Preparing for the Interview

 

Interviewing deserves more than casual preparation. It is not enough to merely show up for an interview and present yourself for analysis and evaluation. You must be an active participant in the “exchange” and be as ready to ask questions as you are to answer them. Before you step into the employer’s office, you will want to have the self-confidence that helps you make a good impression. Self-confidence can only be gained by knowing you are ready.

Before the interview:
On one side of an index card, list five things you want the employer to know about you. On the other side, list five questions you want to ask the employer. Take them with you to the interview.
Learn something about the company products, markets, and the job in question.
Find out what type of dress would be most appropriate for the interview.

Arrive for the interview cool, calm, and collected.
Have a good night’s sleep.
Bring all the materials you’ll need to have with you – samples of past work, your resume, your references, etc.
Allow yourself time – avoid mad last minute dashes to keep appointments.
Picture your interviewer as a person who wants you to be the right person for the job.

Make sure the first impression is a favorable one.
Your appearance is important. Look neat, clean, and attractive.
Make sure your handshake is firm and positive.
Don’t smoke, be courteous, be yourself.

Be prepared to present logical reasons why you are the person for the job and how you can help the company.
Practice answering typical questions and role-playing interviews.

Answer questions completely and in most cases, be brief.
Be honest and positive in your answers.
Don’t knock any company where you have worked or any supervisor for whom you have worked.

Be sincere and enthusiastic.
Look the interviewer in the eye.
Use his name, e.g., “Mr. Larson,…”

Use the “yes, but” approach to answer difficult questions.
For example, “Yes, Mr. Larson, you are right. I do not have a college degree; but, I feel that my 15 years of experience have taught me how to handle this type of job.”