| The interview is a very important part of the job | | | | Polish your shoes. Get the heels replaced if necessary. |
| search process. It is, however, only part of the | | | | Make sure to wear appropriate business shoes. If |
| process. The first step of the interview is to prepare | | | | expected to visit the plant or manufacturing facilities, |
| for the interview. The key to a successful interview is | | | | check on the shoe regulations and bring and extra pair. |
| advance preparation. Solidifying yourself as the best | | | | This also helps you to look well prepared and efficient. |
| candidate comes after the interview. This interview | | | | Get a manicure and haircut. |
| planner covers the three stages of a successful | | | | Call the assistant or secretary to confirm your |
| interview -before, during and after. | | | | appointment. |
| Before the Interview | | | | Confirm the address and directions. Know where you |
| You should not go into an interview without preparing | | | | are going in advance. If you are unfamiliar with the |
| for it. It is important to anticipate what the interviewer | | | | location, consider a dry run (especially if its during peak |
| will ask and expect. The more prepared, poised and | | | | traffic times.) |
| confident you are the smoother the interview will go. | | | | Get a good night's sleep. |
| Create a job "shopping list." | | | | Day of the Interview |
| Determine what would be the ideal job. This should be | | | | What to take: |
| your wish list of your expectations. Don't sell yourself | | | | Take your portfolio and extra resumes. |
| short or reduce your expectations to fit a particular | | | | Take the name(s) of the person(s) with whom you |
| job. | | | | are meeting with as well as the assistant you spoke |
| Prepare your interview portfolio- include current | | | | with previously. |
| company literature, current job description (if similar), | | | | Take a comb, tissues, emery board and breath mints. |
| personal compensation history, extra resumes, | | | | If necessary take an extra pair of reading glasses. |
| references (peers, employers, subordinates, clients, | | | | Take a few pens, a tablet and business cards. |
| vendors, etc), actual letters of reference, performance | | | | Take an appointment book to record follow up |
| appraisals, memos/letters confirming achievements, | | | | interviews and prevent over-booking. |
| college or continuing education transcripts, articles | | | | TIP: Don't schedule one interview after another. |
| written by or about you, text of speeches you have | | | | Interviewing is an exhaustive process you will want |
| given, non-proprietary designs, drawings and reports | | | | time to rejuvenate in between appointments. |
| you have developed, press releases detailing awards | | | | What to Do |
| you have won, testimonials about you. | | | | Be calm. Don't stress or panic. Be confident and |
| Set up a separate file for each company with whom | | | | remember your preparation. Get organized. |
| you interview. Then you can customize accordingly the | | | | Call the assistant or secretary to confirm your |
| materials to be presented accordingly. | | | | appointment with X. |
| Prepare and study an interview cheat sheet. List the | | | | Confirm the address and directions. |
| key elements you wish to discuss. Note key points and | | | | Check your materials. |
| questions about the company. | | | | Put everything in one small briefcase or professional |
| Research the company, industry and the product or | | | | folder. |
| service they offer. Keep key facts or points fresh in | | | | Leave yourself plenty of time to get there. Plan to |
| your mind to utilize in the interview. Know the company | | | | arrive early. |
| philosophy. | | | | Before you check in visit the washroom. |
| Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. | | | | Let the receptionist know you are there and take a |
| Study these carefully and prepare your answers | | | | seat. |
| accordingly. They interviewer WILL ask if you have | | | | Mentally review your assets. |
| any questions. Make them good ones. Allow your | | | | Smile. Shake hands firmly. |
| questions to give them more insight into your fit for the | | | | Go get 'em! |
| job. | | | | After the Interview |
| Prepare a list of questions you expect the interviewer | | | | Send a thank you note immediately. Reinforce your |
| to ask you. | | | | attributes. Make sure you sell yourself again. |
| Have a friend do a dry run interview. Test your | | | | Keep track of all career related written and verbal |
| answers. Sit still and think give answers that present | | | | correspondence. Set each up contact in a separate |
| you best. If there are any questionable areas in your | | | | file. |
| background, you need to be well prepared to answer | | | | Make yourself available. Ensure you can be reached |
| these confidently and with conviction. Do not be | | | | at the number(s), fax and email you listed. |
| defensive. | | | | Note: Make sure these numbers are not your current |
| Purchase correspondence stationery and thank you | | | | place of employment. |
| notes. Have these ready to go for the post interview | | | | If you do not hear from the potential new employer |
| stage. | | | | within one week, follow up. Make a phone call to inquire |
| Identify your basic interview wardrobe and select an | | | | about the position. Ask how far along they are in the |
| outfit (and back up) that is considered fairly | | | | decision making process and reiterate your interest. |
| conservative for your field. Consider your accessories | | | | If you do not get the position, send another letter of |
| carefully, no flashy jewelry or outlandish ties. It's always | | | | thanks and ask that they keep you in consideration for |
| better to err on the conservative side. | | | | any other comparable openings. |