Interviewing in 2021

by Skye Saunders

Image from the zoom "Interviewing In 2021 with Graduate Intern, Amy M. Lutz." (image via Skye Saunders)

Amy M.Lutz, a graduate intern working for the Career Development Center, gave insight about inside tips about interviewing and marketing yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her presentation was step by step on how to prepare before interviews, tips for interviewing and how to have a successful virtual interview experience.

She suggests that before an interview, an individual should do the following things:

1. Research the company

2. Review the job description

3. Practice responses to potential questions

4. Limit distractions

5. Be On-Time

6. Test your internet connection

Lutz also offered some advice on what will improve a person’s remote interview. She said that an individual should:

1. Turn their camera on

2. Dress the part

3. Prepare their background for the interview

4. Choose a spot to do the interview where there are minimal distractions

5. Make eye contact

6. Have a hard copy of their resume ready

7. Bring a notepad and pen

For virtual interviews, it can be hard to stand out. Lutz suggested people can stand out by:

1. Showing that they understand the company and position

2. Come to the interview with well-researched questions

3. Show self-motivation

Lutz also spoke about the proper ways to formate responses to an interviewer’s questions. She laid out the “STAR Technique,”:

Situation: Describe the situation or event that you were in

Task: Explain the task you had to complete or work on

Action: Describe the specific actions you took to complete the tasks

Result: End with speaking to the results/impact of your efforts

Lutz also emphasized asking employers questions during your interview. Some potential questions she listed out were:

1. How will you measure the success of the person in this position?

2. Can you describe a typical day or week in the job?

3. What are you hoping this person will accomplish in their first six months and in their first year?

4. How would you describe the culture here? What type of people tend to really thrive here, and what type do as well?

There are certain things people should avoid as an interviewee. Lutz listed out a few examples, including:

1. Acting too familiar with the interviewer

2. Chewing gum during the interview

3. Interrupting the interviewer while they are talking

4. Asking about salary and benefits at the first interview, unless prompted

5. Talking negatively or criticizing previous roles and employers