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.
There's no way to predict what exact interview questions you'll be asked. A good place to start is answering this list of difficult questions using Big Interview to get the confidence boost you need.
Difficult Questions to Answer
Personal/Career Goal Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your greatest strengths?
- What is your biggest weakness? What skill do you feel like you're still missing?
- What kind of boss do you prefer?
- Why are you interested in this position?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What motivates you most in a job?
Skill-Based Questions
- Why should we hire you?
- What can you offer us that someone else can not?
- What job-related skills have you developed?
- What are some of your leadership experiences?
- Discuss your resume.
Situational-Based Questions
- Tell me about a time where you failed or made a mistake. What did you learn?
- Give me an example of a major problem you encountered and how you dealt with it.
- Walk me through a situation in which you had to adjust to changes over which you had no control. How did you handle it?
- Describe an accomplishment you are most proud of.
- Give a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project.
Use the STAR Method
Remember to use the STAR Method when answering these experience questions. It will leave the interviewers thinking you're a rock star.
Other Common Interview Questions
- Why did you choose to attend UB?
- What led you to choose your major?
- How has college prepared you for a career?
- In which campus activities did you participate?
- If you were to start over, what would you change about your education?
- Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not?
- How do you think a professor who knows you well would describe you?
- In what work environment are you most comfortable?
- Tell me about how your experiences that would help you in this job?
- Describe a major problem you encountered and how you dealt with it.
- Give an example of a time when you worked under deadline pressure.
- Give an example of a time when you worked on a team to accomplish something.
- What did you enjoy most about your last employment? Least?
- How do you think a former supervisor would describe your work?
- Describe a situation when you were able to have a positive influence on the actions of others.
- Describe how you developed a project team’s goals and the project plan?
- What have you done in order to be effective with your organization and planning?
- Describe a team experience you found rewarding.
- Please give your best example of working cooperatively as a team member to accomplish an important goal.
- Tell us about a time that you successfully adapted to a culturally different environment.
- Give a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
- Describe a situation where you felt you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation?
- Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
- Do you prefer to work under supervision or on your own?
- Do you prefer large or small organizations? Why?
- How do you feel about working in a structured environment?
- Can you work on several assignments at once?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- How do you feel about the possibility of relocating?
What's Next
Find out what type of questions you may want to ask at the end of your interview.