Published Nov-27-2007
Before the interview, research the firm thoroughly. If the company has a Web site, look over the information. Talk to people who know about the firm, especially current employees. Reread the job description and write down what you think are six or eight main job requirements. Match one of your experiences that demonstrates a related skill with each job requirement and practice telling the stories about them out loud.
Review sample interview questions, especially the ones that seem difficult for you to answer. Prepare answers for those questions. Most of the questions that employers ask are based on the job requirements.
When you are called for an interview, ask the name and title of the person who will interview you. Write them down, along with the dates, times, and locations of the interview(s).
If you don't have a job description, ask the employer to send you a copy. Call the receptionist the day before or the day of the interview to confirm your appointment and to make sure that there have been no changes to the schedule. You can also ask for directions to the office.
Bring the items you will need such as a copy of your application or resume, your list of references, and samples of your work if appropriate. Also bring a note pad, questions, and a pen to take short notes and in case you need to complete any forms or tests.
Go to the interview alone and arrive five to ten minutes early. If necessary, visit the site of the interview in advance so you will not have trouble finding the location and arriving on time.
During the interview, relax. Look the interviewer in the eye, but avoid staring. Show your genuine interest in the job and the company, regardless of how the interview is going. When you have questions about the job's duties, ask them early in the interview so that you can target your abilities to the job as the interview progresses.
Don't talk about what was wrong with past jobs or past employers. This is a common mistake job applicants make. Instead, talk about what you are looking for in a job or what you have learned about yourself and how you work.
Don't mention financial or personal problems. Don't bring up salary, vacations, or fringe benefits. Wait for the interviewer to introduce these subjects. The best time to talk about salary is after you have been offered the job. You are then in a much better position to negotiate.
Before the end of the interview, express your interest in the job. This tends to be an important piece that many applicants forget. On the other hand, if you learned during the interview that this is not the right job for you, then let the employer know it isn't a good fit for you. Either way, thank your interviewer at the close of the session. End the interview with a firm handshake.
Make sure you note all the names and titles of the people who interviewed you. Write down all your impressions of the company and its style of management. Sometimes it takes some time before a company offers you the job, or you could have a number of interviews before you are offered a position. You want to be prepared when a job is offered to you or when you are called back for a second interview.
Soon after the interview, send everyone who was involved with the interview a brief thank-you note.
Source: Excerpted from Oregon Career Information System, © 2007, University of Oregon, all rights reserved.