YoUR step-by-step interview guide
Whether you’re new to interviewing or you’ve already done a few, you’re in the right place. Some people enjoy interviews. Others feel a bit of anxiety at first. But, with a bit of practice, Spiders excel!
You’re smart and accomplished, and UR’s curriculum gives you an unusual number of opportunities to hone your communication skills, the foundation for interview success. Interviews are really just goal-oriented conversations. You can crack the interview code and show employers what makes you a great fit.
What is an interview?
Interviews are purposeful conversations. They tend to be formal, they rely on standard structures and conventions, and they have one overriding goal: for you and the employer to evaluate fit. As with other aspects of the application and recruitment process, your priority is to highlight how your skills and experiences make you a great choice for the specific role you want.
An interview typology
Interviews come in different flavors, and some elements vary by industry. Here’s a snapshot–
| TYPE OF INTERVIEW | KINDS OF QUESTIONS TO EXPECT | HOW LONG WILL IT TYPICALLY LAST? |
| First-round or screening | Emphasis on behavioral (tell us about a time when…), 1-2 open ended (e.g. tell us a bit about yourself), Q&A (do you have questions for us?). | 25-30 minutes, 5-8 questions |
| Case | Emphasis on case (problem solving), depending on firm and stage of recruitment, perhaps some behavioral (tell us about a time when…), open ended (e.g. why are you interested in this role?) and Q&A (do you have questions for us?) | 30-60 minutes, 5-12 questions |
| Technical – financial services | Emphasis on technical (cases, problem solving and skill challenges), depending on firm and stage of recruitment, some behavioral (tell us about a time when…), open ended (e.g. what do you know about our company?) and Q&A (do you have questions for us?). Superday: stacked, back-to-back sessions focused on technical questions. | 30-45 minutes, 5-10 questions |
| Computer/information technology | Emphasis on technological (coding, problem solving, algorithms), likely some behavioral (tell us about a time when…), and Q&A (do you have questions for us?). | 45 minutes 5-10 questions |
How to crack the code for behavioral questions
You’ll spend much of your time in first-round interviews answering behavioral interview questions: “Tell us about a time when…”
What will they ask you about? Think like an employer. They’re busy, and they’re under pressure to identify the best candidate for the role. A 30-minute interview is too short for your interviewer to waste time. So they’re going to focus on the top team’s top priorities. You probably uncovered some of their priorities when you were “tailoring” your resume and cover letter. Good news: you can find general and industry-specific “practice sets” on UR’s Big Interview platform, and we’ve also built an interview-prep prompt in YoUR Spider Prompt library to help you think through possible questions using information about the company and job ad.
Along with fit for specific aspects of the role, employers want to know how you think and learn…because they don’t expect you to know everything on day one! And because they hope you’re going to stick around for a while and advance through the organization…by continuing to think and learn.
Lean into your curiosity as you prepare. How have your past experiences helped prepare you for future opportunities? Ask yourself:
- What motivates me?
- What experiences have shaped how I work with others?
- When have I failed, learned, or adapted?
- Know yourself: your skills, interests, values, and what you can contribute to the organization
- Know the organization: products/services, key people, structure, target markets, mission and goals
- Know the position: job requirements, duties/responsibilities, needed skills
- Practice on our virtual platforms The Big Interview or with a mock interview with Career Services staff
- For phone and video interviews, secure a quiet place in advance. The Career Services Suite in Queally Center 201 has private interview rooms students can reserve
How can you crack the code for behavioral interview questions? Structure your answers with the STAR technique. “Tell me about a time when” questions can seem broad or meandering, but the opposite is true. You should aim to answer most interview questions in 2-3 minutes. This doesn’t leave much time to wander. Good news! Interview conventions invite a structure that will help you showcase your talent and experience efficiently and effectively.
Example.
Interviewer: “Tell me about a time when you worked through conflict on a project.”
You: “During my sophomore year, I was on a four-person team for an Organizational Behavior class. We had to analyze a company and make strategic recommendations, but two teammates clashed over which company to study—one favored a startup, the other a large, established firm. Their disagreement slowed our progress and strained the team dynamic.
“We had five days to finalize our topic and submit a draft presentation. Without resolution, we risked falling behind and delivering weak work.
“I suggested a focused meeting where each person could present their case. To guide the discussion, I created a comparison chart of each company’s strengths—things like data access and relevance. We ultimately voted to go with the startup, but pulled in useful aspects of the legacy company to honor both perspectives. I also proposed dividing the work by each person’s strengths to rebuild trust and momentum
We not only met the deadline but received top marks. More importantly, the team worked better together afterward. The experience taught me that conflict isn’t necessarily bad—it can spark stronger ideas if managed openly and constructively. And I saw how clear roles and honest communication can really shift a team dynamic.”
How to crack the code for common, open-ended questions
Behavioral questions will comprise the majority of first-round interview questions. But the other questions you get are just as important! Remember that interviewers only have a limited amount of time with you. When they ask you a question, they are signaling that the topic is important to their team or company. Open-ended questions can seem like ice breakers or filler, but they’re actually super important (!) because they let you frame your answer to showcase your curiosity, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the role. Good news: organizing your answers is as easy as “ABC.”
A – Answer the question
B – Bring in examples
C – Connect your answer to the opportunity or goal
What does this look like in action?
Interviewer: “Tell me a bit about yourself.”
You: “I’m a junior at Richmond where I double major in Art & Art History and Mathematics. Not everyone sees the connections between my fields right away! But for me both involve creative problem solving, a deep knowledge of established models, and an opportunity to innovate. Also, I’m a visual problem solver, and the kind of math I do uses sophisticated, computer-based visualization tools. In fact, one of the reasons that the opportunity here at XYZ Global Widgets, Inc. is appeals to me is that the work is multi-disciplinary and you’ve built a culture that rewards outside-the-box problem solving. I can do my best work and make the greatest contributions in environments like yours.”
Another common question will ask you to share what you know about the company or role. ABC works, for this, too! Answer the question, Bring in Examples, Connect to the opportunity.
Interviewer: “What do you know about our company?”
You: “What excites me about XYZ Global Widgets, Inc. is the way your work brings together different disciplines and rewards innovative, outside-the-box problem solving. From what I’ve learned, you’ve built a culture where creative solutions are valued, and where people with diverse backgrounds can contribute in meaningful ways. That connects directly to my own experience at Richmond, where I’m double majoring in Art & Art History and Mathematics. Not everyone sees the connection right away, but both fields demand creative problem solving, a strong foundation in established models, and the ability to innovate. I’m also a visual problem solver, and the kind of math I do relies on advanced, computer-based visualization tools. Because your company has cultivated diverse approaches to problem solving, I see a clear match between your culture and the way I work best.”
To sum it up:
- For behavioral questions, use STAR. These days, these questions will likely comprise 60% or more of a first-round, non-technical interview.
- For open-ended introductory questions use a version of the ABC technique.
If you prepare a few thoughtful questions for the Q&A section of the interview (“What questions do you have for us?”), you’ll be ready to crush it!
Q&A interview section
The Q&A section of an interview — when you get to ask questions of your interviewers — might seem less important than the questions the interviewers ask you. Don’t fall into this trap! First, this really is a chance for you to learn more about the company or organization. Evaluating fit is a two-way process. Is this a team you want to join? Second, the Q&A section of an interview is a chance for you to showcase your intelligence and curiosity, two of the qualities people value most in future colleagues. Spend enough time preparing that you’re ready to ask insightful questions. Don’t settle for superficial or ordinary. And don’t ask questions you can easily answer using the web or job description! Good news: YoUR Spider Prompt Library includes a prompt to help you generate specific questions for you to consider!
Questions to ask your interviewer(s)
- How would you describe the culture of the office/department?
- What have you enjoyed most about working for this organization?
- What are the next steps in this process?
Interview Formats and Locations
In the digital age, it’s becoming increasingly common for companies to use different locations and communication technology in the interview process. In fact, you may very well encounter several different formats and locations as you progress through recruitment! Good news: it’s still not that complicated, and sound interview technique works everywhere.
Career Services hosts recruiters who conduct interviews on campus in the Career Services Employer Suite on the second floor of the Queally Center. These interviews are usually 30-minute screening interviews and may be accompanied by an information session the night before the interview. Students in all majors can participate in on campus recruiting (OCR). Apply for these opportunities in Handshake. The posting will indicate on-campus interviewing, and track your status under My Jobs, found in the menu under your initials on the top right-hand corner.
Phone interviews are typically first-round and used to narrow down the candidate list. Generally, they last 20-30 minutes. Be sure your interview space has good phone reception. While you aren’t required to dress professionally, you’ll often feel more confident and assured when looking your best.
On-site interviews allow you to see the culture of the organization and meet different people who work there. These interviews can be one hour, a half-day, or full day depending on the organization or industry. You may interview with one person or a variety of people in panels or groups.
Panel interviews are often rapidly paced with questions coming from a variety of individuals. To achieve rapport during this type of interview, remember to maintain eye contact with and involve each person on the panel. Get a list of all those in attendance for thank-you notes. If you can’t get their names in advance, make sure to get business cards after the interview, or at least write down names to find their info later.
Make sure that the space where you will do your interview is well-lit, with no backlighting. Set up the recording equipment (webcam) ahead of time so you have time to test the image and audio. During the interview, look directly at the camera, not the screen of your device. If you look at the screen, it will appear to the interviewer as if you are looking away from them.
Pre-recorded interviews, like HireVue, are used initial screening tool in the interview process. Set up the recording equipment (webcam) or interview program ahead of time and if the interview system has a training function, make sure to use it to practice your responses. In a pre-recorded interview, you also need to be mindful of time limits to your answers. See above “video/digital interview” for additional tips.
Making a great impression
First impressions
Attire, grooming, handshake, and the ability to project a professional demeaner impacts first impressions. Check out our Dress for Success tip sheet, and talk with a career advisor about your specific questions or concerns.
Lasting impressions – follow up!
Saying thank you when you meet new contacts is an essential expectation. Some working professionals will write new connections off if they don’t receive a thank you note! …And they have personal rules like this because not everyone says thank you. So you can distinguish yourself just by being polite. Another way to be memorable: Aim to send notes the same day and no later than the day following. Promptness counts.
- Take notes on high and low points
- Follow up promptly with a thank you note (email or handwritten – see Thank You Tip Sheet) to everyone who participated in your interview process
- Evaluate and consider the position and the organization – is this a good choice for you?
- Practice – learn from your experience