How to feel confident in your next interview

Let’s be honest, interviews can feel nerve-wracking. Your palms sweat, your heart races, and you start to second-guess whether you even remember your own name. But here’s the good news: with a little preparation, you can walk into (or log onto) your next interview feeling calm, collected, and ready to shine.

In a recent Grad15 session, Career Advisor Sean Zwenger shared practical advice for grad students stepping into the job market. Here are some highlights that can help you put your best foot forward.

First impressions count (even virtually)

Whether you’re meeting in person or on Zoom, being early shows respect for your interviewer’s time. Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes ahead so you’re not rushing or stressing about parking. And remember, everyone you meet matters. Be kind to the receptionist, the security guard, or even the person you pass in the hallway. Those small moments can leave a lasting impression.

For virtual interviews, test your microphone and camera in advance, and make sure your background is distraction-free. Oh, and skip the pajama bottoms. You never know when you might be asked to stand up!

The tricky “Tell Me About Yourself” question

This one stumps almost everyone. Instead of rambling about your childhood or favorite hobbies, try Sean’s three-step formula:

1. Present – Where you are now (your grad program, research, or current role).
2. Past – A highlight or two of relevant experience.
3. Future – Why you’re excited about this role and what you hope to contribute.

Think of it as your professional story arc. Keep it short, polished, and ready to go—like an elevator pitch you can pull out anytime.

Mastering behavioral questions with STAR

When asked things like “Tell me about a time you handled conflict” or “Describe a project where you went above and beyond,” don’t just wing it. Use the STAR method:

• Situation – What was going on?
• Task – What needed to be done?
• Action – What did you do?
• Result – What was the outcome?

This structure keeps your answers clear and focused, and it helps you avoid rambling when nerves kick in.

Don’t skip the questions at the end

When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”—the answer should always be YES. Ask about company culture, upcoming challenges, or what they love about working there. It shows you’re thoughtful, curious, and already thinking about how you can contribute.

Practice like It’s game day

Interviews get easier with practice. Run through questions with a friend, record yourself, or use tools like Sun Devil Career Prep for mock interviews. You’ll feel much more relaxed if the first time you answer “Tell me about a weakness” isn’t in front of a hiring manager.

Sean also suggests doing practice interviews for roles you’re not 100% invested in. That way, the stakes are low, and you can shake off the nerves before the “big one.”

Final thought: Interviews go both ways

Remember, interviews aren’t just about proving yourself. They’re also a chance for you to see if the job is right for you. Stay professional, highlight your strengths, and don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you note. Even if a role isn’t the perfect fit, you never know when that connection could lead to the right opportunity down the road.

Bottom line: Be prepared, be curious, and be yourself. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel—and the more likely you are to land that next big role.

Resources to Help You Prepare

Sun Devil Career Prep – Try out the new AI-powered platform for practicing interview questions.

Job Market Insights – Research salary ranges and job trends to feel confident when asked about pay.

Friends & Peers – Practice with your colleagues or family—low-pressure practice still counts! Use this list of common questions.