Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they don’t have to be. In fact, with the right strategies, you can convert this into an opportunity to establish your potential assertively.

Whether you are already a Rushford Business School student or considering becoming one, this edition will provide insider tips for making your interview successful and memorable.

1. Who are You?

Your story is your strongest asset, and we all have a distinct one. Prepare a concise but genuine statement ahead of time that encapsulates who you are, what you bring to the table, and what sets you apart.

For example, I am a marketing lover with a passion for sustainability. Interning at X-Brand taught me how to develop high-converting campaigns that connect with eco-minded consumers.

This genuineness will assist you in answering questions more intelligently and building rapport with your interviewer. It will also make you an unexpected remembrance even long after the interview is over.

2. Research Company Culture

Knowing a company’s culture is as important (or more) than knowing its product or services.

Actionable Tips:

• Check the company’s social media and websites to understand its values, mission, and recent initiatives.
• Use sources such as Glassdoor to read feedback from other employees.
• If you are interviewing for a marketing or business development position, be up-to-date on their current campaigns and discuss how your skills might apply to future efforts.

This familiarity allows you to ask insightful questions, demonstrate your genuine interest, and determine whether it’s a place where you can grow.

3. Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions help you assess how you have handled situations in the past. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) is the best way to prepare your responses.

If the interviewer asks you about a time you faced a challenge, you might say:

• Situation: During my internship, our team was behind schedule on an assignment.
• Task: I coordinated the efforts of a cross-department team.
• Action: I organized daily check-ins and delegated tasks based on each member’s strengths.
• Result: We delivered the project with maximized accuracy and KPIs within the scheduled time and received positive stakeholder feedback.

It’s not just about what you did but the impact you made.

4. Engage Through Active Listening

Interviews are a dialogue, not a monologue. Spend 5% of the interview time telling your story and the rest in active listening. 

To do so, you must be present, ask for clarifications, and thoughtfully respond. It allows you to:

• Show the interviewer you respect their opinion.
• Adjust your answers to meet the needs of the company.
• Turn a Q&A interview into more of a conversation.

5. Follow Up 

The interview may be over, but some work still needs to be done. A thoughtful follow-up note is more than just a courtesy. It is another chance to reiterate your enthusiasm and bring up a side or perspective you have observed in the conversation. It is a great way to make your mark and deliver an impact.

Interview preparation is more about presenting your authentic self than just rehearsing answers. At Rushford Business School, we challenge and push your boundaries and arm you with the proper knowledge to tackle such situations head-on. Feel free to take advantage of our career services, as we are dedicated to nurturing your potential for victory. 

Believe in yourself and all that you have to offer. Your passion, unique perspective, and hunger for success are your superpowers. Own them. 

Happy interviewing!