St. Cloud State University students now have access to a free, comprehensive interview preparation platform called “Big Interview” thanks to a partnership with Capital One.
This new addition to the St. Cloud State Career Center’s collection of virtual resources gives students the freedom to practice interview skills from their own devices. It aims to give students a unique experience to gain more confidence and preparation to turn interviews into job offers, and provide video feedback on categories like “filler” words, rate of speech, eye contact, vocabulary and more.
Video interviews are becoming a key part of any hiring process, and the Career Center team recognized a tool that had the potential to not only meet this emerging need for virtual interview preparation, but also provide a service to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts.
Language barriers or feelings of being unprepared are often cited as reasons for students not seeking in-person interview practice.
“Capital One’s partnership with the Career Center in bringing Big Interview to St. Cloud State University allows us to meet the immediate need for a virtual interview preparation resource that helps alleviate students’ fears and pressures around the interview process,” said Michelle Schmitz, Executive Director of the Career Center. “It also extends our reach to students who may not have previously sought out our individualized support. We wish to thank Capital One for the continued partnership throughout the years and for seeing the value in how Big Interview will not only help our students be confident interviewers, but also valuable future employees.”
Big Interview offers participants a video database of practice questions pre-recorded by a variety of mock interviewers. The tool uses AI technology to analyze participant’s answers and provide individualized feedback. Users are able to make as many recordings as they like, seeing their scores improve with practice.
“Capital One is deeply engaged in workforce development programs across our footprint, providing opportunities for individuals to unleash their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing employment market,” said Meghan Murphy, a Capital One recruiter. “Supporting the St. Cloud State Career Center in their efforts to increase virtual interviewing skills allows us to give back to our community as well as support the success of the future workforce.”
View more information on other services offered through the Career Center.
