Step 6: Interview
Source: https://www.edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/step-6-interview
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:36
Step 6: Interview
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Step 6: Interview
1. Register in CalJOBS
2. Explore Career Paths
3. Enhance Your Skills
4. Search for Jobs
5. Apply
6. Interview
Congratulations on getting an interview! This means the employer sees you as a strong candidate for the job. Interviews can happen by phone, video, or in person.
Preparing for Your Interview
Research the company:
Learn about their mission, values, products, services, and recent news. Know what they do and why you want to work there.
Study the job description:
Understand what the employer is looking for. Identify key skills and experiences they want, and think of examples from your past work that match.
Practice common interview questions:
Prepare answers for questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want this job?”
Prepare your own questions:
Ask thoughtful questions about the role, team, or company culture. This shows interest and initiative.
Plan your outfit:
Choose something professional that fits the company’s culture. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Bring what you need:
Have copies of your resume, a list of references, a notebook, and a pen. For virtual interviews, ensure your device is fully charged.
Do a technology check (for virtual interviews):
Test your internet, camera, microphone, and lighting ahead of time.
Be on time:
Arrive 10–15 minutes early for in-person interviews, or log in a few minutes ahead if it’s online.
Practice good body language:
Make eye contact, smile, and sit up straight to appear confident and engaged.
Want to make an even better impression?
Try one of the following:
Check out our
Job Fairs and Workshops
to find helpful webinars and workshops, including ones for interview coaching.
Make an appointment with your
local AJCC
.
Visit
CalJOBS
SM
for helpful resources.
Follow-Up After Your Interview
After the interview, it’s important to thank the employer. This shows you appreciate their time and are serious about the job. You can thank them by:
Writing an email.
Sending a thank you letter.
Giving them a call.
A simple thank you goes a long way in showing professionalism and enthusiasm.
Contact Your References
Most employers will want to contact your work references. A work reference is someone you’ve worked with — like a past boss, coworker, or teacher — who can tell your new employer that you are responsible, friendly, and skilled. It’s a good idea to let your references know that you’re applying for a new job and that you listed them as a reference.
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Skip to Main Content
Español
Step 6: Interview
1. Register in CalJOBS
2. Explore Career Paths
3. Enhance Your Skills
4. Search for Jobs
5. Apply
6. Interview
Congratulations on getting an interview! This means the employer sees you as a strong candidate for the job. Interviews can happen by phone, video, or in person.
Preparing for Your Interview
Research the company:
Learn about their mission, values, products, services, and recent news. Know what they do and why you want to work there.
Study the job description:
Understand what the employer is looking for. Identify key skills and experiences they want, and think of examples from your past work that match.
Practice common interview questions:
Prepare answers for questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want this job?”
Prepare your own questions:
Ask thoughtful questions about the role, team, or company culture. This shows interest and initiative.
Plan your outfit:
Choose something professional that fits the company’s culture. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Bring what you need:
Have copies of your resume, a list of references, a notebook, and a pen. For virtual interviews, ensure your device is fully charged.
Do a technology check (for virtual interviews):
Test your internet, camera, microphone, and lighting ahead of time.
Be on time:
Arrive 10–15 minutes early for in-person interviews, or log in a few minutes ahead if it’s online.
Practice good body language:
Make eye contact, smile, and sit up straight to appear confident and engaged.
Want to make an even better impression?
Try one of the following:
Check out our
Job Fairs and Workshops
to find helpful webinars and workshops, including ones for interview coaching.
Make an appointment with your
local AJCC
.
Visit
CalJOBS
SM
for helpful resources.
Follow-Up After Your Interview
After the interview, it’s important to thank the employer. This shows you appreciate their time and are serious about the job. You can thank them by:
Writing an email.
Sending a thank you letter.
Giving them a call.
A simple thank you goes a long way in showing professionalism and enthusiasm.
Contact Your References
Most employers will want to contact your work references. A work reference is someone you’ve worked with — like a past boss, coworker, or teacher — who can tell your new employer that you are responsible, friendly, and skilled. It’s a good idea to let your references know that you’re applying for a new job and that you listed them as a reference.
Back to Step 5
Go to Step 1
Skip to Virtual Chat
Leaving the EDD Website
You are about to leave our website.
Leave Website
Language Resources
منابع اللغة (Arabic)
լեզվական ռեսուրսները (Armenian)
منابع زبان (Farsi)
भाषा संसाधन (Hindi)
言語ソース (Japanese)
언어 자료 (Korean)
ធនធានភាសា (Mon-Khmer [Cambodian])
ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਸਰੋਤ (Punjabi)
Языковые ресурсы (Russian)
语言资源 (Simplified Chinese)
Recursos en otros idiomas (Spanish)
Mga Resource ng Wika (Tagalog)
แหล่งข้อมูลด้านภาษา (Thai)
語言資源 (Traditional Chinese)
Nguồn Hỗ Trợ Ngôn Ngữ (Vietnamese)