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Career Development Program · Week 11

Interview Preparation

You're getting noticed. Now let's get you ready to walk into an interview feeling confident.

Download the workbook (PDF)

Interviews can feel stressful, but they're your chance to show an employer who you are. Preparation is what makes the difference: knowing the company, practicing your answers out loud, and planning the day ahead of time.

This week you'll draft answers to common questions, prepare questions to ask, and practice. Ask your coach for a practice interview.

This week you’ll learn

  • How to answer the most common interview questions
  • What to ask the interviewer
  • What to do before, during and after an interview

This week’s lessons

Read each short lesson, then answer the questions in the worksheet below.

Lesson 1

Get ready for your interview

Before

  • Research the company and re-read the job description.
  • Practice answers to common questions out loud.
  • List the skills you have that match the job.
  • Print a few copies of your resume and a list of references.
  • Plan your route and confirm the time and place.

Day of

  • Wear clean clothes that fit the job. Need help with clothing? Ask your coach.
  • Bring a notepad, pen, water and your resume.
  • Arrive 10–15 minutes early.

During

  • Introduce yourself with confidence in the first few minutes.
  • Answer honestly and clearly, with real examples.
  • Be yourself. Show your energy and your willingness to learn.
  • Ask your questions at the end.

After

  • Ask what the next steps are.
  • Send a short thank-you message within 24 hours.
  • Tell your coach how it went.
Lesson 2

Tell a story with STAR

For "tell me about a time" questions: Situation (where you were) → Task (what needed to happen) → Action (what you did) → Result (how it turned out).

Lesson 3

Common questions and how to answer

QuestionHow to answer
Tell me about yourself.Start with what you do now, then your past experience, then why you want this job. Keep it under a minute.
Why do you want to work here?Name something specific about the company and connect it to your skills and goals.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?Strengths: skills that help in this job, with an example. Weakness: something real you're working on, and how.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?Show you want to grow, ideally with this kind of employer.
Tell me about a difficult situation at work.Use STAR. Focus on what you did and what you learned.
What are your pay expectations?Give a range based on similar jobs in your area. Look up pay on Indeed before the interview.
Do you have any questions?Always say yes. It shows interest.
Lesson 4

Questions you can ask

  • What does a typical day look like in this role?
  • Who would I be working with?
  • How is performance measured?
  • What do your most successful employees have in common?
  • How does this role support the company's mission?
  • What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Worksheet: My interview answers

These questions match the Week 11 worksheet in the workbook. You can type your answers into the PDF, write them by hand, or submit this form. Your coach sees what you submit online.

Download the workbook (PDF)

* Required

Section 1 — Your name

Staff match this form to your CDP record. Use the name we have on file.

Common questions and how to answer

Tell me about yourself. Start with what you do now, then your past experience, then why you want this job. Keep it under a minute.

Why do you want to work here? Name something specific about the company and connect it to your skills and goals.

What are your strengths and weaknesses? Strengths: skills that help in this job, with an example. Weakness: something real you're working on, and how.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Show you want to grow, ideally with this kind of employer.

Tell me about a difficult situation at work. Use STAR. Focus on what you did and what you learned.

What are your pay expectations? Give a range based on similar jobs in your area. Look up pay on Indeed before the interview.

Do you have any questions? Always say yes. It shows interest.

Tell a story with STAR: For "tell me about a time" questions: Situation (where you were) → Task (what needed to happen) → Action (what you did) → Result (how it turned out).

Review the lessons

Use STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Questions you can ask

What does a typical day look like in this role?

Who would I be working with?

How is performance measured?

What do your most successful employees have in common?

How does this role support the company's mission?

What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Review the lessons

Get ready for your interview

Before: Research the company and re-read the job description. Practice answers to common questions out loud. List the skills you have that match the job. Print a few copies of your resume and a list of references. Plan your route and confirm the time and place.

Day of: Wear clean clothes that fit the job. Need help with clothing? Ask your coach. Bring a notepad, pen, water and your resume. Arrive 10–15 minutes early.

During: Introduce yourself with confidence in the first few minutes. Answer honestly and clearly, with real examples. Be yourself. Show your energy and your willingness to learn. Ask your questions at the end.

After: Ask what the next steps are. Send a short thank-you message within 24 hours. Tell your coach how it went.

Review the lessons

Thank you!

Thank you. Your Week 11 Interview Preparation work is in. Keep your alerts running, keep applying, and keep checking in with your coach.