
Be prepared for a Hello Spot Check- remember eye contact, firm handshake, and a smile!

13. Questions?

14. Thank you!
Contact Ashley Carlson at or Matt Falk with questions or for further help
Visit tinyurl.com/KUMCASCEND for upcoming dates and more information
Save the date: November 9- CV and resume!