Interviewing Best Practices

Overview

Preparing for an interview means more than reviewing your résumé—it is organizing your materials, researching the employer, and being ready to have a genuine, confident conversation. By planning ahead, you will project professionalism, build credibility, and turn your interview into a productive two-way exchange.

Where to Find This Feature

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Be Prepared and Support Your Résumé

Your résumé opens the door, but the interview and any work samples you have prove what you can do. Bring materials that demonstrate your skills and professionalism.

Work Samples

As applicable for a position, a well-prepared portfolio strengthens your credibility and helps employers visualize your skills.

Purpose – Samples showcase your actual capabilities beyond what is written in your résumé.
When to Send – Submit samples only if requested. Protect proprietary or confidential materials—instead, mention that you can present them during an interview.
Collecting Samples – Review your résumé and identify work you can show. Gather examples, photos, documents, or videos that illustrate your experience.
Refining & Presenting – Choose clean, professional, and relevant samples. Replace damaged or cluttered pieces. Obscure or redact any proprietary or confidential information. Organize them in logical order to match your résumé.
Packaging – Use a neat portfolio, binder, or case. Make sure materials are easy to carry, display, and put away.
Leaving Samples – Only leave copies of non-sensitive materials. Keep originals or proprietary work in your possession.

Get Ready for Your Visit

Know the Location – Confirm directions and travel time; visit beforehand if possible.
Research the Employer – Learn about their products, values, and dress code.
Prepare Questions – Interviews are two-way conversations. Plan thoughtful questions to show interest.

To help you prepare for your interview, the system provides a space to make notes and record practice questions before the interview begins. See Prepare with Practice Questions and Industry Terms.
Confirm and Arrive Early – Arrive 10-15 minutes early with your résumé, references, and identification.
Application Forms – Complete any paperwork neatly and fully—do not just refer to your résumé.

Interviewing: A Two-Way Street

Comfort & Confidence – You’ve been invited because the employer sees potential. Preparation builds calm, confidence, and professionalism.
Passive vs. Active Confidence
- Passive confidence – Waiting for questions and answering politely.
- Active confidence – Engaging naturally, asking questions, and showing curiosity. Employers value genuine conversation and initiative.

Interview Tips and Guidelines

Anticipate Questions– Prepare answers to common topics—motivation, experience, goals, and past challenges.
Project Professionalism – Maintain good posture, eye contact, and speak clearly. Dress neatly and appropriately.
Show Internal Qualities – Highlight teamwork, adaptability, and responsibility through your examples.
Stay Observant – Use waiting time to notice company details and displays that could start a conversation.
Ask Questions Thoughtfully – Take cues from the interviewer’s pauses or tone.
Discuss Salary Wisely – Wait until later in the interview process or if the employer introduces the subject.