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.
Employers will typically ask if you have any questions towards the end of the interview. Do not pass up this opportunity! Use this time to gather more information to show your interest and help decide if you want the position.
Questions You May Want To Ask
- Why did you come to this company?
- What’s your favorite part about working here?
- What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?
- Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?
- Who will I work with most closely?
- Who will I report to directly?
- Does the company have any programs in place to support diversity? If not, are you planning to in the future?
- What type of person would you like to see in this role/position?
- What do you like best about working for this department/organization?
- What do you find most challenging about working for this department/organization?
- Can you describe a typical workday in the department?
- Is there much opportunity to work independently? With superiors, colleagues, customers?
- What projects are currently being worked on?
- How important is diversity to you as an organization? What value does it bring to you?
- Is the leadership team committed to diversity in the organization? If so, how do they express that and ensure that commitment cascades down throughout the organization?
- What type of person would you like to see in this role/position?
- What would be my primary responsibilities?
- What would I be expected to accomplish in the first six months on the job? In the first year?
- What are some of the department’s ongoing and anticipated special projects?
- Can you describe a typical day in the life of this position?
- How do you foster an open, communicative environment for your employees?
- What methods of communication does your team use?
- Are employees encouraged and given the opportunity to express their ideas and concerns?
- What do employees seem to like best and least about the company?
- What is the rate of employee turnover? Why is this position open?
- How large is the department where the opening exists?
- What type of orientation or training do new employees receive?
- Does the company have any programs in place to support diversity? If not, are you planning to in the future?
- What’s the company and team culture like?
- How would you describe the work environment here—is the work typically collaborative or more independent?
- What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked?
- What gets you most excited about the company’s future?
- What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?
- Where do you see this company in the next few years?
- How do you maintain a strong bond when working remotely?
- How has your company culture changed with some or all of your team working remotely?
- What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome when you had to started working remotely?
- What tools do you use to keep communication streamlined between your teams?
- What team traditions do your teammates love that you still continue even while working remotely?
- What conversations happen daily on Slack or through email?
- What are your favorite Slack channels?
- How do you celebrate diversity of ideas and people?
Last Question to Ask
At the end of your interview, be sure to ask what their next steps are in the interviewing process.
What's Next
Create a practice interview session on Big Interview, an online video interviewing tool. Or, book a practice interview appointment with one of our career experts in Bullseye powered by Handshake.