Whether you’re attending a job fair or trying to advance to the interview stage for a position you’re applying for, you can increase your chances of success by following some tried-and-true tips from UCF’s Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center.

Brian Creel, associate director for career planning at UCF Career Services, leads the career planning team in providing career counseling and assessment, career education and employment readiness skills.

“Be ready to talk about your professional self through storytelling, and overprepare through deep research on the employer.” — Brian Creel, Associate Director at UCF Career Services

“Don’t forget that employers want to get to know the real you. Be authentic,” Creel says. “Be ready to talk about your professional self through storytelling, and overprepare through deep research on the employer. Find your spots to showcase your knowledge.”

Creel shares his advice on every stage of the job interview process as the UCF community prepares for its spring semester Internship and Career Expo. The event, which will be held on March 10 at Addition Financial Arena, features more than 250 companies across a variety of industries from diverse fields including technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and more.

How can you make a strong impression on your job interview?

  • Know your professional story/prepare your elevator pitch
  • Offer a confident greeting, handshake and smile
  • Think about two to three key selling points about your professional self. For UCF students, start with your major/expected graduation and talk about related skills/experience including student clubs and class projects
  • Research employers and showcase your knowledge in conversation
  • Give examples to back up your answers. Storytelling is a big part of the interview experience.

You mentioned an elevator pitch. What is your method for crafting one?

Your elevator pitch introduces you to recruiters in 30-60 seconds. Follow the present-past-future format:

  • Present: What are you currently studying? What’s your major or program?
  • Past: Highlight a recent relevant experience (e.g., internship, research project, volunteer work).
  • Future: State your career goals and explain why you’re excited to connect with this employer.

What are some ways you can make your resume stand out in a pile?

  • A resume should be concise, organized marketing document highlighting your education, experiences and achievements; its purpose is to secure an interview and evolve with your professional growth.
  • Keep formatting clean and consistent: 1-inch margins, 1 page (up to 2 max), standard 10- to 12-point fonts, professional appearance and easy-to-scan layout.
  • Focus content on relevance: tailor to the position, connect transferable skills, emphasize contributions and quantify results whenever possible.
  • Use strong writing mechanics: start bullets with action verbs, maintain consistent verb tense (present for current roles, past for previous) and keep statements concise.
  • Include core sections as appropriate: Heading, objective (optional but tailored), education (reverse chronological order), summary of qualifications (skills-focused) and experience (employment, internships, research, projects).
  • Add optional sections when relevant: Activities, leadership, honors/awards, publications or research.

What software or AI tools do you recommend in helping build your resume?

  • VMock is a fantastic tool available to all students by logging in with their NID credentials
  • VMock is a 24/7 virtual career assistant that utilizes technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and sophisticated analytics engine to deliver instant, personalized, and smart career guidance to students and professionals.
  • Do not rely only on AI to write content for your resume. Double check wonky spelling/grammar and word choices to make sure it is your voice.
  • Be aware that employers are now reviewing resumes and running them through plagiarism detection software to check for AI.
  • Utilize AI (VMock can do this) to make sure your resume matches the language in the job description closely enough so that it will pass through applicant tracking systems successfully.

What are questions you recommend job candidates ask the interviewer?

Typically, it’s best to focus on two to three questions to have prepared to ask at the end of the interview.

  • Ask about the company culture. What is it like to work there?
  • Ask about the position or opportunity in a way that helps you learn more than what you have already learned on your own research. In your opinion, what qualities/traits do you look for in an ideal candidate to be successful in the role?
  • Ask about what to expect in the interview process. What are next steps?

Are there any best practices you recommend for following up after an interview?

Within 24 hours, send personalized thank-you emails to the recruiters you spoke with that include:

  • A brief recap of your conversation
  • An expression of gratitude
  • A question or statement to keep the dialogue going