Tips for a Successful Interview

Introduction

You’ve just applied for college admission, a major award, or a new job. You have been invited to come in for an interview next week. Your resume, cover letter, and good use of networking contacts have brought you this far. Now do your research, rehearse, and relax. If you’ve had interview experience through 4-H youth development or school, you’re ahead of the game. Here are some tips to help you make a good impression. 

Interview Preparation

Do Your Homework

Learn as much as you can about the opportunity. Evaluate your own knowledge, skills, and abilities and think about how you qualify for the opportunity. Find out information about the organization ahead of time. These questions will help you research the opportunity. 

General Questions

• What is the name of the interviewer(s)? 
• Where will your interview be conducted? When and for how long? 

College or University 

• Is it public or private? State or municipal? Land grant? What majors are the most popular? How many students attend? Can you study online? 
• Do you know any students who attend? If so, ask them how they like going there. 
• What is the rate of admission? Of graduation? What scores do students usually need for acceptance? What is the rate of employment upon graduation in your field or area of interest? 
• What are the expectations? Do you need to have a laptop when you arrive? Will you be traveling during breaks? 

Award Interviews 

• Is this award given annually? How is it funded?  
• How many recipients are selected?  
• Do you know any past winners? Ask them about their experience.  What are the selection criteria?  Will you need to write a report or give a presentation?  

Job Interview 

• How long has the company been in business?  
• What do they provide?  
• What is the culture of the organization?  
• How many employees work there?  
• Do you know anyone currently employed there?  
• What are the job responsibilities?  
• What knowledge or skills are required?  
• Are there opportunities for advancement?  
• What are the hours? Is the schedule flexible? 

Interview styles

Be ready for different formats. Some interviews are structured with set questions, while others are more conversational. Try to answer questions by using examples from your experience. Virtual interviews are becoming more common – don’t be surprised if you are invited to an online interview. 

Before the Interview 1. Learn as much as you can about the opportunity and the organization.   2. Prepare for different interviewers’ styles.   3. Plan what you will wear ahead of time.

Appearance

Plan how you will look: 

• Get a haircut about a week before (avoid last-minute style changes). 
• Wear minimal makeup and jewelry. 
• Dress conservatively and slightly more formal than everyday attire. 
• Be clean, neat, and comfortable. 
• Avoid denim, backpacks, and casual wear. 
• Have a backup outfit ready in case of emergency. 

Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice answering questions aloud. List your skills, experiences, and relevant hobbies so you can discuss them confidently. Record yourself or practice in front of a mirror. Avoid slang and watch for nervous habits. Use online mock interview tools or ask someone to role-play with you. Tools for mock interviews are available on LinkedIn and other job market sites. 

Practicing for the Interview   1. Review the sample questions and write down your answers to them.  2. Ask others to help you practice for the interview.   3. Record yourself and study the video

Virtual Interviews

• Download the software ahead of time (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, etc.) and test it. 
• Create an account if needed- use your full name and a professional email.  
• Check that your webcam and microphone work. Use your device’s camera app or a test call to confirm.  
• Have a backup plan- know how to rejoin if the connection drops.  
• Pick a quiet, distraction-free space. Avoid areas with pets, siblings, or loud noises.  
• Use a neutral background- a blank wall, bookshelf, or tidy space is best. Avoid clutter and posters.  
• Face a window or lamp so your face is well-lit. Avoid sitting with bright light behind you- it creates shadows.  

Elevate your device so the camera is at eye level (use books or a stand if needed). 

Common Interview Questions

1. Tell us something about yourself.  
   • Answer format:  
     • Share what you have done, what you are currently working on, and what you are looking to do in the future or future goals.  
     • Try to show your character traits in your responses so the interviewer gets a sense of who you are. 
   • Sample answers:  
     • I am organized and good at time management. During the past six years in my 4-H project, I have completed my county fair exhibits and record books on time. Currently, I am preparing my animals to show and mentoring new 4-H members how to show. Eventually, I would like to join a judging team and travel with others to competitions.  
     • I am an excellent communicator and enjoy working with others. One example is when I was the President of my 4-H club. I organized agendas, sent them out ahead of time, and was sure we followed Parliamentary Procedure so all voices could be heard.  
   • My answer: 
     • ______________________________________________________________
     • ______________________________________________________________

2. What skills have you gained in your 4-H youth development experience that you would like me to know about?  
   • Answer Format:  
     • Begin by stating a specific skill you have developed (e.g., responsibility, time management, leadership, public speaking, teamwork, problem-solving). Explain how you are continuing to grow and nurture that skill (e.g., mentoring others, developing confidence, improving organization). Wrap up by connecting your skills to the interviewer/organization and how you can help them. 
   • Sample answers:  
     • My projects required keeping records. I learned the importance of setting goals and using resources wisely. 
     • People depended on me to be prepared. I know the value of responsibility. An example was during my Council Club’s fall fund raiser. It was my job to arrive early and help make pancakes for over 100 people. I learned to manage my time as well as support others in their tasks so that the entirety of the event could be successful. 
   • My answer: 
     • ______________________________________________________________
     • ______________________________________________________________
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
   • Answer format:  
     • For strengths, highlight 2-3 relevant strengths that align with the job description and provide specific examples of how you’ve used them to achieve positive results.  
     • For weaknesses, choose a weakness that is not critical to the job, briefly explain how it has impacted you, and demonstrate how you are working to improve it.  
   • Sample answers:  
     • My biggest strength is being dependable. For example, during our 4-H spring cleanup, I was assigned to lead a small group. I made sure everyone knew their tasks, stayed on track, and we finished early because we worked so well together. Being dependable is a strength I bring to any team and would look forward to continuing to share my skills with others.  
     • Managing my time is a strength because it helps me do many things I like to do. It can be a weakness because I tend to be over-organized and I might appear less friendly or fun-loving than I really am. 
   • My answer: 
     • ______________________________________________________________
     • ______________________________________________________________
4. Where would you like to be in five years? 
   • Answer format:  
     • In five years, I hope to be finished with _____________ (e.g., high school, trade school, college), preferably with a degree or certification in _______________. Through 4-H, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy _______________ (e.g., working with animals, building things, leading others, public speaking), and I want to continue building those skills. I hope to use my strengths in _______________ (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving, creativity) to work with _______________ (e.g., kids, animals, my community, a professional team) in a way that makes a difference. I’m excited to keep growing and exploring where this path takes me.  
   • Sample answers:  
     • In five years, I’d love to be working in a role that involves helping people or leading a team. Through 4-H, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy mentoring younger members, so I could see myself in a job where I continue growing those leadership and communication skills.  
     • I’m not completely sure what career I’ll choose yet, but I know I want to keep learning, especially in hands-on environments. Whether it’s in agriculture, tech, or education, I’d like to be doing something that uses the problem-solving skills I’ve built through 4-H projects and competitions.
   • My answer: 
     • ______________________________________________________________
     • ______________________________________________________________
5. Why are you qualified for this opportunity? Why should we select you for this opportunity? 
   • Answer format:  
     • Highlight 2-3 relevant strengths that align with the job description and provide specific examples of how you’ve used them to achieve positive results.  
   • Sample answers:  
     • I know how to work. I have demonstrated I am a responsible and dependable person. I helped my Extension specialist plan our county achievement night where we utilized our food safety skills to serve dinner to over 300 people.  
     • I know you emphasize teamwork. I cooperate and share well with others. My 4-H judging team practiced long hours and supported each other through a variety of contests while balancing schoolwork and other club-related duties.  
     • I have leadership skills and experience. You can count on me to follow through. In 4-H, I helped my club complete service learning projects that helped meet needs we identified in our community while also developing leadership skills, attention to detail, and meeting deadlines. 
   • My answer: 
     • ______________________________________________________________
     • ______________________________________________________________
6. Do you have any questions for us? 
   • Sample answers:  
     • What do you like the most about this organization?  
     • Describe the environment here.  
     • What are the characteristics of the successful applicant here?  
     • If I move on as a candidate, can you tell me the timeline for next steps? 
   • My answer: 
     • ______________________________________________________________
     • ______________________________________________________________

The Interview Itself

Arrive early, about 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Make sure you know how to get to the interview. If you are unsure of the location, make a trial run. Know where to park and if you need coins for meters or download a parking app for specific parking lots. Calm your nerves by taking deep breaths. Maintain a positive attitude no matter how you think the interview is going. Smile. Bring an extra copy of your resume, a fresh notepad, and a pen. 

Greet the interviewer warmly. If handshakes are appropriate and comfortable, offer a firm handshake. Listen carefully for the interviewer’s name and title, if you don’t already know them. Make and maintain eye contact. Be friendly but not too casual. Speak in complete sentences, and use a formal vocabulary. Don’t fidget, chew gum, smoke, or use slang during your interview.

During the Interview  1. Arrive early   2. Calm your nerves   3. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake 4. Answer questions clearly and completely   5. Thank the interviewer at the end

Answer questions. Above all, be honest. You do not have to offer negative information, but be sure you don’t lie if asked directly.  

Answer clearly and completely with enough information. Take a moment to think before you respond to difficult questions. Organize your thoughts so you don’t ramble. Remain calm no matter what question is asked. Be tactful, courteous, sincere, polite, and knowledgeable about the organization and what you have to offer.  

Conclude the interview. Thank the interviewer for the time spent with you. Ask when a decision will be made, if that hasn’t already been indicated. 

Interview Follow-Up

Make notes as soon as you leave. Jot down the name of the interviewer, questions you answered well, questions you might have answered more effectively, and questions you would like to have asked. Keep a file of notes from your interviews that you can use to prepare next time.

After the Interview  1. Make notes right away to help you with your next interview.  2. Send a follow-up or thank you letter.   3. Take advantage of other opportunities to interview.

Send a thank you email within 24 hours of your interview. A prompt, professional message shows appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reinforces your interest in the opportunity. Your email should briefly express gratitude, highlight something you learned or enjoyed during the conversation, and restate your enthusiasm for the role, program, or award. This is also a chance to clarify a response or mention something you forgot to say during the interview. While handwritten notes are still appreciated in certain settings, email is now the expected and timely format for most follow-ups. A sample email is provided for you below. 

Sample Follow-Up or Thank You Letter

Subject: Thank You for the Interview   Dear Dr. Interviewer,    Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [college/university, award, or job opportunity]. Our conversation made me even more excited about the possibility of joining your team and learning more about your vision for the coming years.   I believe this [program/position/award] is a great match for my skills and interests. One thing I didn’t get a chance to mention during our conversation is my community service work through 4-H Youth Development. I truly value your organization’s commitment to being a good community partner, and I would be proud to contribute to that mission.   Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information or references. I remain very enthusiastic about this opportunity and look forward to hearing your decision.   Warm regards,   Kirby A. Student   (123) 456-7890   kstudent@myaddress.net