The average person will change employers seven times in their career. With each change comes
at least 50 resumes to send out. With each 50 resumes comes one interview. So make it a good one!
1. Research the organization. The more you know about a potential employer, the better. Do as much research as
you can, it never hurts to find out what the company is all about. Be able to answer the following questions:
° How long has the company been in business?
° What is its reputation?
° Is the company financially sound and profitable?
° What has company accomplished?
° Where does your potential job fit in the larger picture?
2. Review your resume. Your resume should be as close to perfect as possible. A resume creates
an image of who you are. It is to your advantage to have a resume that shows how your experience makes you a suitable
employee for the company.
3. Practice answering potential interview questions. Here are a few to consider:
° Tell me about yourself?
° Tell me about a time you failed miserably in your career?
° What is your greatest strength/weakness?
° What are your salary expectations for this position?
° Why should we hire YOU?
4. Dress and adjust your attitude for success. Your clothes and your attitude should reflect
the level of the position for which you're interviewing.
5. First impressions count. Look directly in their eyes, smile, and give a firm, confident handshake.
6. Manage your time effectively. If you aren't sure where the company is located, get directions
in advance.
7. Plan your trip so you arrive at the interview approximately 10 minutes early.
8. Realize that your interview starts the minute you arrive, even if you must wait in the lobby
for 20 minutes before the meeting.
9. Follow the lead of the interviewer. Let the interviewer set the pace.
10. Silence in an interview is OK. You don't have to fill awkward conversational gaps unless
there's a logical reason to do so.
11. Determine the next step. Don't leave the interview without inquiring about the next step.
You'll only feel frustrated if you don't know what to expect in the future.
12. Ask the employer when a hiring decision will be made. If you want the job, ask for it. This
is not the time to let your shy inner-child dominate.
13. After you leave, analyze the interview. Now is the time to breathe a sigh of relief and think
positive thoughts. Ask yourself:
° What is your gut feeling?
° Did the employer seem very interested?
° Were your questions about the company and job requirements
answered?
14. Follow up. Following up is essential to the success of any job-search endeavor. Many job
applicants fail to follow up which is very important to say the least.
15. Also send a thank you letter to remind the employer how well your qualifications fit the
positions requirements.
16. If you do not get the job, don't take it personally or get discouraged. Your focus should
be on the interviews in the future.
