| The three most important things to prepare for your | | | | interview and a pen that writes. Print a copy of the job |
| next job interview are to do your research, make a | | | | description and any other interesting information about |
| portfolio, and create a success story. Preparation and | | | | the company from their website. |
| practice will make you feel completely confident during | | | | Create a Success Story. Think of a situation or project |
| your meeting with your interviewer. Because "you only | | | | that you worked on that you feel good about and that |
| get one chance to make a good first impression", | | | | you know inside and out. What made that project a |
| being prepared will make you look good, feel confident, | | | | success? What specifically did you do to contribute to |
| and your interviewer will be genuinely impressed. | | | | that success? Keep a couple of these "success |
| Do your Research. Using the Internet, visit the | | | | stories" under your belt because you can use them to |
| company's website. Carefully read the information on | | | | answer some of the trickiest interview questions. |
| the site. Companies are proud of their websites and | | | | Whether they are work stories or academic |
| your interviewer will be impressed that you took the | | | | achievements, remember, a good story is much more |
| time to read this information. In addition, look up job | | | | interesting than a bullet-pointed list of job skills. |
| descriptions for various positions in the company. See | | | | Interviewing can be a stressful process, but not |
| what kind of management structure the company | | | | anymore because you are prepared. Do your |
| employs. If you don't have Internet access at home, | | | | research and learn as much as you can about the |
| your local library should offer free public Internet | | | | company. Make a portfolio of important papers and |
| access. | | | | information that you will need for the interview. And, |
| Make a Portfolio. Create a folder or portfolio containing | | | | most importantly, create a success story that highlights |
| extra copies of your résumé and | | | | your achievements. Feeling prepared for your next job |
| references. Write down your interviewer's name and | | | | interview means that you are ready for anything they |
| phone number. Keep your interviewer's business card | | | | can throw at you, you're calm and relaxed, and you |
| on hand. Bring a notebook to take notes during the | | | | are looking forward for your big chance to shine. |