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

• Watch Interviews: What to Expect and How to Perform Best.
• Basic Interview Preparation Tips: Read here.
• Most Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Access the guide.
• How to Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Learn more.
• Practice Your Elevator Pitch in VMock.
• Last-Minute Tips for the Day of the Interview: Check here.
• Enhance your readiness and get personalized feedback by attending our weekly online practice sessions: HR Interview Preparation (in English & Spanish).
• Make sure to review sector-specific preparation materials through the Professional Guide tailored to your industry.

Video interviews are also often used at the first stage. To help you prepare, watch this webinar, which:

• Explains how companies use video interviews
• Shares preparation tips and sample questions
• Includes example recordings and responses

Here, you can download the presentation used in the webinar.

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

To practice, use Case Coach. This is an IE-sponsored platform to train you on Case-Cracking, which is what you’ll face in all rounds of interviews. To claim your free access:

• (1) Log in with your student email address and enter the coupon code CIN-ICWX0M via this link. Ignore the “404 Not Found” message and click “Log In” in the top-right corner.
• (2) Go through the Case Interview Preparation training
• (3) Practice some drills and short exercises to prepare for the four main sub-exercises in a case interview.
• (4) Practice as much as possible using the hundreds of cases in the Case Library, and use the practice room to work with other students around the globe. We recommend completing a minimum of 20 cases to prepare.

*Should your Case interview be for a consulting firm, please refer to the Consulting Professional Guide.

Check out the Professional Guides for interview advice tailored to specific industries and career paths. If you would like to practice further, feel free to reach out to your Career Coach to request a mock interview with 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 opportunitiesCheck your email every day and check your Spam Folder too
• Check your email every day and check your Spam Folder too
• 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 through WhatsApp, LinkedIn, or from your phone
• Include a greeting (say hello and goodbye), provide context using complete sentences, and sign your name at the end of your messages
• If you miss a call from an unknown number, call back as soon as possible

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 growing

• 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!

*Source: UVSHealth.

• Make sure to follow our Professional Behavior Guidelines.
• Follow these tips for discussing salary.