A day or two before your interview, take some time to review what you know about the company and how you’ll fit into the organization.
Know the Company
- Know the company’s products and services
- Review the company’s website, history, and recent media releases
- Understand key competitors
- Be prepared to tell the interviewer why their company is attractive to you
Know Yourself
- Review the key qualifications from the job description, and note how your skills and experience align
- Write a few professional success stories
- Visualize yourself in this job and at this company
Prepare your answers to the 10 most common interview questions:
- Tell me about yourself (a 60-second answer and focus on professional experience)
- What do you know about the company?
- Why are you leaving or did you leave your last position?
- What are your goals (focus on professional goals, 3 and 5 years)?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What has been your most significant achievement?
- How would your last manager and colleagues describe you?
- Why should we hire you for this job?
- What are your salary and compensation expectations?
Items to Bring to the Interview
- A pen and note pad to jot down notes
- Your list of questions about the position and company to ask the interviewer
- Directions and the phone number for your interviewer in case you get delayed
- Your recruiter’s phone number to give immediate feedback after the interview
- Multiple copies of your resume, a list of professional references, and business cards
- Addresses and phone numbers of your previous companies for the employment application
Arrival at the Interview
- Arrive no earlier than fifteen minutes and no later than five minutes prior to the interview
- Leave your cell phone in the car, or turn it off so it won’t interrupt your meeting
- Complete application in full. Do not write “see resume” as a response to any question
Appearance
- Check with your recruiter to determine the appropriate level of dress; it is always better to be more formally dressed than too casually
- Avoid wearing fragrance as some individuals are sensitive
- Jewelry should be kept minimal; a watch and wedding/class ring are acceptable
- Stand and greet your interviewer with a firm, but not bone-crushing handshake
- Maintain good eye contact and smile
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