Tag: interview

How Much Should I be Paid at an Entry-Level Job?

Now that you’re ready to start searching for your first entry-level job, you probably have some questions about how a full-time job will differ from a part-time job or internship. For example, what can you reasonably expect to earn during your first one to two years of post-college employment and what are some other perks that can balance out an entry-level salary?

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about salaries.

What is the average entry-level salary?

According to Glassdoor, the average entry-level job salary in the U.S. is $28,000, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what you’ll make at your first post-college job. Compensation for entry-level jobs differs from field to field and city to city so in order to get an accurate sense of what you can expect to earn, it’s important to do your research on your chosen industry. That way, when you start receiving offers, you’ll know how your offer stacks up against others in the field.

How can you find out the entry-level salary for chosen field?

Luckily, researching industry-specific salaries is pretty easy, with sites like Payscale and Glassdoor providing clear salary information for recent graduates—just search by the entry-level position you’re curious about. You can use these sites to compare how entry-level jobs pay by region, since the same entry-level job is likely to pay significantly more in a place like New York City than in a smaller city or town where the cost of living is lower.

Pro Tip: Even if you know exactly what kind of position you want to land, do some research on other jobs within that industry and outside of it. This will give you more insight into the job market in general and help you consider the full range of opportunities available to you.

Can you negotiate an entry-level salary?

After you’ve gotten a good idea of what a general entry-level salary in your field looks like, it’s time to get specific. It’s helpful to take both your professional skill sets and the company you’re interested in into account. When thinking about your work experience and skill set, consider what skills could make you more valuable to an employer. Maybe you excelled at an internship, were able to freelance your way to an interesting resume or earned special academic honors for your killer schoolwork. Take these into account when filling out your application so that you give yourself the best chance of being offered the highest salary possible.

It’s important to note however, that in many cases negotiation isn’t an option for entry-level offers. This is especially the case for structured programs like finance, consulting and medicine, but can apply to other entry-level jobs as well. When considering a job offer, it’s therefore important to consider things beyond salary, such as culture, perks, vacation and benefits. That means making sure you’ve done your research on the company and thinking about what they can offer you that will make the experience a beneficial one. How much you’re comfortable being paid at an entry-level job can be influenced by what you think the experience can give you in a larger sense, outside of just a paycheck.

Jobs for recent graduates will offer different salaries based on where you’re looking to work and what you’d like to do, but once you have a solid idea of what your salary will be, you’ll be well-prepared to start your new career and take the first steps towards advancing in the field.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as How to Answer: Are You Willing to Relocate?

Top Investment Banking Interview Questions

If you’re interested in a career in investment banking, then you know that it’s a competitive field with plenty of challenges and opportunities. In order to prepare yourself to become an investment banker, it’s important to know not only what your career path will look like but also how to prepare for the interview process. The hiring process for investment banking typically consists of two to three rounds of interviews, with each round focusing on both technical questions and cultural fit questions.

Here are the top questions you’re likely to encounter during an entry-level investment banking interview.

1) Tell me about yourself.

This is often the first question in any interview and one you should always be prepared to answer. When interviewers ask this question during an investment banking interview, it’s because they want to know that you’re passionate about the field and that you can bring something unique to the table. The key to answering it well is to talk about your academic and personal background in a way that shows that you’d be a good fit for the position. For example, if you’ve been interested in finance for a long time and have been reading The Economist since middle school, you should mention that. Or, if you’re an English major with a newfound passion for financial markets and a minor in business, you should talk about how your diverse skill set can help you succeed in the industry. No matter what your background, being able to present yourself as a well-rounded individual with a genuine interest in finance will go a long way towards impressing the interviewer and helping you stand out from the crowd.

Pro Tip: Since banks are increasingly interested in hiring candidates with diverse backgrounds, don’t be intimidated if your background doesn’t include a business or finance major. Instead, focus on the skills and experience you can bring to the position and demonstrate how these will make you stand out.

2) Why do you want to work in investment banking?

When an interviewer asks this question it’s because they want to find out how passionate you are about becoming a banker. Since investment banking is a notoriously fast-paced and challenging industry, showing that you’ve done your homework and are truly interested in the field is a crucial part of convincing the interviewer that you’re aware of the challenges and willing to meet them. One of the keys to answering this question well is to show that you have a working knowledge of financial markets and a genuine interest in how deals get done. For example, if you recently read about an interesting technology merger in DealBook, be sure to mention why the merger piqued your interest and how that specific deal fits in with your more general interest in finance.

Pro Tip: Knowledge of financial markets and trends is particularly important when answering this question so being up-to-date on industry news and having two to three examples of relevant deals will show that you’re genuinely curious about the industry and well-prepared for the interview.

3) Why do you want to work for our bank in particular?

This question is designed to test your knowledge of the company you’re interviewing with and its position within the industry. The key to answering it well is to show that you know general financial information about the firm such as where their stock price is trading and what industries they focus on. The best way to find out this information is by reading through marketing and press materials on the company’s website and then doing additional research in trade publications such as American Banker and MarketWatch. If you’re interviewing for a position within a specific division, such as the natural resources group, it’s also important to talk about past deals that the firm has done and to mention how these deals have impacted the industry as a whole. Trade publications like the ones mentioned above will also come in handy here, helping to spotlight relevant deals that you can use as examples.

4) Where do you see yourself in five years?

Another question you’re likely to encounter in almost any interview, this question aims to find out more about your career plans and to determine how committed you are to a long-term career in banking. When preparing to answer this question, focus on how the role you’re applying for aligns with your future goals and explain why becoming a banker is a crucial part of your career path. For example, if you want to continue on the investment banking track and become a VP or managing director, talk about how the entry-level role you’re applying for will offer you the opportunity to advance in your career and achieve your goal within five years.

5) What are the ways of valuing a company?

This is one of the most challenging questions you’re likely to encounter during the interview process because it’s designed to test your technical knowledge of the field. In order to answer this question successfully, it’s important that you have a working knowledge of banking and understand valuation methodologies. The best way to develop this knowledge is by taking a business or finance class during your time in college and doing additional reading on sites such as Investopedia. By showing the interviewer that you understand the technical side of the position, you’ll also be demonstrating a willingness to learn and to become an integral part of the industry.

6) How many golf balls can fit in a Boeing 747 jet?

Another type of question you’ll encounter during the interview process is a brain teaser.
These questions are designed to test your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and are often unrelated to the actual field of banking. In order to ensure that you’re not stumped by any of the brain teasers a hiring manager might throw your way, it’s important to practice several of these as you prepare for the interview. Luckily, sites such as Investment Banking Brain Teasers offer sample brain teasers and tips for coming up with solutions.

Pro Tip: Hiring managers are less interested in the answer itself than they are in seeing how you think through a problem. To demonstrate that you approach problems thoughtfully, be sure to ask follow-up questions and to “show your work” as you come up with your answer. For example, when answering the golf ball question, you could ask the interviewer whether the 747 is empty or full, or whether the cabin is pressurized. By showing that you’re able to come up with thoughtful solutions to problems, you’ll also be demonstrating your ability to understand complex ideas and business models, a crucial skill in any investment banking position.

Although the interview process for investment banking can be a challenging one, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to show potential employers that you’re enthusiastic, curious and knowledgeable about the field. By knowing what questions to anticipate and preparing your answers, you’ll be sure to impress the hiring manager and get one step closer to landing the job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Ways to Impress Your New Boss and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

Top Consulting Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Management consulting is an exciting field with plenty of opportunities for consultants to develop effective business strategies and help clients thrive in their respective industries. If you’re interested in becoming a consultant, you may be wondering about the best way to approach the interview process. For example, what should you expect and how can you prepare?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the consulting interview process typically consists of two types of interviews: (1) Fit interviews (also called experience interviews), which focus on your skills, background and professional aspirations, and (2) case interviews, which focus on your ability to analyze and solve problems.

Here are the types of questions you can expect in each part of the interview and what you need to know to answer them successfully.

Fit Interview Questions

The fit interview focuses on your background, skill set and your interest in the role. A typical fit interview includes questions like, “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths?” but also focuses on your leadership style and your interest in consulting. Some key questions you’re likely to encounter include:

Why are you interested in consulting?

This question is designed to test your knowledge of the industry and your interest in becoming a consultant. When an interviewer asks this, it’s because they want to know that you’re genuinely interested in consulting as a career path and that you’re committed to bringing value to the firm and to your clients. To answer this question effectively, focus on one or two aspects of consulting that appeal to you (for example, the opportunity to learn about various business models or to develop new marketing strategies) and explain why you find them appealing. In addition to talking about your interest in the industry, you should also talk about your skill set and why it makes you a good fit for the role. Since interviewers look for candidates who are able to solve challenging problems with creative solutions, being able to demonstrate your interest and your potential impact will go a long way towards impressing the interviewer.

Tell me about a time you displayed leadership.

One of the major skills required in consulting is leadership. This is because a large part of consulting involves working with a team to strategize, develop and implement solutions related to the problems businesses face. When preparing your answer to this question, it’s important to focus on a time when you demonstrated leadership and to highlight the outcome of that situation. For example, if you were responsible for managing a charity fundraising event for your sorority, you should outline the steps you took to organize the event and explain how those steps led to a successful outcome.

Why do you want to work for this firm?

This question is designed to test your knowledge of the consulting industry and your motivation for picking a specific firm. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight some of the key reasons for your interest in the firm you’re interviewing with. For example, if the firm is credited with pioneering a specific approach to marketing or revolutionizing a specific industry, mention this. You should also talk about the company’s values and how they align with your own. For example, if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and you want to work alongside others with the same drive, it’s important to highlight this in your answer. By demonstrating how your skills, interests and values align with the company you want to work for, you’re likely to impress the interviewer and get one step closer to landing the job.

Pro Tip: Doing your research on the firm you’re interviewing with is extremely important. You can do this by attending company info sessions on campus (if they’re offered) and by visiting the company’s website to learn more about their work and what they value. When preparing for your interview, focus on the aspects that really resonate with you and refer to those in your answers.

Case Interview Questions

The case interview is the counterpart to the fit interview and it’s designed to test your problem-solving ability. During this part of the interview, you’re likely to encounter questions that focus on your ability to assess a situation and provide a structured, solution-focused answer. The types of case interview questions you’re likely to encounter include:

Market-sizing questions

Market-sizing questions (also known as guesstimate questions) are designed to challenge your ability to come up with reasonable assumptions and estimations in situations where you have limited information. Questions can include things like, “How many wheelchairs are purchased annually in the U.S.?” or “How many people wear green on any given day in New York City?” To answer market-sizing questions, it’s important to ask relevant follow-up questions to gather additional information. Once you have all of the facts related to the case, you should come up with an answer that shows that you’ve considered the different factors at play in determining the size of the market (e.g. groups of people who are likely to be wheelchair users, age demographics, etc.) and then deliver the answer in a structured way, explaining your thought process along the way.

Pro Tip: Treating each case as a presentation is a great way to ensure that you’re structuring your answer in a clear and engaging way. In order to do this, you should sketch out your approach on a sheet of paper, explaining the different factors, the assumptions your draw from them and your answer.

Segmentation questions

Segmentation questions typically follow on from market-sizing questions and are focused on testing your understanding of more detailed market segments. Going back to the wheelchair example in the previous case, a segmentation follow-up question could be, “What are the different segments of the wheelchair market in the U.S.?” To answer this question effectively, it’s important to once again ask the interviewer questions designed to further your understanding of the case. For example, you can ask whether you should consider manual and electric wheelchairs separately or whether different types of healthcare facilities would constitute different segments. Once you’ve gathered the data, come up with a structured answer focused on three different segments of the market (in this case, those segments could be hospitals, healthcare facilities and personal users). When explaining your answer, be sure to touch on each of these segments and to explain the thought process behind each one.

Data analysis questions

Analyzing and summarizing data is a big part of a consultant’s day-to-day tasks, and data analysis questions are designed to test your ability to do this effectively. These questions typically involve being presented with data and asked to identify key insights related to business growth or market size. In order come up with a great answer, it’s important to analyze the various aspects of the data you’re presented with and to identify unusual or unexpected trends such price changes or sharp increases or decreases in sales. Once you’ve identified these insights, lay them out for the interviewer as you would in a presentation, referring to the original data for emphasis.

Value proposition questions

Being able to determine the value of a business is an extremely important part of being a consultant and value proposition questions are designed to test your understanding of this concept. An example of a value proposition question might be: “The client is a restaurant in San Francisco. Their main customers are locals from the Bay area. What are some factors that those customers look for in a restaurant?” To answer this question effectively, it’s important to first identify the different factors at play (type of food, location, price, etc.) and then come up with an answer based on how each of those factors would affect what customers look for in a restaurant. When presenting your answer, be sure to lay out the different factors you’ve outlined in a structured way, while explaining how each one impacts the overall value proposition of the restaurant.

Although consulting interviews often involve several different types of questions, the key to doing well is always the same: practice. Work with classmates and friends to run through fit and case interview questions and come prepared with relevant answers to questions you’re likely to encounter. Most of all, try to relax and enjoy the interview process.

Working in management consulting is a wonderful opportunity to learn about various types of businesses and to help companies reach their goals. And although interviewing for a management consulting role might seem a bit intimidating at first, by knowing what to expect and practicing for each part of the interview, you’ll be able to prove that you’re a great fit for the role and that you would be an asset to the company.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For in a Company and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

How to Prep for a Case Interview

One of the keys to becoming a management consultant is successfully navigating the interview process. This involves being able to talk about yourself and your experience during the fit (or experience) interview and also demonstrating your problem-solving abilities and analytical skills during the case interview. Although the case interview might seem a bit intimidating at first, with a good amount of practice and a structured approach, you can ace the questions and get one step closer to landing the job.

Here are some case study interview tips to help you prepare.

1. Know what to expect from a case interview

Case interviews consist of several questions designed to test your problem-solving abilities and your analytical skills. These questions come in three formats: 1) Creative questions such as, “What are the different segments of the wheelchair market in the United States?” 2) Market-sizing questions such as, “How big is the market for eyeglasses in the U.S. this year?” and 3) Analytical questions such as, “Given this data, synthesize and determine the best approach for entering the Indian market and doubling revenue of Company X.”

While there may be some people who have a natural ability to answer these types of questions, most people need to establish a framework for solving these sorts of problems. This is where having a structured approach comes in.

Here’s how to come up with your answer:

Frameworking: Lay out a logical path to the answer by analyzing each part of the question in turn and then looking at the question as a whole. You can use specific frameworks to do this (which you can find in prep books like Case in Point), but you should keep in mind that you need to be able to adapt these frameworks to the particular question you’re answering.

Data gathering: Ask questions that will give you a better understanding of the problem and use the answers to reframe your thinking. Once you’ve obtained some additional information, repeat it back to the interviewer to make sure that you didn’t miss anything. After all of the information has been presented and you’ve asked your follow-up questions, you can ask the interviewer a final catch-all question like, “Is there anything else I should know about?” This will give the interviewer a chance to offer you any remaining information before you begin your analysis.

Pro Tip: If you’re going to make an assumption during the data gathering process, you should be explicit and tell the interviewer the exact assumption you’re making. This will show them that you’re approaching the problem thoughtfully and filling in the gaps in a strategic way.

Analysis: Once you have your framework in place and you’ve gathered the necessary data, ask the interviewer for 30 seconds to analyze the information. Then, combine this information with your own assumptions about the problem to come up with your answer. Having sheets of paper in front of you and actually drawing out slides in front of the interviewer can be especially effective here since consulting relies heavily on presentations to deliver solutions to clients. Be sure to explain every step of your analysis as you go through it since this will give the interviewer a chance to step in if you make a mistake or go the wrong way.

Recommendation: Now take the output and turn it into something actionable that the client can use, ensuring that your insights are data-driven and your assumptions are explicitly stated. For example, if you’ve discovered that a client’s product does best with a millennial consumer base and millennials are much more likely to buy these sorts of products online, your recommendation could be that the client increase their eCommerce efforts, focusing specifically on promoting their products through Amazon and Facebook.

Delivery: The way you deliver the solution is as important as the solution itself. Combining an articulate, structured, confident approach with humility is key here since you need to be able to convince the client that your solution is both solid and data-driven, while also leaving room to make adjustments as needed.

2. Practice interviewing with other people

Being able to solve problems quickly and consistently is all about practice. This is especially true because case interviews don’t test what you know, they test how you think. The most important skills to develop are mental agility and consistency, and practicing with others is the only want to ensure that you can develop these skills effectively. This is for two reasons: The first is that you’ll get feedback on different aspects of your problem-solving and communication skills and the second is that you’ll learn how to communicate your answers clearly to a broad range of people.

3. Look at everyday problems as case studies

Analyzing case studies from a book will certainly go a long way towards preparing you for the interview process but to really train your brain to think analytically and creatively all the time, it’s important to start thinking about everyday issues in the same way you would a case study. To do this, it’s not necessarily important to create real-life scenarios that relate to specific types of questions (creative, analytical or otherwise) but to practice shaping your thoughts and decisions in a very structured way. It’s important to remember that practicing for the case interview is about training your brain to think of the world at large as a problem waiting to be solved.

By knowing what to expect from the interview process and coming up with a structured approach for analyzing case studies, you’ll be sure to navigate your case interview successfully and make a great impression on the interviewer.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

5 Common Case Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Interviewing for a management consulting role can be a challenging and exciting process. If you’ve already read up on consulting interviews, then you know that they involve a two-part process consisting of a “fit” interview (also known as an experience interview) which focuses on your background and experience, and a case interview which focuses on your ability to solve problems creatively and effectively. And if you’re preparing for the interview process, you might be wondering not only about what you should be doing but also about what NOT to do.

Here are some of the most common case interview mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Not having pens, pencils or paper

In our technology-driven world, we usually rely on our laptops and phones to help us take notes and transmit information, but in a case interview it’s important to have pens, pencils and at least three blank sheets of paper available since you’ll be using these to map out your answers and present your solution to the interviewer. When preparing for the interview, be sure to pack a portfolio folder with spare copies of your resume (enough for each person you’ll be meeting with) a stack of blank white paper and several pens and pencils. This will help ensure that you’re able to map out your answers in a clear and impactful way.

2. Not having a structured answer

Few things are as important in consulting as having a structured answer. This is because cases are essentially problems that need to be solved. To structure your answer effectively, it’s important to understand how to create a framework and then use that framework to develop a clear and direct solution to the problem. By thinking through the problem in a focused way, you’ll be able to deliver an answer that is much more likely to resonate with the interviewer and to help you land the job.

3. Not taking time to think

Although consulting is considered an industry where you always have to think on your feet, taking the time to analyze and solve a problem carefully is incredibly important during the case interview since it will increase your chances of delivering a great solution. How much time? We recommend 30 seconds. This will give you enough time to assess the case and start formulating a solution without making you seem unprepared or unable to think on your feet.

Pro Tip: Always ask the interviewer if it’s okay to take time to think and, if you’re going to do so, be specific about how much time you need. So if you ask for 30 seconds, be sure you only take 30 seconds though it’s okay to take less time than you asked for.

4. Not preparing for the fit portion of the interview

Although the case interview might seem like the more challenging part of the interview process, it’s important to remember that both parts are equally important and that preparing for each one is key to a successful outcome. The best way to do this is by researching some of the most commonly asked fit interview questions and practicing your responses with the same structured approach you use to practice case interviews.

5. Not talking through your process

Since interviewers use case studies to understand how you think, walking the interviewer through your thought process is incredibly important. In fact, even if you deliver a solid answer during the interview you’re unlikely to be successful unless the interviewer has a sense of exactly how you arrived at that answer.

Pro Tip: Talk through each point of your answer in a detailed way, offering the interviewer an overview of the solution before breaking it down into segments and explaining how each segment contributes to the whole. This process will not only make your delivery more effective, it will also help you slow down and think about the viability of the solution as you discuss it.

Although it’s not always possible to avoid mistakes during the consulting interview process, by knowing what to watch out for, you’ll be more likely to avoid common mistakes and to ensure a successful outcome.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 10 Tips for the Perfect Cover Letter and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

Top 5 Interview Questions for Fashion Buyers

Whether you like high-end designers or pride yourself on being able to spot a great bargain when you see one, if you’re interested in the fashion industry then becoming a buyer might just be for you. We recently sat down with Chrissy Allen, a buyer at MILLY,  to get the inside scoop on the industry and find out her top tips for nailing the interview.

According to Chrissy, here are some of the questions you’re likely to encounter in your interview and what you need to know to answer them effectively.

Why do you love fashion?

This is one of the first questions you’ll come across in your interview and one that you should definitely be prepared to answer. Why do hiring managers ask this? “We want to make sure that you don’t just love shopping. We want to hear your passion,” Chrissy explains. In order to impress the interviewer, talk about what draws you to fashion and what you’d like to accomplish while working in the field.

Pro Tip: Get creative! Instead of saying something like, “Because I like to experiment and try new things,” focus on some of the other key attributes of fashion such as the fact that working in fashion requires you to be analytical and understand market trends.

Who are our main competitors?

When interviewers ask this question it’s because they “want to know that you’ve done your research,” Chrissy says. In fact, being able to talk about a brand’s competitors is a great way to show that you know both the industry and the brand.

Pro Tip: When answering this question, be sure to pick competitors that are in the same space as the brand you’re interviewing with. For example, if you were interviewing at MILLY — a brand known for being contemporary, young and feminine — you should name competitors that share those characteristics and are targeting the same customer base. Since department stores tend to group similar brands together, a great way of researching competitors is to visit a department store and see what other clothing brands are grouped together with MILLY.

What three adjectives would you use to describe our company?

This is a fun question and one that gives you a chance to show that you understand the brand and can represent it well to others. “Whether you say something like fun or girly or super modern, we want to know that you know our brand,” Chrissy explains. In order to ensure that you come up with a great answer, spend some time on the company’s website and social channels and take notes on the key phrases the brand uses to describe itself. Then make a list of 3-5 relevant adjectives so that you have a selection of descriptors to choose from during the interview.

How was your experience in our store?

One of the key parts of being a fashion buyer is understanding the customer experience and being able to suggest changes that will help the brand improve. The main things interviewers like Chrissy want to know when they ask this question is, “Do you know who our customer is and have you been to our stores?”

To nail this answer, we recommend visiting at least one (but preferably two) of the company’s stores and taking note of things like layout, customer service and window displays. In your interview, you can talk about how these factors shaped your experience, making sure to end on a positive note.

Pro Tip: To really get a sense of the customer experience, be sure to talk to the sales representatives so that you can highlight things you liked (or didn’t like) about the interaction.

Tell me about a time that you negotiated.

“There’s a lot of negotiation in the fashion world and we want to know that you’re comfortable with that” Chrissy says. This includes negotiating payment terms and rates with distributors and designers and being able to make deals that are beneficial to the company. To answer this question effectively, focus on a previous experience where you negotiated a deal or a contract and be sure to explain both your thought process and the outcome.

Being a fashion buyer is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the retail industry while building your skill set. The key to landing a job as a buyer, especially at a great company like MILLY, is to do your research and show that you know the brand and its customers. This will help you stand out to employers and be at the top of their minds when they’re ready to make an offer.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 7 Phone Interview Tips That Will Land You a Second Interview and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Relocate?

What is a Panel Interview?

Whether you’ve just started looking for a job or you’ve already had several interviews, at some point during your job search you may encounter a panel interview. What is a panel interview? It’s an interview where you’re meeting with a group of people at once (typically between 2-5) and answering questions posed by all of them. It’s important to note that panel interviews are different from back-to-back interviews where you meet with one person after another on a one-on-one basis. Instead, a panel interview means meeting several decision makers at the same time and it’s designed to do three things: save the interviewers’ time, assess how well candidates handle pressure and ensure that the hiring decision is a collective one.

Although a panel interview may sound a bit intimidating at first, with a little preparation it’s possible to highlight your impressive qualities and make a great connection with each of the people who are evaluating you. Panel interviews also offer you a chance to explain your background and experience in more detail, touching on some points that you might not have a chance to mention otherwise.

Here are the three main things you need to know about panel interviews.

1. What the panelists are looking for

Like a one-on-one interview, the interviewers are trying to assess a few key factors like your ability to do the job and whether you’re a good culture fit. By structuring the interview as a panel, they also want to gauge your ability to communicate ideas to an entire group and to address concerns at both the individual and collective level.

In order to address the panel’s questions and demonstrate confidence, focus on the following things as you prepare your answers.

Your experience and skill set

If you’re a recent graduate applying for an entry-level job, you won’t be expected to have a lot of professional experience but you will be expected to show that you understand the role and its requirements. To demonstrate your understanding, talk about your skill set and how it applies to the position. For example, if you’re applying for a job in the financial services industry, you can mention things you picked up during economics or business classes in college, like an understanding of financial markets or quantitative reasoning. And if you do have experience in the form of an internship, this is a great time to mention it!

 Your personality and how it fits into the company culture

With companies increasingly focusing on cultural fit as part of the hiring process, panel interviews are an opportunity for decision makers to ask questions about the kind of environment you thrive in and the types of people you like to work with. In order to show that you’re a cultural fit at the organization, it’s important to research the company beforehand and then to respond to questions from panelists in a way that shows that you understand the company culture.

Pro Tip: Engaging the panel both collectively and as individuals is a great way of showing that you’re able to communicate effectively with everyone on the team and to address concerns each person may have. For example, if you’re asked how you would handle reporting to several managers, mention that you would schedule weekly meetings with all of them and then ask what they’re each looking for in an ideal candidate.

 2. Who is likely to be on the panel

Panel interviews usually consist of a combination of people from different parts of the company. A few people you’re likely to encounter during a panel interview are:

  • Your future manager
  • A future co-worker (mostly likely from the team you’ll be joining)
  • A manager or team member from another area of the company who will be working closely with your team
  • A human resources professional from the organization

Pro Tip: Try to memorize everyone’s name and titles. It will help you navigate the interview more effectively and ensure that you’re connecting with all the members of the panel.

3. When you’re likely to encounter a panel interview

While you should be prepared to encounter a panel interview in almost any industry, these types of interviews are more common in certain fields than others. For example, government agencies, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations are more likely to have panel interviews than small companies like tech startups or media agencies. The industries where you’re most likely be invited to this type of interview are:

  • Academic institutions including schools and universities
  • Nonprofit organizations (especially those that are national or global)
  • Financial services and consulting companies
  • Government agencies

Although panel interviews can seem intimidating at first, they can actually be a wonderful way to understand the culture and dynamics of a company and to impress multiple people at once. Like individual interviews, the key is to do your research ahead of time and to practice your answers so that you’re able to answer confidently while addressing the group as a whole.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How Do I Get a Job in Another City or State? and find answers to common interview questions such as Why Did You Choose to Attend This University or College?

How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Traditional Corporation

Understanding how to dress for a job interview at a large corporation can be intimidating if you’ve never had an internship or entry-level job. After all, corporations are typically conservative so knowing how to navigate the dress code can seem a little challenging at first. However, with a little bit of research it’s possible to pick the perfect outfit and still feel like yourself.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when dressing for an interview at a corporation.

1. Keep it conservative

You’ve probably heard of casual and business casual attire, but what exactly does conservative attire look like? In one word: suits. These should be neutral in color, with a button-down shirt and tie for men and a nice blouse for women. Women can also wear a dress with a blazer on top or a skirt suit if they feel more comfortable.

If you’re worried about not being able to personalize your outfit, don’t be. You can definitely do this with some tasteful accessories. For men, this means a colorful tie or fun socks, and for women, a statement piece of jewelry or a nice scarf. Feel free to mix a brighter color among the more neutral tones but be sure to keep it understated.

2. Wear the right shoes

Wearing appropriate footwear is a must for all interviews and interviews at corporations are no exception. This means wearing comfortable but nice shoes, the ones that are clean and professional but not over the top. Shoes can tell a potential employer lot about a person — whether you’re neat and tidy (clean, polished shoes), or unkempt (dirty, old shoes). Often people see footwear as a small glimpse into who you are as a person so make sure yours are clean, professional and comfortable for you.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask

Even if you feel comfortable with your outfit for the interview, it never hurts to ask just to be sure. Reach out to your contact at the company, whether it be the hiring manager or HR. You can say something like, “Do you have any suggestions for interview attire?” Since they encounter this question on a regular basis, they’ll be able to give you some tips on how to put your best foot forward and ensure that you’re confident and well-dressed on the day of your interview.

Although interviewing at a large corporation can seem intimidating, it doesn’t need to be. By picking an outfit that’s conservative but still fits your style, you’ll be setting the right tone for the interview and feeling great about yourself to boot.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake.

How to Dress for an Interview at a Startup

Deciphering what to wear to an interview at a startup might be a little confusing. You need to show that you’re a professional who is taking the opportunity seriously, but you also need to be ready to dodge a ping pong ball or two. Whether you’re interviewing for an internship or an entry-level job, here are a few tips to keep in mind when picking out your outfit.

1. Check the office dress code online

Review the company’s social media channels to get a sense of what the office attire might be. If the company has an office tour video on its site, take a look to see what people in the office are wearing. If there is no video, revert to the company’s social media channels and do some investigating there. Scroll through Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat to get an insider’s perspective on the company dress code. This will help you pick an outfit that complements the company culture and shows off your ability to fit in with the rest of the team.

2. Ask questions

Potential employers want you to excel in the interview, so asking the right questions is crucial to setting yourself up for success. Since startup culture being such a gray area, asking the hiring manager about appropriate attire shows that you’re interested in the role and committed to making a good impression. This simple question will help you avoid any awkward moments and ensure that you start off on the right foot.

3. Wear what suits you

Once you know the dress code, adapt it to fit your style. One of the hallmarks of startup culture is a comfortable workplace and that means dressing in a way that feels true to you. For women, this typically means a nice pair of dark-wash jeans, a button-down shirt or a blouse and nice flats. For men, khakis, a button-down shirt and shoes without scuff marks. It’s okay to be a little more adventurous with your outfit choices than you would be at a corporate interview, but still important to look pulled together.

Pro Tip: Avoid sneakers. Although these might be fine to wear to work once you land the job, showing up in sneakers sends the message that you’re a little too relaxed.  

4. Keep it clean

Make sure your outfit is clean and presentable for the interview. Stain-free, wrinkle-free clothes can definitely get you far, so take the extra time to look over your outfit before you leave for your interview. If you’re nervous about your cleaning or ironing skills, don’t be afraid to take your clothes to a dry cleaner. The extra money will be worth it when you get that offer letter.

 

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Using Social Media to Network and find answers to common interview questions such as What Gets You Up in the Morning?.

How to Write A Thank You Note After An Interview

One of the key parts of a successful interview is sending a thank you note after the interview is over. This is a must for two reasons: 1) You’ll be showing the hiring manager that you appreciate their time 2) You’ll be reminding them of what makes you unique and why you’d be a good fit for the role. As an added bonus, you’re also likely to stand out from other candidates who might not send a follow-up email.

Here are some tips to help you write the perfect thank you note.

Jot down notes as soon as you leave the interview.

Writing an outline of the email as soon as you leave the interview is a great way to ensure that everything is still fresh in your mind. Start by jotting down the interviewers’ names and other details you remember from the process. Then, write down three bullet points with things you want to highlight. The bullet points should consist of skills or special projects the hiring manager mentioned during your interview, as well as anything you want to emphasize about what you can bring to the role.

Write your thank you note.

Once you’re back at your computer, start writing your thank you email. Make sure to address the interviewer by name and to thank them for their time. Then, go on to talk about the skills and projects you outlined in your bullet points.

Your email should look something like this:

“Dear Ms. Blocs,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I really enjoyed meeting you and learning more about the position and the team at Company X. I was also excited to find out about the new project you mentioned. This is an area I’ve been interested in for quite some time and I know that I could add a lot of value to the development of this project.

Thank you again for the interview; I look forward to hearing from you soon.

All the best,
Kate

Pro Tip: Run your draft by a friend, parent or someone else you trust to ensure that your email touches on all the key points and is free of grammatical errors or typos.

Send the email the same day.

Once you have your email drafted and you’ve gotten feedback from a parent or friend, send it out the same day. This will show the interviewer that you’re enthusiastic about the role and proactive about showing your commitment. It will also ensure that you’re at the top of their mind as they make their decision.

Whether you’re interviewing for an internship or entry-level job, writing a thank you note is a great way to stand out from the crowd. And chances are, it will get you one step closer to landing that job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is a Panel Interview? and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are You Passionate About?