We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Pamela Skillings

Learn how to prepare for a job interview the right way! This unique collaboration between Big Interview and Coursera will teach proven techniques to help you turn your interviews into job offers. You'll learn what interview questions to expect and how to answer them. You'll also get access to interactive tools to guide you in outlining answers to key questions and practicing until you feel confident. The course also provides guidance on how to optimize your resume using the Big Interview resume builder and how to use networking to uncover more job leads.

Read more

Learn how to prepare for a job interview the right way! This unique collaboration between Big Interview and Coursera will teach proven techniques to help you turn your interviews into job offers. You'll learn what interview questions to expect and how to answer them. You'll also get access to interactive tools to guide you in outlining answers to key questions and practicing until you feel confident. The course also provides guidance on how to optimize your resume using the Big Interview resume builder and how to use networking to uncover more job leads.

This course was created by career coach Pamela Skillings, founder of Big Interview and featured in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and other publications. For those new to interviewing, we'll take you from beginner to expert. For those with some interview experience, we offer advice and tools to help you address any weaknesses in your current approach and get better results.

Please note that you will need a webcam and microphone to use the interactive practice interview tools in some sections of the course.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Syllabus

Interview Fundamentals
Welcome! This course will help you level up your job search results, whether you're a beginner or an experienced job seeker looking for new tricks and techniques. The first few weeks focus exclusively on the art of the job interview. That's because we want you to be ready for your next interview invitation. You don't want to waste any opportunities! The interview is where job seekers make the most self-sabotaging mistakes. After getting you interview-ready, we will move on to strategies for finding more exciting job leads and getting more interview invitations. In Week 1, we're going to cover the fundamentals of interviewing well. You will learn some best practices for selling yourself and presenting your strengths authentically, the different types of interviews you can expect and the kinds of hiring managers you may encounter, as well as practical advice on what to wear on the big day, body language, and how to analyze the job description during your preparation. We'll also introduce you to the Big Interview Answer Builder and Practice Interview tools, which you will see more of next week when we dive deeper into the most common interview questions and how to answer them. You'll see instructions for how to access and use these tools and, when you're ready, how to easily return to Coursera.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills and techniques useful for nailing the job interview process, which is a core skill for any job search
Offers a series of interactive tools for building responses to common interview questions and practicing answers, which provides a hands-on approach to preparing for an interview
Taught by Pamela Skillings, founder of Big Interview and featured in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and other publications, which indicates that the instructor is an authority in the field
Suitable for all levels of experience, which makes it a good resource for a wide range of job seekers
Involves the use of the Answer Builder and Practice Interview tools to prepare for common interview questions, which may require access to a webcam and microphone

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Comprehensive job interview & search mastery

According to students, this course is a highly effective guide to job interviews and career search. Learners consistently laud the invaluable interactive practice interview tools, including the Answer Builder, for building confidence. The practical, actionable advice from Pamela Skillings on acing common and advanced questions, especially the STAR method, is frequently praised. Many found the resume optimization for ATS and networking strategies extremely beneficial. While some experienced learners found initial content somewhat basic, the course is broadly regarded as well-structured and comprehensive, leading to increased interview confidence. Older reviews mention minor tool clunkiness, but recent feedback indicates a smooth user experience.
Beneficial for both beginners and experienced job seekers seeking a refresh.
"Good for beginners, but as someone with prior experience, I found some of the initial modules a bit too basic."
"I found the course helpful for a refresh, even with my prior interview experience."
"This course truly helps level up your job search, regardless of your current experience level."
Extends beyond interviews to cover resume and networking strategies.
"The networking strategies taught here were surprisingly effective."
"I found the resume optimization tips for ATS to be absolute gold."
"This course helped me with everything from interview prep to optimizing my entire job search."
Provides clear, actionable advice from an expert instructor.
"Pamela Skillings' advice is so practical, especially the STAR method for behavioral questions."
"This course transformed my approach to interviews; the advice is actionable."
"I especially appreciated the guidance on body language and what to wear on interview day."
Offers interactive tools that greatly aid interview preparation.
"The interactive practice interview tools were invaluable for building confidence."
"The Answer Builder tools really forced me to think through my responses."
"I found the practice tools unique and they helped me prepare comprehensively."
Requires specific hardware, with minor early issues now largely resolved.
"The webcam and microphone requirement for full tool access could be a minor hurdle for some."
"While the concepts were okay, the interactive tools felt a bit clunky at first. I think they've improved since I took it."
"I experienced some initial setup quirks with the tools, but their benefit outweighed the minor inconvenience."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Art of the Job Interview with these activities:
Practice basic interviewing skills
Practice answering common interview questions and rehearse your responses to make a great first impression.
Browse courses on Interview Techniques
Show steps
  • Prepare a list of common interview questions
  • Practice answering each question out loud
  • Record yourself answering questions and review your performance
Brush Up on Basic Interviewing Techniques
Strengthen your foundation by reviewing basic interviewing techniques.
Browse courses on Interviewing Techniques
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos about interviewing.
  • Attend a workshop or webinar on interviewing.
  • Practice answering common interview questions.
Answer Interview Questions in Practice
Reinforce your understanding by practicing how to answer common interview questions.
Browse courses on Interview Skills
Show steps
  • Review common interview questions.
  • Practice answering questions out loud.
  • Record yourself answering questions.
  • Analyze your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Watch video tutorials on interview preparation
Learn from experts and gain insights on how to effectively prepare for and perform in job interviews.
Browse courses on Interview Preparation
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online sources or platforms offering video tutorials on interview preparation
  • Curate a playlist of relevant tutorials covering various aspects of interviewing
  • Take notes and apply the techniques and strategies shared in the tutorials
Complete online interview practice exercises
Engage in interactive exercises and simulations to refine your interview techniques and build confidence.
Browse courses on Job Interview Skills
Show steps
  • Explore online platforms or mobile applications that offer interview practice exercises
  • Select exercises that align with the specific job roles and industries you are targeting
  • Complete the exercises, reviewing your performance and identifying areas for improvement
Craft a Standout Resume
Showcase your skills and experience by creating a compelling resume that highlights your fit for the roles you're targeting.
Browse courses on Resume Writing
Show steps
  • Research different resume formats and choose the one that best suits your experience and skills.
  • Tailor your resume to each job application, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
  • Get feedback on your resume from a career counselor, mentor, or friend.
  • Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.
Attend workshops on resume writing and interview techniques
Gain professional guidance and practical tips to enhance your resume and interview skills.
Browse courses on Job Search Strategies
Show steps
  • Identify reputable workshops offered by career centers, professional organizations, or industry experts
  • Register for workshops that align with your career goals and areas for improvement
  • Attend the workshops, actively participate in discussions, and take notes on key takeaways
  • Apply the knowledge and techniques learned in your job search and interview preparation
Attend Industry Events
Expand your professional network and discover potential job opportunities by attending industry events.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Research industry events in your field.
  • Register for events that align with your career goals.
  • Prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself to potential connections.
  • Follow up with people you meet after the event.
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or colleague
Simulate real-world interview scenarios and receive constructive feedback to improve your performance and confidence.
Browse courses on Mock Interviews
Show steps
  • Identify a friend, colleague, or mentor who is willing to participate as an interviewer
  • Prepare a list of potential interview questions
  • Conduct the mock interview, taking turns playing the roles of interviewer and interviewee
  • Provide and receive feedback on communication skills, body language, and overall performance
Attend industry events and meetups
Connect with professionals in your field, expand your network, and gain insights into potential job opportunities.
Show steps
  • Research upcoming industry events and meetups relevant to your career goals
  • Prepare a brief elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your skills
  • Attend the events, engage in conversations, and exchange contact information with potential connections
  • Follow up with new contacts after the events to maintain relationships
Create a portfolio or website showcasing your skills and experience
Demonstrate your capabilities and stand out to potential employers by creating a professional portfolio that showcases your best work.
Browse courses on Portfolio Creation
Show steps
  • Gather examples of your best work, including projects, assignments, and any relevant accomplishments
  • Choose a platform or website builder to create your portfolio
  • Design and organize your portfolio to highlight your skills and experience
  • Include a clear call-to-action, such as a contact form or a link to your resume

Career center

Learners who complete The Art of the Job Interview will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Talent Acquisition Specialists are responsible for finding and attracting top talent for their organizations. This course can help Talent Acquisition Specialists develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Talent Acquisition Specialists can help their organizations attract and hire the best possible employees.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources for their organizations. This includes recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees. This course can help Human Resources Managers develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Human Resources Managers can help their organizations attract and hire the best possible employees.
Recruiter
Recruiters are responsible for finding and attracting top talent for their organizations. This course can help Recruiters develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Recruiters can help their organizations attract and hire the best possible employees.
Career Counselor
Career Counselors help individuals make informed decisions about their careers. This course can help Career Counselors develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Career Counselors can help their clients find and land the jobs they want.
Job Coach
Job Coaches help individuals find and keep jobs. This course can help Job Coaches develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their clients' resumes, and build a strong network of employers. With the knowledge gained from this course, Job Coaches can help their clients find and land the jobs they want.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing training programs for their organizations. This course can help Training and Development Managers develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Training and Development Managers can help their organizations attract and hire the best possible employees.
Organizational Development Consultant
Organizational Development Consultants help organizations improve their performance. This course can help Organizational Development Consultants develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of clients. With the knowledge gained from this course, Organizational Development Consultants can help their clients attract and hire the best possible employees.
Executive Recruiter
Executive Recruiters find and attract top talent for executive positions. This course can help Executive Recruiters develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Executive Recruiters can help their clients attract and hire the best possible executives.
Career Development Specialist
Career Development Specialists help individuals develop their careers. This course can help Career Development Specialists develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their clients' resumes, and build a strong network of employers. With the knowledge gained from this course, Career Development Specialists can help their clients find and land the jobs they want.
Human Resources Consultant
Human Resources Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on all aspects of human resources. This course can help Human Resources Consultants develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of clients. With the knowledge gained from this course, Human Resources Consultants can help their clients attract and hire the best possible employees.
Labor Relations Specialist
Labor Relations Specialists help organizations manage their relationships with their employees. This course can help Labor Relations Specialists develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Labor Relations Specialists can help their organizations attract and hire the best possible employees.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation and Benefits Managers are responsible for developing and managing compensation and benefits programs for their organizations. This course can help Compensation and Benefits Managers develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Compensation and Benefits Managers can help their organizations attract and hire the best possible employees.
Employee Relations Manager
Employee Relations Managers are responsible for managing employee relations for their organizations. This course can help Employee Relations Managers develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Employee Relations Managers can help their organizations attract and hire the best possible employees.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Managers are responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion programs for their organizations. This course can help Diversity and Inclusion Managers develop the skills they need to conduct effective job interviews, optimize their resumes, and build a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Diversity and Inclusion Managers can help their organizations attract and hire the best possible employees.
Benefits Specialist
Benefits Specialists are responsible for managing employee benefits programs for their organizations. This course may be useful for Benefits Specialists who want to develop their skills in conducting effective job interviews, optimizing their resumes, and building a strong network of candidates. With the knowledge gained from this course, Benefits Specialists can help their organizations attract and hire the best possible employees.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Art of the Job Interview.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the job search process, including how to prepare for interviews, write effective resumes and cover letters, and negotiate salary and benefits. It valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their job search skills.
Will teach you how to write a resume that will get you noticed by potential employers. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their resume writing skills.
Classic career guide that has helped millions of people find jobs. It provides practical advice on how to identify your skills and interests, research job openings, and network with potential employers.
Provides a framework for personal and professional success. It teaches readers how to be more proactive, goal-oriented, and effective in all areas of their lives.
Provides a framework for building a successful startup. It teaches readers how to test their ideas, iterate quickly, and pivot when necessary.
Provides insights into the process of creating a successful business. It challenges conventional wisdom and provides a framework for building a company that is truly innovative.
Explains why large companies often fail to innovate. It provides a framework for understanding the challenges of innovation and how to overcome them.
Provides a framework for developing a good strategy. It teaches readers how to identify the key elements of a good strategy and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser