Interview Guidance

Do your research – investigate the institution and position that you are pursuing
Consider creating an outline including responsibilities for the position you are interviewing
Prepare questions for the employer
Consider preparing different questions for different groups of people (peers, supervisors, upper management, etc.)
To help you stay organized, you may bring your outline and interview questions with you to the interview to make sure all of your important questions get answered
Keep in mind that some PPS interviewers will use their 30-minute time slot solely to answer your questions; it helps to be prepared and have questions written down

Be prepared to discuss:
Why you are pursuing this position
Your short and long-term goals
Your strengths and weaknesses
Your past experiences listed on your CV
Familiarize yourself with performance based interview (PBI) questions, which are scenario-based questions highlighting your past actions and experiences
When answering PBI questions, remember the STAR method to help structure your response:
- S = Situation
- T = Task
- A = Action
- R = Result
Practice your responses in a mock interview with a friend or mentor and get feedback on your responses as well as on your nonverbal communication

Dress professionally
Arrive 5 – 15 minutes early
Relax and be yourself; remember that you are interviewing the program/institution to decide if it is a right fit for you
Collect business cards or contact information at the end of the interview so you can follow-up after the interview to thank the interviewer
Take notes after the interview to remember how you felt right after the interview when it is fresh in your mind.

Download Full Document – Navigating PPS (PDF)

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