Interview Preparation
Walk in ready and confident every time
Interviews are a skill — and like any skill, they get better with practice. The people who do best in interviews aren't necessarily the most qualified; they're the ones who prepared.
Practical next steps
Research the organization before anything else
Know their mission, main programs, and recent news. Spend 20 minutes on their website. Referencing something specific signals genuine interest.
Study the job description word by word
Every adjective is a hint about what they'll ask. If they say 'strong communicator,' expect 'Tell me about a time you communicated something difficult.'
Learn the STAR method
STAR = Situation, Task, Action, Result. For any 'Tell me about a time...' question: describe the Situation, Task, your specific Actions, and the Result.
Prepare stories, not just answers
Stories are memorable; lists of adjectives are not. Instead of 'I'm a hard worker,' tell a specific story about a time you worked hard.
Practice the 'Tell me about yourself' opener
A 60–90 second answer: who you are, what you've done that's relevant, what you're looking for. Record yourself.
Prepare 3 questions to ask them
'What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?' shows genuine curiosity. Never say 'I don't have any questions.'
Arrive 10 minutes early
10 minutes early shows professionalism. Scope out the location the day before if you're unsure about transit.
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
Email each interviewer: thanks, one thing you found interesting, and that you're excited about the opportunity. Most people skip this.
Resource starting points
- Big Interview (Free Version)
Video practice tool with common interview questions.
Organizations featured in this guide
- PA CareerLink Philadelphia
Free mock interview practice and interview coaching with career counselors.
- Year Up Philadelphia
Intensive interview preparation as part of their professional development curriculum for young adults.
- JEVS Human Services
Career coaching that includes mock interviews and personalized feedback.
Helpful things to know
Record yourself practicing
You'll notice filler words and body language issues you can't hear when practicing in your head.
It's okay to pause before answering
'That's a great question — let me think for a second' beats a rushed, scattered answer.
Common questions
What if I blank on a question?
Say 'Give me just a moment.' Interviewers don't expect instant perfect answers. How you handle pressure is what they notice.