Alana Zhu

Board of Directors

Greetings, ASA friends!

Throughout my professional career, I’ve noticed that the interview process has definitely changed over time, especially when it comes to the new frontier of online interviews! With all of these sudden (and sometimes confusing) changes, I think that it’s necessary to clarify how to best navigate the modern day interview. I’ve always found that the art of the interview comes naturally to me—but I know that it’s definitely not the same for others! I hope that the advice I give today can offer you some help on your job search!

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

In the days leading up to your interview, your first step should be to research the company to learn more about their mission, values, and recent works—being knowledgeable on these topics during the interview can show that you’re a cultural fit, and show your interest in the role!

After researching the company, the next steps you take should be all about preparation. Knowing what to say during an interview can be hard, but you can make it easier by practicing interview questions. Grab a friend, a camera, and a list of common interview questions, and go to town! Have your friend ask you those questions and record your answers to them. Doing so gives you the ability to not only know how you answer questions, but also how you present yourself in doing so. The interview process isn’t fair to people who struggle with facial expressions and tone, but seeing how you present yourself when being interviewed can offer insight into how and where you might want to improve or put on a persona. One question that’s essential to prepare for is the ever so common, “Can you tell me about yourself?” With such an open-ended question, it’s hard to even know where to start. That’s why I suggest creating an elevator pitch-aligned answer to this question in advance.

If the role you’re interviewing for has technical components to it, like being able to use Excel or a certain programming language, then it’s also a good idea to practice those skills in case your interviewer asks for a surprise demonstration! During one of my very first interviews, I was asked to calculate a bond outcome for a finance position—but the only thing that I calculated was that I was definitely underprepared for the interview!

Winding down for the night, you should double-check everything before getting a good night’s sleep. This involves actions like pre-planning a route for in-person interviews, or making sure you have the appropriate links for online interviews.

THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW

On the day of the interview, make sure that you leave early to beat any unexpected traffic—it’s better to be early and awkward than late! If your interview is online, then make sure that your space is clean.

One preventable mistake that I have seen is not dressing for the occasion. I’ve held interviews where interviewees show up in hoodies or freshly-worn gym attire, which is a bit too lax for even casual workplaces! Even if you don’t have formal clothes, just try to dress as professional as you can with the attire you have. Interviewers definitely can see when a person has put effort in, and they appreciate that! If you’re not sure about what to wear to the interview, then dress as professional as you can and take off garments as needed—you can always dress down on-site, but you can never dress up!

Once you’re waiting for the interview to start, you might feel nervous—I know that I do! My personal trick to get rid of my pre-interview anxiety is to tense up all the muscles in the body for around ten seconds, then break that tension. I usually repeat this about five or so times. I find that doing this exercise helps to release my anxious energy and calms me down before the interview!

DURING THE INTERVIEW

The most important thing to do during an interview is to never respond to a question with, “I don’t know.” Many questions can be answered at least tangentially, so being unable to answer them shows that you’re underprepared for the interview.

To formulate the best answer to a question, use the STAR method. First, state the Situation you faced to give the interviewer context. Then, describe the Task that you had to complete to remedy the situation, and the Actions that you took to solve those problems. Finally, explain the Results of your actions, and how the initial situation was amended. Using this structure makes answering behavioral questions reliable, helps to make complex situations understandable for interviewers, and shows your skills in communication.

Finally, you should be prepared to ask questions during the interview. It’s key to ask questions that show your interest in the company and role, like “What do you like about working for the company?” or “What do you think makes this company stand out from others in its field?” Both of these questions do two things: Firstly, they establish your interest in the role. Secondly, they involve the interviewer and their opinion, which can make them feel more connected to you as an interviewee. The most important question is one that you want to save for last: “What are the next steps?” This question will give you a timeline of when to expect and follow up on responses.

POST-INTERVIEW

The most important thing to do post-interview is to send a timely “thank you” note or email, thanking the interviewer for the interview opportunity. A physical note has more novelty, but takes time to arrive and can be lost in the mail. If you’re sending a “thank you” email, then make sure that you’re doing so within twenty-four hours of the interview.

Sending out a “thank you” allows you to reiterate why you’re interested in the role and why you’re the best fit for it. In your note or email, it’s also a good idea to inform them that you’re looking forward to hearing back from them. If necessary, follow up with the interviewer if you don’t get a response by the expected date—just don’t spam them with emails.

I hope that my advice here has been helpful! I know that being able to interview well is an important and valued skill, so I hope that I’m able to provide some practical tips on how to improve your interview skills. Here’s to you finding your perfect job in 2025!

A woman who inspires me is my mom. She is infinitely creative and resourceful, and has such an incredible way of putting smiles on everybody’s faces and lighting up a room when she walks in.

Avery Tortora, Former Videography Intern
Penn State University student

The women who most inspires me is definitely my mother. My mom has always been a wife and mother, and that was her plan for her whole life. However, after having me and recognizing the need for additional income, she decided to pursue a career. Within just a few years, she built her own company, which continues to operate to this day. She is my role model as an independent and determined woman.

Xiangyi Fei, Data Analytics Intern

Vanderbilt University and University of California, San Diego alum

A woman who inspires me is my mother. She sacrificed so much of her life for me, and I look up to her hard work. I wish to become a strong woman with a loving heart like her.

Ella Moon, Graphic Design Intern

High School student

I think I’m most inspired by the girls from my professional design fraternity in college. They were all very passionate, hard-working creatives—and some of the most supportive people I’ve met. Being around them made me want to improve in my career and be a better person.

Sarah Mun, UX/Web Design Intern

University of Washington alum

I don’t think that there’s any one woman in particular that inspires me—I’m always taken aback at the resilience of the women I interact with every day.  I’m glad that I’ve been able to know so many of them.

Kaylin Lebo, Content Writing Intern

University of California, Irvine alum

A woman I look up to is my cousin, Putri. She has worked so hard to get to where she is today. She balances her career, being a mother, and her hobbies so well. I really admire her and look up to her.

Ryan Kartiko, Operations and Content Writing Intern

Lehigh University alum

My mother inspires me a lot. She always takes care of us. She manages everything very well.

Abhaya Ladalla, Graphic Design Intern

North Texas University graduate student

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Rhea Yap

Philanthropy, Community Development

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA)

I am honored to support Asian Student Achievement, as they support young adults and young professionals on their path to future leadership roles. I benefited from role models during college, and I want to ensure that the next generation continues to access such opportunities.

Thank you to Rhea for supporting Asian Student Achievement, and for the work you do to support the APIA community!