Employers use interviews to evaluate a candidate’s skills, professionalism, and interest in the employer’s work. The interview also allows the candidate to assess the organization to determine if it fits their interests and goals. The key to a successful interview is research and practice! Review the tips below and these two brief videos: Ace Your Interview and Telling Your Story.

Need a private space to have a remote interview with an employer? OCS offers an interview room for Yale College undergraduates, Yale Graduate School of Arts and Science, and Postdoctoral students seeking a quiet space for virtual interviews. Interview rooms are available weekdays from 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday when classes are in session.

To sign up for a 60-minute block of time, complete the following Request a Virtual Interview Room Form at least 24 hours in advance and someone will get back to you shortly to let you know if the room is available. Questions? contact Elizabeth.keane@yale.edu.

Types of Interviews

Interviews come in various flavors, and some combine different types. An overview of each is below, and visit the hyperlinks for preparation tips:

• Tell Me About Yourself: You are likely to be asked this question at the start of a job/internship interview.
• The Behavioral Interview: Every interview has a behavioral portion, which includes discussing your resume, accomplishments, and the often-asked ‘Tell me About Yourself‘ question. Check out these sample behavioral interview questions and use this accomplishment stories worksheet to develop stories to use when answering behavioral questions.
• The Case Interview: Some employers use a case interview to gauge your problem-solving skills in real-time. This is a popular interview format for consulting roles and marketing positions.
• ​The Technical Interview: Questions of a technical nature are used to assess specific skills and knowledge of a field. These questions are often used in interviews for computer science positions and technical finance roles.
• Psychometric Testing & Assessments: These tests have become a part of some applicant selection processes and are used by employers to assess a candidate’s skills by using questionnaires to evaluate which applicants are the best fit for a role.

Interview Preparation Tips

• Big Interview: Licensed by OCS, this mock interview tool lets students choose among thousands of interview types, record their answers, and watch them back for further practice.
• Vault Career Guides: Provides interview advice for specific industries or fields. Yale students and postdocs are invited to register for this free resource.
• Illegal Interview Questions: It is important to know which questions employers should not ask candidates and how to handle these in the rare event they are asked.

Interview Attire

• Research the culture of the organization and the dress code.
• Even if the workplace is casual, some employers expect candidates to dress up for the interview. It is appropriate to ask about the appropriate dress attire for an interview.
• Choose clothes that fit properly, that are comfortable and durable. Always make sure your outfit is clean and ironed.
• If you wear a suit, choose darker colors, such as dark grey or navy. Wool blends last longer and wrinkle less.
• Skirt and pant suits are both appropriate.
• Button dress shirts and ties or blouses should be worn with a suit. Choose neutral colors.
• Dress shoes and socks should be worn with a suit. Shoes should be clean and shined. If you wear heels, select a pair that you can easily walk in.
• Keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum. Perfumes or cologne should be avoided, as many people are sensitive to scents.

Navigating Meals

• Some interviews may include a lunch or dinner, particularly if the role to which you are applying involves interacting with clients, constituents, or donors in social settings.
• Although meals feel less formal than an in-office interview, it is still an interview, and you are being evaluated. Meals are seen as an opportunity to get to know you and for you to get to know them. Avoid topics that are too personal, inappropriate, or could be controversial.
• If you know where you’ll be eating, review the menu ahead of time to allow you to engage your interviewers rather than read the menu.
• When you arrive, ask your interviewers if they have any recommendations. This can give you an idea of the price point you should stay within. You can also let them order first, and choose something at that price point or less.
• Consider what is easy to eat and avoid foods that may be messy. Usually, something that can be cut into small pieces is the easiest to manage; keep in mind you will be talking while you eat.
• Avoid ordering alcohol, even if your interviewer orders something to drink. You want to stay on top of your game and keep your head clear.
• Just as important as what you say during a meal is the way you conduct yourself. Good table manners are a must. Shortly after being seated, put your napkin on your lap. Pay special attention to your posture, keep your elbows off the table, and always avoid speaking with your mouth full.
• Courtesy and professionalism shouldn’t be limited to your interviewers; be polite to the wait staff, thanking them appropriately.