How to ace a job interview
November 7 @ 11:20 am - 12:00 pm EST
Lunch and Learn hosted by Co-op & Career Services Team
This is an informal session where you can enjoy your lunch while gaining valuable career insights.
These sessions will help you improve essential skills such as resume writing, career planning, and
interview practice. You’ll also get personalized feedback and career insights to boost your
confidence and better prepare for job opportunities, all while networking with peers.
Topic this week: How to ace a job interview
Join us for our first session of the “Lunch and Learn” series focused on career advising tips!
Bring your lunch and enjoy some free snacks while you learn essential interview strategies.
Date: Thursday November 7, 2024
Time: 11:20 A.M – 12:00 Noon
Location: Room # 310
In this interactive session, we will practice how to answer interview questions to help you practice
and refine your interview skills. Gain valuable feedback and learn effective strategies to boost your
confidence and increase your chances of success in future interviews.
How confident do you feel answering answer this question during interview?
1. Tell me about yourself?
2. Can you describe a time when you worked in a team? (Behavioral Question – Team
Collaboration)
3. Walk us through a challenging situation you faced in the workplace and how did you
overcome this challenge?
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and network with fellow students in a relaxed environment. We
look forward to seeing you there!
Why students should attend Lunch and Learn hosted by Career Services
A group activity focused on interview questions can significantly benefit students by
providing practical experience and enhancing their confidence in navigating job
interviews.
1. Preparation for Real Interviews:
Familiarizes students with common interview questions, allowing them to prepare better for
actual interviews in their job search.
2. Practical Experience:
Provides hands-on practice in a safe environment, allowing students to simulate real
interview scenarios and become more comfortable with the process.
3. Confidence Building:
By practicing in front of peers, students can reduce anxiety and build confidence in their
ability to respond to questions effectively.
4. Improved Communication Skills:
Participants learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely, which is crucial for
successful interviews.
5. Feedback and Self-Reflection:
Receiving constructive feedback from peers allows students to identify areas for
improvement and gain different perspectives on their performance.
6. Networking and Teamwork:
Working in groups fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships among students, which
can be beneficial for their professional networks.
7. Understanding Different Perspectives:
Exposure to various interviewing styles and questions helps students understand what
different employers may be looking for.
STAR METHOD: A Guide to Answering Behavioral Interview Questions
Behavioral questions in interviews are designed to learn how you’ve handled situations in the past,
so employers can predict your future behavior. The STAR method helps you answer these
questions in a structured and clear way.
What is STAR?
S – Situation: Describe the situation or context you were in.
T – Task: Explain the task or challenge you had to deal with.
A – Action: Detail the specific steps you took to handle the task.
R – Result: Share the outcome or results of your actions, highlighting your achievements.
How to Use STAR in Interviews
Situation: Start by giving the context. Where were you? What was happening?
Example: “At my previous job as a Sales Executive, the company was launching a new product in a
competitive market.”
Task: Clearly outline the challenge or problem you had to solve.
Example: “I was tasked with increasing product awareness and improving sales within the first
quarter.”
Action: Describe the steps you took to handle the task. Focus on your contributions, even if it was a
team effort.
Example: “I organized tasting events at local festivals and collaborated with local vendors for
product promotions.”
Result: Share the outcome of your actions. Whenever possible, quantify your results.
Example: “As a result, we saw a 15% increase in sales and established new partnerships with key
local vendors.”
Key Tips
• Be concise and stick to the STAR format.
• Focus on your role, even in team projects.
• Use specific examples from your past experiences.
Session Structure for “How to Ace a Job Interview”
• Frequency: One session per month, each covering a new topic.
• Duration: 40 minutes per session.
• Number of Participants: 20-25 students per session.
• Mode of Delivery: In-Person
• Introduction (5 min): Overview of the topic and session goals.
• Interactive Content (20 min): Key interview strategies, common questions, and techniques
(e.g., STAR method).
Activity (10 min): Fun questions to interact and share your story. Students will take turns answering
light-hearted, creative questions designed to help them think on their feet and express themselves
confidently. This activity encourages storytelling, humor, and engagement, helping participants
become more comfortable with self-presentation.
Q&A and Wrap-up (5 min): Address student queries and provide key takeaways.
Future Topics:
• Building an Impressive Resume and Cover Letter
• How to Network Effectively as an International Student
• Mastering LinkedIn for Networking
• How to Showcase Transferable Skills and International Experience
• Developing a Personal Elevator Pitch
• Navigating Virtual Job Fairs
• Understanding Workplace Etiquette
This monthly Lunch and Learn series will ensure students remain engaged with relevant career
topics while continuously improving their employability skills.