Resources | OnDeck

An interview is a two-way conversation to see if you and the opportunity are a good fit. It is not an exam, but a chance to share your story and interest.

Whether you are interviewing for your first internship, a volunteer role, or a part-time job, following a structured prep plan will help you stand out. This guide covers how to prepare beforehand, make a great impression during the conversation, and follow up afterward.

Research & Prepare

Confidence starts with preparation. Take these steps before interview day:

Know the Organization — Look up the company, non-profit, or team. What is their mission? What are their recent updates or projects? Showing you understand what they do makes a huge difference.

Study the Description — Read the requirements and responsibilities. Highlight key terms and think of times you have demonstrated those exact qualities (e.g. teamwork, organization, dependability).

Logistical Check — Double-check the time, location, and interviewer names. If virtual, test your video link, audio, and internet connection. If in person, print three copies of your resume and plan your transit.

Professional Etiquette & Presence

How you communicate is just as important as what you say. Focus on these core habits:

Active Listening: Pay close attention to each question. If a question is unclear, it is completely fine to say: "That is a great question. Just to make sure I understand, are you asking about...?"

Engaging Body Language: Maintain pleasant eye contact. If virtual, look directly at your webcam rather than at the screen when speaking. Sit up straight and smile naturally.

Pace Yourself: Do not rush to fill silence. It is always better to pause, take a breath, and say: "I'd love to take a brief moment to gather my thoughts on that."

The Present-Past-Future Formula

When the interviewer says, "Tell me about yourself," use this simple structure to introduce yourself in 60 to 90 seconds:

Present (Where you are now)"I am currently a student at [School] studying [Subjects], where I am particularly interested in [Field]."

Past (An achievement or project)"Recently, I co-organized a school project where we coordinated events for 50 students, which helped me build scheduling and communication skills."

Future (Why you are here)"I'm excited about this opportunity because it will help me apply my organization skills to a professional workplace and learn from your team."

Always Ask Questions & Send a Thank-You

At the end of the interview, you will be asked: "Do you have any questions for me?" Prepare 2 or 3 questions to show you are serious about the position:

"What does a successful student or intern look like in this role?"

"What are the day-to-day responsibilities for this position?"

"What do you enjoy most about working here?"

Within 24 hours of finishing, send a short email thanking them for their time:

Subject: Thank you for your time — [Your Name] Dear [Interviewer Name], Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] role. I really enjoyed learning more about the team's projects and culture. Our conversation confirmed my interest in joining the team. I'm excited about the possibility of bringing my skills in [Skill/Attribute] to the position. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number]