You did everything right. 

At the Fall Job and Internship Fair, you made a great connection. You followed up with a thank-you note and landed an interview for a role in your wheelhouse. 

What’s next? Before nerves set in, check out these tips from the AU Career Center.

Five Ways to Prepare for Your Interview

• Scout the team: Learn as much as you can about the prospective employer by exploring its website, social media feeds, and recent news coverage. Understanding the organization’s mission will help you tailor your qualifications to the role and ask sharp, insightful questions. 
• Own your story: Be ready if the interviewer asks you to walk through your resume. Identify the position’s core skills, pinpoint how your qualifications align with them, and choose compelling examples to share. Don’t overlook logistics: map out your commute or test your virtual interview technology well in advance. 
• Run your lines: Practice makes prepared. Set up a mock interview with a trusted friend or mentor, or practice Big Interview—an interactive tool accessible through Handshake that features general, industry-specific, and competency-based questions. Pro tip: Try on your interview outfit beforehand so there are no day-of surprises.
• Claim your quiet: Need a distraction-free space? Students can reserve one of three Career Center interview rooms for virtual meetings or practice sessions. Call 202-885-1804 or email [email protected] during regular business hours to book a spot. 
• Call in a coach: Want feedback from an expert? Schedule an in-person or Zoom appointment with an AU career advisor to talk through customized strategies and run practice questions with a pro. 

Have questions about interviewing? Reach out to the AU Career Center or explore its interviewing resources.