Interview Preparation

Directions and Parking. When called for your interview, ask the interviewer's name, the building name, suite number, visitor parking locations and a contact number. Give yourself enough time to arrive early and to familiarize yourself with the company's area.

Research. Learn everything you can about the company who has invited you for an interview. Look for department mission statements and service information. Any opportunity to talk to people who are in the know will benefit you more than any web site possibly can. Networking is still the favored source for job research. Take this opportunity to demonstrate that you took the initiative to conduct some research and are interested who has an interest in you.

Interview. The interview process is a professional experience. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Review your accomplishments and how the company and the interviewer would benefit from your talents.  Re-read your application, thinking through your own career and the questions we might ask you. You should try to anticipate general questions which we will ask. You should also prepare questions to ask the interview.

While Interviewing

Maintain steady eye contact during the interview, especially when answering questions.

When the interviewer speaks about the position, take brief notes. Show interest and enthusiasm.

Listen to the interviewer's questions and carefully think about your answer before responding. When you do not understand a question ask for clarification.

Focus on your past accomplishments, specifically those which can easily be related to the position for which you are interviewing.

Always be positive. Criticism of previous companies or supervisors is not considered polite. Be honest and don't make excuses.

The ultimate goal is to convince the interviewer you are the best candidate for the position.

As the interview closes, the interviewer may ask if you have any questions, take this opportunity to clarify your understanding of the position. Briefly reiterate why you are the right candidate for the position. Do not talk about why you want the job, but about how hiring you will benefit the interviewer.

As you are leaving, ask the interviewer when a decision will be made. Thank the interviewer for taking time to interview you and indicate that you hope to hear something soon.

After the interview

Often what you do after the interview is just as important as the interview itself.

After every interview, you should write a letter in which you thank the interviewer for the time spent interviewing you. Briefly mention your qualifying skills and abilities. Send the letter immediately after the interview.

Write a brief summary of the interview, noting questions asked and your responses. Pay particular attention to those questions which made you uncomfortable, or that you could not answer. Use this list to prepare for any future interviews.

Based on the job description, are you weak in any areas or lacking certain skills? Be honest in your self assessment.

Follow-up on any actions you need to take such as completing an application packet, providing references or returning calls.

If you have been asked to provide references, give your past supervisors a call and let them know you have interviewed a company and would appreciate a reference from them. Tell them about the job, the duties and any special skills the hiring manager is seeking.

Follow up telephone calls are appropriate as long as they are not bothersome or harassing. It is not recommended to call daily, but you may want to call weekly until the position is filled.

Quick voice mail messages left early in the morning or late in the evening expressing your continued interest in the position are often the most effective and do not intrude on the interviewer's time. Telephone calls restating your qualifications and inquiring if a decision has been made are often considered inappropriate.

Hopefully you will receive an offer, but if not, use the interview as a learning experience to help you prepare for future interviews.