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Internal candidate interview prep
1. Research the role
- Understand the position you are applying for within the university.
- Review the job description and requirements. Match the requirements to items in your resume.
2. General interview preparation
- Take an internal interview as seriously as an external interview.
- Practice answering usual questions (“Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths?”).
- Prepare examples of your accomplishments and skills.
- Consider behavioral-based questions (“Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work and how you resolved it.”).
3. Dress professionally
- Even though it is an internal interview, dress appropriately.
- Professional dress and business casual could be appropriate depending on the role.
4. Post-interview practices
- Send a thank you email to the interviewers within 24 to 48 hours.
- Reflect on the interview and what went well and areas for improvement. Talk to the Career Consultant if you need additional practice.
- Be gracious and kind, regardless of the outcome.
Examples of behavioral-based questions
- Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a team member. How did you handle it?
- Describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you manage it?
- Give an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership skills.
- Tell me about a situation where you had to adapt to unexpected changes.
- Describe a time when you provided excellent customer service.
How to answer behavioral-based questions
When answering behavioral questions during interviews, it is essential to tell a story with specific details about a relevant event from your life. The story does not always have to have a happy ending, but it should highlight what you learned from the experience. Reflecting on your work history, education and general life stories can provide valuable material.
At the UK, we often recommend using the STAR technique to structure your responses. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. Researching this technique can help you prepare effectively for your interview.