Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
Student being interviewed by faculty member.
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  2. SBS
  3. Student resources
  4. Career services
  5. Interviewing

Job interviewing for SBS students

How to ace job interviews

Landing a job requires skillful navigation of the hiring process. Crafting an attention-grabbing cover letter and résumé is just the beginning. Acing your interview can be the deciding factor for receiving a job offer so it’s important that you come to your interview prepared for an array of interview styles, formats, and questions. Below we’ve provided helpful information to help you navigate the interview process and put your best foot forward.

Types of interviews

Phone interviews

Phone interviews are generally brief, take place over the phone or with a web conferencing tool, and are used by recruiters and hiring managers to screen screening candidates.

Face-to-face interviews

Face-to-face interviews generally follow a screening interview and usually involve traveling to your prospective workplace to meet one or more hiring managers or team members.

Case interviews

In a case interview, an interviewer may ask you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. They will outline a situation and ask you to formulate a plan.

Group interviews

Usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of employees, these interviews are used to see how you interact with others and how you use knowledge and reasoning to create influence.

Lunch/dinner interviews

In this type of interview, an employer or recruiter will discuss your experience and a job opening in a public place while you have a drink or meal.

Prepare for an interview

To make the best impression and land that dream job, preparation is key. Here are some tips and tricks to prepare for the big day and make a lasting impression.

Before the interview

  • Read the job description carefully.
  • Research the company, their products or services, and the person who will be interviewing with you.
  • Research common interview questions and plan your answers.
  • Make a list of important accomplishments to highlight.
  • Practice answering common interview questions with a live person.
  • Plan thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer(s).

During the interview

  • Arrive several minutes early.
  • Dress the part.
  • Practice active listening and pay close attention to names.
  • Answer all questions thoughtfully while emphasizing your strengths.
  • Illustrate your qualifications and experience with examples and storytelling.
  • Ask insightful questions.
  • Be courteous, attentive, and don’t forget to smile.

After the interview

Send an email within twenty-four hours to everyone you interviewed with. Thank them for their time and reinforce why you are the best fit for the position.

Additional resources

Student discussing with another student.

For more information and resources on interviewing, visit Career Development. Handshake is NAU’s online recruiting system where students can connect with employers and search for job openings.

Handshake
Career development