How to Prepare for an Interview

Even if you look great on paper, an in-person or virtual job interview will allow the hiring manager to determine if your skills and experience align with the job duties. You can answer job-related questions during your interview and provide work-related examples demonstrating your knowledge, skills, and abilities. You will also obtain information to help you decide if that job is the right one for you. The interview is your last chance to stand out from the other candidates by showing how well you communicate and that your skills match the job requirements.

Do's

• Research the organization.
• Study the duty statement (job description) and prepare how your skills align with the position.
• Prepare your responses to the job's critical skills outlined in the duty statement (job description) by using the STAR method.

• S: Situation
• T: Task
• A: Action
• R: Result           

 

• Anticipate possible interview questions. You can look online and familiarize yourself with common behavioral-based interview questions to give you a baseline of your interviewer's questions.
• Be prepared to discuss anything that is included in your resume.
• Dress to impress: Dress professionally and look the part.
• Arrive at your interview on time (early is best).
• Be professional and introduce yourself to the panel.
• Bring them if your interviewer asks for specific documents (DGS OHR 18, references, etc.) ahead of time.
• Bring several copies of your resume, references, or any other helpful documents to share with the panel.
• Follow up after the interview with a thank you email.