Interview Preparation

Through practice interviews and coaching, our staff will help you develop skills to tell your story clearly and confidently. Most employers ask behavioral interview questions to learn how you'll meet the needs of the job.

Interview Tips

Do your homework.

Employer research is the single most important step in preparing for an interview. Show them that you know their history, products or services, mission, vision and core values.


Familiarize yourself with the job description.

Look for the key behavioral qualities, skills, characteristics and experience required for the position and prepare personal examples to share from your experience.


Tell a story.

Be specific and give details about your actions and behaviors. Tell a story with a beginning, middle and end.


Remember the STAR approach.

Answer questions using the following strategy:

  • Situation – Identify the problem
  • Task – Define the objective
  • Action – Describe the steps you took to achieve your objective
  • Results – Measure your effectiveness

Practice Interviews

Big Interview

Improve your interview skills by using Big Interview, an online program you can use to video-record practice interviews and get feedback. Free Big Interview accounts are available to all students and alumni. To create an account, go to the Big Interview website, click "register" and enter our Organization Code (0778).

Big Interview also has a feature for faculty to support the use of interview assignments in classes. Faculty and staff should contact us to create an account.

Schedule a Practice Interview

To improve your interview skills, schedule a practice interview via Navigate with a career counselor. You'll receive feedback about your strengths and areas for growth as an interviewee.


Interview Resources

Contact Us

Career Services
Peters Campus Life Building 220
815-753-1642
CareerServices@niu.edu

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Spring 2024 Drop-in Hours

Mon-Tue: 10 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Wed: 9:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
Thu: 9:30–11:45 a.m., 2:30–4:15 p.m.
Fri: 9:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.

  • Resume and cover letter reviews
  • Elevator pitch guidance
  • Guided tours of Huskies Get Hired

No appointment necessary for 15-minute drop-in services. First come, first served. Bring a printed copy of your resume or cover letter for your review.

Appointments and Consultations

If you're a current student, you can schedule an appointment via Navigate. If you're alumni or faculty/staff, please complete this form and we will get back to you promptly.

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