University at Buffalo (UB)
How to Stand Out
What should you wear? What questions will you be asked? What questions should you ask? We’ll help you prepared and stand out during an interview.
On this page:
Being prepared is the number one way to impress during an interview, and that includes not showing up empty-handed. Here's a list of things you might want to bring to your interview.
- Copies of your resume/CV
- A pen
- A notepad
- List of references
- Notes with talking points/examples of your experiences
- A list of prepared questions to ask
- Portfolio (if you have one) or examples of your work
- Folder/Briefcase (optional)
- Business cards (optional)
- Directions and contact information
- Driver’s Licenses or Passport
- A smile and positive energy
Map Out Directions Ahead of Time
Take the time before your interview, to get directions and even practice finding your interview location. There's nothing worse than looking sharp but showing up late because you got lost on the way to the interview.
When it comes to dressing for an in-person or video interview, think trendy, but conservative. Choose a classic suit coat, dress, shirt and pants or skirt. Wear clothing that is clean, wrinkle-free and fits you properly. This will show that you mean business.
When dressing for business professional, choose a classic suit coat, dress shirt and coordinating pants or skirt. Keep the colors basic to black, blue, gray and white. Ties and jewelry should be simple and not busy patterns. Business professional is more of a conservative style that is commonly worn during interviews.
Jackets
Shirts
Pants/Skirts
Shoes
Bags and Belts
Business casual is a little less formal than business professional. It's still intended to give a professional and businesslike impression. This means... you don't have to wear a suit jacket. But it's not so casual to where you can wear jeans and a t-shirt.
Shirts
Pants
Shoes
Bags and Belts
A new suit isn't in your budget?
Try visiting local thrift stores for a slightly used one.
Tips on Tying a Tie
Following along with Bob as he shows you three different ways to tie a tie.
What you talk about and how you say it can make or break your chances of getting hired. Here's how you can describe your skills and experiences.
During an interview, anytime you hear the words “tell me about a time when...” or “describe a situation where...” just think STAR.
The STAR Method
Situation or Task
Describe the situation or task you were in:
- Who was part of the situation?
- What was the purpose of the task?
- Why did the situation happen?
Action
Explain what action steps you took.
- What was your role/part in the situation?
- What specific action steps did you take?
- Why did you take those steps?
Results
Discuss the results of your actions:
- Did you accomplish your goal/objectives?
- Were you successful or not?
- Were you efficient and productive?
- What did you learn?
Last semester in my psychology class, I worked in a team of five. We created a role-play dialogue and scenario to demonstrate a counseling theory. At first, everyone was on board with the project. Suddenly, one of our team members stopped contributing ideas and missed a couple of critical group meetings.
I decided to talk to this team member to understand why they stopped contributing. It became clear that they felt offended by some of the ideas that were being suggested. They appreciated that I connected with them and made an effort to understand their perspective.
From that point forward, everyone contributed equally and the result of the project was a great success. We all received A’s on the project. In fact, the professor said that it was one of the best presentations he had seen during his time teaching the course.
Become a STAR
Start brainstorming activities/projects you've done in the past and what skills learned as a result. Then practice your responses out loud.
STAR Method Sample Questions
- Describe your greatest strengths?
- Tell me about a situation where you directly impacted the success of a team?
- Give an example of a time when you worked under deadline pressure.
- Explain a situation where you felt you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation?
- Tell us about a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
What's Next
Prepare how you plan on answering those difficult questions.