Rocket Career Center

Phone Interview  

A phone interview is typically used for an initial prescreening to see if the employer wants to invite you to a full interview. However, there are some instances where a phone interview will be the primary/ full interview.   

 What to Expect: 

The employer will most likely schedule an appointment for a phone interview; however, it's okay to ask politely for a scheduled appointment if the interviewer calls unexpectedly. You may be asked some common interview questions along with some behavioral questions.  

Tips:

1. Have a copy of the job description,  resume, and cover letter if you need to reference them during the conversation.
2. Prepare answers for common questions ahead of time and have a couple of questions to ask the interviewer.
3. Make sure you are prepared to answer the phone at the time of the interview.
4. Prepare a quiet room and do not eat, drink, or chew gum during the interview.  

Pre-Recorded Interview (One-Way Interview)  

Pre-recorded interviews are used as a screening type of interview where candidates are given a set of interview questions and asked to record themselves answering these questions. Often a candidate is given a set amount of time to provide and upload their answers.  

What to Expect: 

Employers pre-set the questions concerning a specific job and send candidates a link through which they can record their answers within a deadline. Once a candidate submits his video, the employer can then review and evaluate it to determine if the candidate is a good fit and decide whether to invite them to a face-to-face interview.  

Tips: 

1. Research, the company you are interviewing for and try to demonstrate this knowledge within your answers.
2. Dress appropriately for the interview, just like you would for a face-to-face interview.
3. Practice your answers before recording.
4. Remember, you're not a robot, do your best to come across as natural while showing your personality.  

VIDEO INTERVIEW

With the rise of software like Skype, Zoom, and WebEx, video interviews are becoming increasingly common. Video interviews use technology for a "person-to-person" conversation by video, allowing people from various locations to interview you without traveling.  

What to Expect:

 While a range of traditional and behavioral interview questions might arise during a video interview, you might also have to answer more questions about location or work style. For example, if you're based in Ohio, but the company is headquartered in Texas, they may want to know how quickly you can relocate. If the position is remote, they may ask about your experience working remotely, your email style, or if you're familiar with programs like Slack and MS Teams.  

Tips:

1.  Ask who is going to be on the call.
2. Double-check the time and date of the interview, making sure to adjust for different time zones.
3. Figure out where you'll do the interview.
4. Choose a quiet place with a neutral background and few distractions.
5. Do a test call to check your equipment.
6. Print a copy of your resume and cover letter so you can refer to them quickly. 
7. Remember to dress in professional business attire.  

 

Individual Face-to-Face Interview  

In an individual face-to-face interview, a candidate is interviewed by one representative of the company, most likely the position's manager. They will want to get a feel for who you are and if your skills match those of the job requirements.  

What to Expect: 

You may be asked questions about the experience on your resume and what you can bring to the company or position.   

 Tips: 

1. Review your resume ahead of time, and be prepared to discuss how your experiences have prepared you for your interview. 
2. Research, the company you're interviewing with and demonstrate this knowledge within your answers.
3. Dress in professional business attire.   

Group Interview  

Companies will often conduct a group interview to quickly prescreen candidates for a job opening, giving the candidates the chance to learn about the company in return. Often a group interview will begin with a short presentation about the company followed by the interview. Employers are trying to observe how well a candidate interacts with other candidates.   

What to Expect:

 Interviews can be conducted in two different ways. One, interviewers may be asked the same questions that would be asked in an individual interview, but  the question will be to the whole group, allowing candidates the chance to compete to impress. Or two, after a brief introduction, the interviewers will challenge candidates with group tasks and activities.  

Tips:

1.  Direct your answer to the person who asked the question, but try to maintain eye contact with all group members.
2. If other candidates are present, introduce yourself and be polite.
3. Volunteer to respond first to a few questions but do not dominate the entire interview.
4. Compliment another candidate's response and then build on it with your thoughts.  

Panel Interviews  

Panel interviews are the same as  individual interviews, but with two or more interviewers in the room. The panel may consist of representatives from the company, such as human resources, management, and employees. Each interviewer will pick up on various characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.  

What to Expect: 

Three or more people will ask you questions about your qualifications and evaluate how you fit in.   

Tips: 

1. During a panel interview, make a point to address everyone in the room.
2. Begin your answers by first making eye contact with the person who asked the question and then making eye contact with other group members. 

Being informed about the organization and the position helps you stand out and shows that you’re serious about the opportunity.

What to research:

• Understand what the company does, including its mission, values, products or services, and customer base.
• Review the job description thoroughly. Highlight key responsibilities, qualifications, and any specific terms you may want to learn more about.
• Explore the UToledo Alumni LinkedIn page to identify any alumni currently working at the organization. Consider reaching out for insight and advice.
• Look for company reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and check their social media for recent news, announcements, or updates.

Be familiar with what you submitted during the application process so you can confidently speak about it during the interview.

Key preparation steps:

• Re-read your resume, cover letter, and any other submitted materials. Be prepared to explain your experience and any details you shared.
• Highlight strengths from your resume and prepare to explain any potential red flags, like employment gaps.
• If required, gather additional materials such as a portfolio, writing samples, or a list of references to bring with you.

Always come prepared with at least two or three thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess whether the job and company are the right fit for you.

Sample topics:

• Questions about the team, company culture, or goals for the position
• Asking what the interviewer enjoys most about working there
• Clarifying details about the role or growth opportunities

Have backup questions in case your main ones are addressed during the conversation.

Your appearance plays a role in first impressions. Planning your outfit in advance helps reduce stress on the day of the interview.

Tips:

• Research or ask about appropriate dress for the company or industry
• Use the Rocket Style Career Closet if you need professional attire
• Ensure your clothes are clean, pressed, and ready the night before
• When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than too casual

 Big Interview  

Big Interview is a tool that will enhance your job interviewing skills and develop an edge over the competition. Through this interactive tool, you can video record your responses to practice interview questions and review them or share them with others. There are tips, sample interview questions, and answers spanning more than 140 industries.  In addition, there are other resources to help you prepare for that big interview. Get both expert training and unlimited interview practice.  

Learn More Create an account 

Schedule a Mock Interview with a Career Consultant  

The Rocket Career Center is available to help you practice your interview skills while giving you on-the-spot feedback and advice. There are several ways to schedule a mock interview.  

Stop by the Rocket Career Center in the Student Union, Room 1550 to schedule an appointment   

Call the Rocket Career Center at 419.530.4341 and ask to schedule a Mock Interview  

Schedule an appointment via Handshake following the directions below:  

Visit https://utoledo.joinhandshake.com/appointments.  

• • Click the “University of Toledo- Handshake Login” button.  
  • Sign in with your organizational account information. (your UTAD@rockets.utoledo.edu)  
  • Click “Schedule a new appointment.”  
  • When Choosing a Category, select your college.  
  •  When Choosing an Appointment type, select “Mock Interview.”  
  • Select the date and time you would like to schedule an appointment.  

 Once you have scheduled your appointment, you will receive a reminder email via Handshake.  

Request a Mock  Interview Workshop for a Group  

 Does your student organization or group want to improve their interview skills? Have the Rocket Career Center present at your next meeting. 

Schedule a Group Workshop or Presentation