| 18 tips to keep in mind as you prepare you an | | | | you have to offer an employer. Take the time to write |
| interview. You only get one chance to make a great | | | | them down and review them daily. |
| first impression! Write these on your mirror, tape them | | | | * DON'T expect potential employers to glean all of |
| to your fridge; do whatever it takes to remember | | | | your skills and traits from your resume |
| these gems and you will have a great interview - | | | | DO know your limits relating to commute, salary and |
| every time! | | | | office hours |
| DO research the organization: history, size, products | | | | * DON'T mislead an interviewer for a job you are not |
| services, market/customers, financial outlook | | | | willing to perform |
| * DON'T ask the interviewer to tell you about the | | | | DO expect the unexpected and be ready to roll with |
| company | | | | the punches |
| DO find out about the culture including appropriate | | | | * DON'T act offended or insulted if the interview |
| attire, community involvement, mission statement, etc. | | | | schedule is not maintained or if there are multiple |
| * DON'T show up to a bank dressed for a BBQ and | | | | changes during the course of your interview (unless |
| likewise don't show up to a dental office dressed for a | | | | you have decided you do not want the position in any |
| funeral | | | | case) |
| DO bring along a copy of your resume, list of | | | | DO eat a good meal prior to interviews so that your |
| references, paper and pen | | | | body can focus on the most important thing: staying |
| * DON'T have your cell phone on, your Bluetooth on or | | | | sharp |
| bring anyone else with you | | | | * DON'T go to an interview hungry or tired if you can |
| DO practice answering interview questions. Visit and | | | | help it DO remember to smile, make eye contact and |
| search on "interviewing" for a great number of articles | | | | try very hard to remember the names of your |
| and sample questions | | | | interviewers (write them down; ask for their names |
| * DON'T answer questions with questions except to | | | | again if you didn't catch it the first time) |
| clarify. For instance, if the interviewer asks what your | | | | * DON'T expect the interviewer(s) to have read your |
| 5 year goal is, DON'T answer with "why do you want | | | | resume recently or remember what it says |
| to know?", but feel free to ask if they are interested in | | | | DO keep in mind that interviewing is a lot like dating; |
| knowing your personal 5 year goal as well as your | | | | patience, compassion, understanding and boundaries |
| professional one | | | | are all required in this setting. |
| DO know yourself. Know your skills, abilities, strengths, | | | | DO have a great interview! |
| weaknesses, work ethic, professional goals and what | | | | |