Read This Before Your Next Job Interview

Hey there!

Applying for internships or full-time jobs after graduation can feel a little overwhelming – especially if you’ve never had a formal interview before. Depending on the company and role, the process can vary a lot, and without much past interviewing experience to rely on, it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s expected.

That’s exactly why we’re here. Whether you're getting ready for an internship interview or looking ahead to your first full-time job, this email will help you understand what U.S. interviews are really like – and how to prepare with confidence.

What’s the deal with “behavioral questions”?

In the U.S., most interviews include something called behavioral questions. These usually start with “Tell me about a time when…” and they’re meant to help the interviewer learn how you’ve handled real-life situations - like solving a problem on a team, dealing with conflict, or showing leadership.

A great way to answer these is with the STAR method:
Situation → Task → Action → Result.

Try to prepare a few short stories that highlight your skills and experiences. They don’t need to be from past jobs - group projects, internships, or even volunteer work can work just as well.

Fill out this quick survey so we can send you tailored content based on where you’re at in your international student journey.

It’s okay to talk about yourself (in fact, it’s expected)

Many international students hesitate to highlight their achievements – but in a U.S. interview, confidence is key. One way to get more comfortable is to write down a list of things you’ve done that make you proud: leadership experiences, awards, research projects, challenges you’ve overcome. Think of this as your personal “brag sheet.”

You’re not being arrogant - you’re helping the employer see why you are the right person for the role.

Learn about the company (it shows you care)

Interviewers expect you to know something about their organization - so before your interview, do a little research. Visit the company website, read recent news about them, or look up your interviewer on LinkedIn. That way, when they ask “Why do you want to work here?” you’ll have something thoughtful to say.

Practice Tools Like ChatGPT (Seriously , it helps)

If you’re not sure where to start with interview prep - or you’re practicing alone - ChatGPT can be a powerful tool to simulate real interview scenarios. It’s like having your own AI-powered mock interviewer on call, 24/7.

Here’s how to use it effectively:

Step 1: Upload Your Resume and Job Description
Start by pasting your resume and the job posting into the chat. You can say something like:
“Here’s my resume and a job I’m applying for. Can you analyze this and generate sample interview questions I might be asked?”

ChatGPT can quickly identify the skills and experiences on your resume that match what the company is looking for. Then it will generate realistic questions - both behavioral (“Tell me about a time when…”) and technical - based on that match.

Step 2: Practice Your Answers
Once you’ve got a list of questions, try answering them out loud. Better yet, ask ChatGPT to critique your responses or help you refine them using the STAR method. You can even ask:
“How can I improve this answer for a data analyst interview?”
Or
“What would be a stronger way to talk about my leadership experience in this story?”

Step 3: Get Feedback You Can Actually Use
Not only will ChatGPT tell you what kinds of questions to expect - it can also explain why you might be getting shortlisted. For example, it might highlight that your experience leading a campus research project makes you a strong match for a collaborative role, or that your coursework in machine learning directly connects to the company’s latest product launch.

This kind of analysis helps you speak more confidently about why you're a great fit, and ensures your interview responses are tailored and impactful.

Pro tip: You can also copy your mock answers into ChatGPT and ask, “How can I make this sound more polished but still natural?” It’ll help you fine-tune tone and structure while keeping your voice authentic.

Be ready to speak about your visa status

If you’re on F-1 OPT, it’s normal to feel nervous about this part. If the question comes up, you don’t need to go into legal details. Just say something simple and clear like:
“I’m currently on OPT, which allows me to work full-time in the U.S. I’m also exploring long-term sponsorship opportunities.”

You’d be surprised how often this answer is enough to move on.

Always send a thank-you email

This might feel small, but it really matters. After your interview, send a short email thanking the interviewer for their time. Mention one thing you enjoyed learning about or discussing during the call - it’s a professional way to close the loop and stay top of mind.

Interviewing is a skill, and like any skill, you’ll get better the more you do it. So don’t be discouraged by rejections that they’re part of the process. Every interview is an opportunity to practice, learn, and grow. And every step brings you closer to the right fit.

We’re rooting for you. You’ve got this.

Best,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡