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.

• Answer the phone from unknown numbers when in the midst of applying for jobs.
• Check your email every day.
• Streamline your mode of communication use whichever mode your employer favors (if they email you, you email back).
• Always use professional language - just because you're writing on your phone does not mean it should look like a text to your friend - this is true for email, WhatsApp, LinkedIn and anywhere else you write your employer.
• Say hello and goodbye and give context – address your recipient, give context of what you are talking about (using full sentences) and sign your name at the end.
• If you have a missed call from an unknown number, call it back!

At IE's Talent & Careers Department, we believe that by responsibly harnessing the power of AI, job seekers can streamline their search process, enhance their applications, and make a strong impression on potential employers.

However, it is important to remember that the content produced by AI can sometimes be imprecise, deceptive, entirely made-up, or might even infringe copyright laws. It is your responsibility to verify AI-generated material before using it. Never just copy & paste!

• First, familiarize yourself with the IE Statement on AI.
• Then, check out our comprehensive AI Guide for Jobhunting that covers:
  • Dos and Dont's of using AI
  • Do’s and Don’ts of Using AI
  • Optimizing Your CV and Cover Letter
  • Interview Preparation
  • Writing Effective Emails
  • Career Exploration
  • LinkedIn

Ideally, all companies would reply to every applicant, but in reality, usually only shortlisted candidates are contacted. Here are our suggestions.

• Make sure your application materials are as pristine and as polished as possible
• 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.

• 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.
• Grow 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.
• Follow these tips for discussing salary.