To prepare for the first round of interviews, please review the following:

• Watch this webinar: Interviews – What to Expect and How to Perform Best.
• Read Basic Interview Preparation Tips.
• Explore the Most Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.
• Learn How to Prepare Your Elevator Pitch.
• Practice your elevator pitch with VMock.
• Check out Last-Minute Tips for the Day of the Interview.
• Boost your interview confidence with personalized feedback at our weekly online HR Interview Preparation Workshop (offered in English and Spanish).
• Make sure to review the sector-specific preparation materials in the Professional Guide tailored to your industry.

Pre-recorded video interviews are increasingly used by employers, particularly for international recruitment and roles spanning multiple time zones. You will be asked to record responses to pre-set questions within a time limit and submit them without interacting live with a recruiter. To prepare, watch the webinars below and practice your responses using the Elevator Pitch module on VMock.

• Introduction to pre-recorded video interviews
• 10 fundamental tips to set yourself up for success
• Things to keep in mind

Case interviews are increasingly common, especially in consulting, but also more frequently across various sectors.

At IE, you'll find plenty of resources to start practicing case interviews. Companies typically expect junior candidates to have practiced at least 20 cases when applying for internship opportunities. Practice independently, with friends, through guided activities, or in any way that works best for you, but most importantly, make sure you practice!

CaseCoach

• Follow the instructions to claim your free access to this IE-sponsored platform here.
  
  You have free access to CaseCoach throughout your studies at IE and for one year after graduation. If you experience any issues accessing the platform, please contact us. 
  
  Some highlighted sections:
  1. Case Interview Preparation Training: The basics of cases and how to solve them
  2. Case Library: Hundreds of case examples for you to practice
  3. Practice room: Other students around the globe to practice cases with
  4. Drills: Short exercises to prepare each of the four main sub-exercises in a case interview

Talent & Careers Case Practice Workshop

• During this practical workshop, you'll have the opportunity to practice case cracking with the guidance and support of Sandra, former Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company. For details and registration, click here.
  
  Note: The workshop will only take place if at least two students register by Monday at 12:30 PM. If you're the only one signed up, invite a friend to join!

Check out the Professional Guides for interview advice tailored to specific industries and career paths. If you'd like additional practice, feel free to reach out to us at ieu.careers@ie.edu to request a mock interview with an external consultant.

Professional communication plays an important role throughout the recruitment process. Keep the following best practices in mind when interacting with employers:

• Answer calls from unknown numbers while actively applying for opportunities.
• If you miss a call from an unknown number, return it as soon as possible.
• Check your email daily, including your Spam folder.
• Keep your communication consistent and follow the employer’s preferred channel (for example, if they email you, reply by email).
• Always use professional language, even when communicating via WhatsApp, LinkedIn, or text message.
• Begin your messages with a greeting, provide context using complete sentences, and sign your name at the end of your messages.

At IE Talent & Careers, we believe that AI can be a valuable tool to help streamline your job search, strengthen your applications, and support your preparation throughout the recruitment process.

However, it is important to use AI responsibly. AI-generated content may sometimes contain inaccuracies, misleading information, fabricated content, or material that could infringe copyright regulations. Always review, edit, and verify any AI-generated material before using it in your applications.

Most importantly: do not simply copy and paste.

• Review the IE Statement on AI.
• Check out our comprehensive AI Guide for Jobhunting that covers:
  • Do’s and Don’ts of Using AI
  • Optimizing Your CV and Cover Letter
  • Interview Preparation
  • Writing Effective Emails
  • Career Exploration
  • LinkedIn

While it would be ideal for companies to respond to every applicant, the reality is that many only contact shortlisted candidates. Here are a few suggestions on how to handle these situations professionally and proactively.

• Customize your CV & Cover Letter for each role to clearly demonstrate your fit and relevance for the position.
• Read this article from the Muse on 15 Possible Reasons Why You're Not Being Hired and How To Fix Them.
• If you've had an interview and have not heard back within 7 business days, reach out to your contact at the company following our template.

Stay Resilient and Keep Going

• Rejection is normal. Every professional has been there.
• Even top candidates face tough competition. Don’t take it personally.
• Every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.”
• Keep learning, growing, and building experience.
• Practice makes progress; interviews get easier over time.
• Keep growing your network - it often leads to unexpected opportunities.
• You’re getting stronger with every step. Keep going!

Image Source: UVSHealth.

• Make sure to follow our Professional Behavior Guidelines.
• If you want to talk about salary, follow these tips.