Essential Interview Tips for Veterans
Interviewing for a promotion, admission to a program or a job after graduation can be intimidating. It's very different from a promotion board in the military, and how you approach it will be as well.
Confirm all the Details
When you are invited to interview for a position or program, start with making sure the time works for you. You don't want to be rushing from work, another interview, or trying to cram something in during your lunch break or nap time. Confirm the time zone, the medium for the interview, and any other details. If it's a virtual interview, make sure you review our virtual interview tips here.
Conduct Some Research
When you were tailoring your resume to the position you're now interviewing for, you learned about the company and the position. Take that a step further and look at the news in that industry, check out recent press releases from the company, and review their website. Take note of anything new or exciting that may come up in your interview.
Prepare Your Answers
An interview is full of questions. Job-related questions, personal questions, questions you are asking, maybe even some off-the-wall questions like if you were a balloon animal, which one would you be? Since you know there will be questions, go ahead and prepare answers to the common ones. You don't need to memorize all the answers, but you should prepare to answer commonly asked questions.
Questions You'll Probably Be Asked
Here are some of the most common interview questions. By preparing to answer these questions, you can work the answers you've prepared to fit most interview questions -- even if they aren't on this list.
What are your strengths?
What is your greatest weakness?
Why do you want to work here?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why should we hire you?
Why did you apply for this position?
Do you prefer to work on a team or independently?
What type of work environment do you prefer?
How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
What are your hobbies?
Who was the most difficult person you ever worked with?
How would your professors/friends/co-workers describe you?
Ask Your Own Questions
Interviewers will probably end the interview by asking, "do you have any questions for me?" The answer is always yes! If applicable, you should have two to three questions prepared to show that you have researched the company, the position, and the industry. They don't have to be detailed questions, but they should be well thought out.
What if You Don't Know the Answer?
If you're asked a question you don't know the answer to, don't lie. Start by taking a moment to think. Pausing will not cause anyone to be suspicious. You can also restate the question as you answer, giving yourself a few more seconds. But if you don't know the answer, you can say that.
Follow Up Afterward
When the interview is closing, you may find it appropriate to ask what the next steps are or when you can expect to hear from them. Thank them for their time and then exit graciously. No victory dancing or hanging your head in shame until you're safe in the car. If it's a virtual interview, make sure you are completely signed or have hung up.
Within the next few days, consider sending a thank you note. Although a nice, handwritten note is a good touch, you can thank them via email. Thank the interviewer for their time. Keep it simple. It's not another chance to prove yourself; it's a thank-you note.
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