Preparing for the Interview

The most important thing that you can do before an interview is to prepare for it. You have your foot in the door with this particular employer, so it is now time to get ready to shine in person.

To prepare for the interview, you should:

• Research the company with whom you are interviewing
  Get a feel for who they are and how they operate. If you can, find out something about the person conducting the interview.
• Anticipate your interviewer’s questions
  Have your answers prepared for common interview questions by practicing them beforehand with someone reliable.
• Prepare your own questions for the interviewer
  Write down any particular important questions you might have about the company or position and ask them when the interviewer gives you the go ahead.
• Clarify your own interests and career goals
  Know why you are right for this position and be ready to convince the interviewer that you are.
• Have all needed materials prepared to take with you
  Prepare your resume and references in case the interviewer requests to see them.

Day of the Interview

DO NOT be a “no-show” to an interview. If you are unable to make an interview or if you no longer are interested in the position, make sure you give advanced notice to the interviewer so that they have time to changes their plans.

Here is a checklist of things to remember on the day of your interview:

• Bring your resume with you to the interview.
• Dress to impress.
• Do not smoke, apply strong perfume/cologne, or start chewing gum before the interview.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to the interview location.
• Mentally rehearse possible interview questions while you wait for the interview to begin.

The Interview

There are numerous things to remember during your interview, and nerves can get the best of all of us. However, remain calm and confident, and follow these tips to make the best impression in your interview:

• Give a firm handshake
  When entering and when leaving the interview, give the interviewer a firm, professional handshake.
• Maintain eye contact
  Look at the interviewer when talking or listening. This shows that you are interested in the conversation and have respect for the other person.
• Take your time answering questions
  If you are unsure of how to answer a question that is asked of you, take a minute to think about it and formulate the best response. It is better to wait before answering and then answer intelligently than to jump immediately at the question with a poor answer.
• Remain professional
  Sit with an upright posture, speak and answer questions clearly, listen when the interviewer is speaking, and stay professional regardless of how you feel the interview is going.
• Thank the interviewer
  Do not forget to thank the interviewer for their time when the interview is over.

Remember to remain polite and respectful even if you decide that you are no longer interested in the job or will likely not be offered the position. You never know when you will meet the interviewer again, or if a better opportunity will arise at the company.

Follow up

Regardless of whether you thought the interview went well or not, be sure to send a thank you note or email to the interviewer expressing your gratitude for the opportunity as quickly as you can. Within a day is preferable.

• No word from interviewer?
  If it has been over a week since the interview and you have not received word yet from the company, call the person with whom you interviewed. Remember to speak only with them, since they are the one that knows the particulars of your situation. On the phone, keep the same professional attitude that you had in the interview. Tell them again how interested you are in the position and that you are calling to see what you can do to get it, since you have not yet heard anything about the results of the interview.