Preparing for an interview can be a major task, but with a solid approach, you can help set yourself up for success. Here are six tips to help you make a strong impression from the moment you start preparing to the follow-up after the interview.

1. Do your homework
   
   Research is crucial when preparing for an interview. Interviewers appreciate when candidates have taken the time to learn about the organization and its values, culture, and recent projects. Start by exploring the organization’s website, reading up on its latest news, and understanding the services it provides. This preparation not only demonstrates your genuine interest in the organization but can also help reduce pre-interview anxiety. The more you know, the more confident you'll likely feel walking into the interview. It’s also helpful to ask for a list of people you’ll be meeting and look up your interviewers online to see if you have any common connections. Consider conducting mock interviews with a friend or mentor to practice your responses and get feedback. This can help you refine your answers and improve your delivery. Be prepared to discuss any aspect of your resume in detail. Interviewers may ask about specific roles, projects, or skills listed on your resume. Make sure you can speak confidently about each item and provide examples to back up your claims.
   
   
2. Make an impact
   
   First impressions matter, so dress appropriately for the occasion, and present yourself authentically. Beyond attire, your demeanor is equally important. A firm handshake (if participating in an in-person interview), maintaining eye contact, and sitting up straight can all help convey confidence and professionalism. If there are physical or neurological factors that may influence how you are able to present yourself physically and some of our recommendations don’t work for you, think about other ways you can authentically demonstrate your confidence and engagement. Similarly, eye contact isn't easy for everyone, and some individuals may find it hard to make or maintain eye contact. What's important is to bring forth your authentic self in a focused, attentive, and responsive way. Remember, it's not just what you say, but how you present yourself that leaves a lasting impression. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview process. Even if you encounter challenging questions, focus on the positive aspects of your experiences and what you've learned from them. Positivity is contagious and can leave a lasting impression on your interviewers.
   
   
3.  Craft your stories
   
   Interviews can help potential employers evaluate a common set of skills, including leadership, communication, managing ambiguity, and balancing priorities. Think back to your past experiences. What stories can you tell to demonstrate that you have these skills? Remember, your stories don’t necessarily have to be about full-time positions directly related to the role to showcase your skills. Every experience you’ve had - including part-time jobs, school projects, and volunteer roles - gives you “transferable” skills that you can draw on in the future. Behavioral stories showing how you exhibit leadership, communication skills, and the rest can come from any genuine experience. Note: it's important not to make stories up. Your interviewer will know the difference, especially when they ask follow-up questions.
   
   
4. Use the STAR method
   
   The STAR method is a widely used framework that can help you organize and present stories to demonstrate your experience. STAR stands for "situation, task, action, and result." and can be a great opportunity for you to describe a time when you saw a problem and took the initiative to correct it. If you use this framework to explain a challenging situation, the task you were given, the action you took, and the result of your work, you’ll be able to give detailed, memorable responses to interview questions.
   
   First, describe the situation. Provide enough information for your interviewer to understand the background of the situation but keep it short! It doesn’t need to be detailed.
   
   Next, talk about the task or problem that you were responsible for. What were you asked to do? What was the goal of the assignment?
   
   Next, explain how you tackled the challenge. What steps did you take? Describe the skills you used and show how those skills connect to the problem you were asked to solve.
   
   Finally, highlight the results of the project. How did you achieve your goal? What are some quantitative results you can point to? How did your success add value to the project?
   
   
5. Sell yourself
   
   Interviews often start with a general question like “Tell me about yourself.” It’s a great opportunity to make a good first impression - if you’re prepared for it. That’s why a strong elevator pitch can be helpful; a short, compelling story about your background, your strengths, your goals, and what sets you apart. This introduction can demonstrate your ability to distill a lot of data (like your school and work experience) into a short but compelling narrative. It should articulate your passions and define what makes you unique. It should also be brief, relevant, and memorable. Your resume got you in the door, but the interview is your chance to showcase your skills and experiences in more detail. Be prepared to use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've contributed to previous organizations or projects.
   
   “Being able to have specific examples of what you’ve done from your experience is really important” says Bryce Turkheimer, campus recruiting specialist, Deloitte Services LP. Highlight your unique skills and abilities and explain how they align with the role you're applying for. Remember, we're looking for potential, so don't be shy about promoting yourself.
   
   
6. Ask questions
   
   Bringing a set of questions to the interview gives you a chance to learn more about the employer and the position while showcasing your strengths. It shows that you've done your homework and are eager to learn more. Prepare a list of thoughtful questions in advance and try to think of an interview as more of a two-way dialogue rather than a one-way dissection of your resume. The questions could be about Deloitte’s culture, specific projects, or the team you'll be working with. Engaging in a two-way conversation can not only provide you with valuable insights but can also leave a positive impression on the interviewer.
   
   “You’re interviewing an organization just as much as they’re interviewing you,” says Keyana Dunn, senior experienced hire recruiting specialist from Deloitte Services LP. Furthermore, if you don't understand a question the interviewer is asking you, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. It's better to seek a clear understanding than to provide an off-target answer. Asking for repetition or rephrasing shows that you're attentive and committed to giving the best possible response.

Conclusion

From doing your homework to asking questions during your interview, each step is crucial in making a strong impression. Remember, the interview is not just about showcasing your skills and experiences; it's also an opportunity to learn more about an organization and determine if it's the right fit for you. Good luck in your interview!

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