Interviews & Networking

Before your Interview

Follow these tips to successfully prepare for your upcoming interview:  

• Research the company along with its history, values and mission. It's a good idea to refer to the company's history and mission in your answers to the interviewer's questions. 
  
• Prepare questions to ask at the end of your interview.
• Have your elevator speech ready (i.e. your 30-second speech that describes your professional experiences and goals and why you are interested in this position).
• Make sure you know where the interview is and that you know how to get there (if it's in person) or how to access the meeting link (if it's virtual).
• Dress to impress. Plan out your outfit and make sure it is ready to go the day before your interview. 

During your Interview

During your interview, be prepared to answer behavioral questions, or questions that ask you to speak about past experiences that show your skills and qualifications. Behavioral questions often start with "describe a time" or "tell me about a time." 

Use the STAR Approach when you answer these questions:

1. Situation: Identify a challenge, problem, concern, issue or conflict you have experienced.
2. Tasks: Describe your responsibilities, role and who was involved.
3. Actions: Explain what you did and the skills you used.
4. Results: Name the outcomes, accomplishments, what you contributed and learned, and how you were effective.

Here are some other interview tips that can help you nail your interview: 

• Make eye contact with the interviewers as you address their questions.
• Show your confidence, answer the questions directly and smile.
• Ask questions when its your turn. Having a list of questions ready shows you have put thought into the position and company. If you are not sure what to ask, check out the tips on our Career Guide. 
• If you can't answer an interview question, it is okay to say "I need a moment to think about that." It's better to give a thoughtful answer than to say something that will show the interviewer that you're stumped. 

After Your Interview

After the interview, be sure to send a thank you letter within 24 hours of your interview. You can use mail or email, but because hiring timelines move fast, it is recommended that you send an email.

A thank you letter reminds the employer of your candidacy and allows you to reiterate your interest in the position. 

Remember: 

• Keep your thank you short, no more than 2 paragraphs.
• In addition to saying thank you, remind the employer of the qualifications that make you a good fit for the position.
• Mention the date of your interview and something you enjoyed discussing during your interview.

Networking is the process of meeting and forming contacts with people in your field of study or industry. 

Social media and in-person networking events, like career fairs or information sessions, are great ways to start connecting with potential employers and to learn more about your industry.

Contact careerservices@pima.edu to find more information about these events or visit our events calendar. 

Follow these tips to start networking:

Plan your elevator speech.

Networking starts with your elevator speech. Think of this as a 30-second introduction of yourself that you can use in networking settings, like a career fair or professional conference.

You can create your own elevator speech by answering the following questions:

• What is your name and major?
• Why did you choose your major/area of study?
• What top skills are you proud of?
• What are your career goals?

If you are meeting with a recruiter or someone from a company, it's a good idea to end your elevator speech with a question about their company.

Keep a list of where you'd like to work.

Put together and continually update a list of dream jobs and organizations you'd like to work for. Keep up to date on job postings from these organizations by following their website and social media accounts.

Network through social media.

Use LinkedIn to connect and interact with people at your target companies or in your desired roles.

Search for people you may know at those companies and ask for an introduction. You can also search for Pima alumni to see if former Pima students are working at companies or in roles you're interested in. 

If you don’t know anyone, send a message to an employee in a role you're interested in, letting them know you are starting your career search and would love to learn more about how they got into their role.

Attend career events.

Attend meetups, webinars, career fairs and conferences related to your desired industry. Contact careerservices@pima.edu or visit our events calendar to find upcoming career events.