Research each employer

	Learn as much as you can about the company
	Research them at a library or on the internet
	If company publicly owned obtain an annual report
	Tell the interviewer you took time to find out about the company

 

Review your own résumé

	Accomplishments
	Skills and abilities
	Practical knowledge
	Review all additional info about yourself
	Be prepared to talk about lost time
	Be prepared to talk about any “black marks”
	Talk about major accomplishments you have made in previous jobs

 

Make a great first impression

	Clothing should be appropriate to business environment
	Fresh clothes neat hair
	Men should wear white shirt and dark suit. Women wear business suit or dress.
	No jewelry
	Be polite, friendly and personable to everyone you meet
	First three minutes are critical
	Don’t over stay your welcome if interview does not go well

 

Interview your future boss

	Does he/she respond to your questions?
	Ask about their career
	How long he/she was in the company, other jobs etc.

 

Body Language

·         Head – keep your head up

·         Eyes – make direct, comfortable eye contact

·         Face – smile, control any nervous twitches

·         Legs – Keep both feet on the ground, don’t swing legs around

·         Hands – no fidgeting or gesturing, keep hands on the arm of the chair, in your lap or on your knees

·         Voice – clear, strong, and a good level

 

At the Interview

·      Allow the interviewer to direct you to a seat and offer a firm handshake

·         Allow the interviewer to control the process; do not control the conversation

·         Sit comfortably with an erect posture, smile, maintain eye contact

·         Answer each question distinctly, giving specific answers and examples

·         Think before you speak, take a few seconds to organize your thoughts

·         Keep your answers to about five sentences; the interviewer will ask follow up questions

·         Make it your responsibility to ensure you get all the information you want across to the interviewer

·         Be positive at all times

·         If you do not understand a question, ask to have it repeated or clarified

·         When given an opening, ask specifics about the position and organization

·         Do not discuss personal issues, ask about compensation, lie or comment negatively on past employers

 

Employers do not like