The Importance of Formal Interviews in the Job Search Process
A pivotal stage in the job search journey is the formal interview. To leave a positive impression, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly and demonstrate effective communication skills. The objective of the formal interview is to present a polished, personal showcase of your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The Office of Career Services provides in-person mock interviews, along with access to Big Interview. This platform enables students and alumni to record and review practice interviews using a webcam.
Interview Best Practices
- Take a deep breath and pause to gather your thoughts before responding.
- Be friendly and approachable, but avoid sharing your entire life story; the interviewer doesn’t need to know your birthplace or family background.
- Research the organization prior to the interview.
- Be specific and descriptive in your responses. Avoid vague strengths like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m always on time.”
- If asked about weaknesses or challenging situations, focus on how you’ve improved or what you accomplished, even in those scenarios.
- Prepare several common responses to draw from during the interview; you’ll be surprised how similar situations can relate to different questions.
- Take notes and prepare questions to ask at the end.
- Avoid discussing salary and benefits in the initial interview unless the interviewer brings it up.
To complete an online interview on Big Interview, please follow the instructions below:
- Log into Big Interview with your school email address at https://wvstateu.biginterview.com/
- Use the Big Interview dashboard to practice for your interview and receive interview tips.
- Click on the “Practice” tab at the top. This allows you to answer sample interview questions while becoming comfortable with the software.
- Click practice interviews to review the different categories you can choose from. Not sure where to start, simply select general category.
- You can select between questions sets and the select between the difficulty of questions from standard to tough.
- Select your interviewer and level of difficulty to get started.
- For each question, you can read the question or have the person read it to you.
- When ready, hit the “Record” button. You will then receive a 3-2-1 countdown to begin your answer. Answers must be at least 30 seconds to receive AI feedback!
- After you have completely answered the question, stop recording. Then, you can hit “Play” to review your response. If you approve, click “Save” and move on to the next question. If you do not like your answer, simply “Record” again, play it back, and “Save” when you are satisfied with your response. NOTE: You must click “Save” after each question, or you will lose your previous answers!
- Once you have answered and SAVED all of your answers, click on “Finish Interview.”
- On the my videos page, you will be able to view your videos and see the AI score based upon your response.
To schedule an in person mock interview please contact our office at 304-766-3250 or email at Careers@wvstateu.edu