When it comes to job interviews, preparation isn't everything,
but it's almost everything. The more prepared you are, the more
likely you are to stand out from the rest of the applicants.
Before you walk into the interview, you've got to know the
company almost as if you already work there, know how you'll
answer the inevitable tough questions and much more. The upside,
however, is that when you know you've got it all mastered, you
can walk in the door confident and ready to show that you're the
best person for the job.
Do your homework. Get up-to-date, inside information about the
company and department you're interviewing with. If you can, talk
with current and former employees. Search at least a year's back
issues of general business and trade publications for mentions of
the company.
Check out the company's Web site. This is important—while
other sources give you the outside world's view of the company,
the Web site gives you the company's view of itself. Read between
the lines to get clues about the corporate culture. Check out job
openings listed on the site—if the one you're interviewing for is
posted, see if there's a salary listed. Also, see if they're
looking for a particular skill you can show off at the
interview.
Presenting yourself properly is incredibly important. Fix
interview flaws before the big day, not once it's too late.
Practice interviewing with friends and family and ask for their
feedback. Videotape yourself. Hit fast-forward to see how
gestures become obvious (and comical).
Read and reread your resume. Take a look at the skills and
accomplishments you've listed. Think through how you can apply
them to what you've learned about the company's needs. This way,
you'll be ready to respond to specific questions about how your
experiences can be assets to the company.
What to Bring and Not to
Bring
Bring it:
Get your things together. When you pack your briefcase (and it
should be a briefcase, not a purse or a backpack) for your job
interview, don't forget to include:
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Directions to the interview and the exact
address, including the floor and suite numbers. |
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The name and phone number of the
interviewer, in case something extreme happens and you have
to call and say you're going to be late. |
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A few copies of your resume. |
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Business cards, if you have them. |
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A legal pad and pen. |
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Samples of your work if this applies to your
job and if you have been asked to bring them or think you
might have an opportunity to show them.
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Leave it at home:
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Your cell phone or pager. Some things are
too important to be interrupted and a job interview is one of
them. |
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Your children or pets. Laugh if you want,
but it's happened. |
