Preparing for a job interview is key to success. It lets you focus on your strengths when you meet with your potential employer.

Before the interview

• Do your research about the hiring company
• Prepare good questions to ask your interviewer
• Practice interviewing

Day of the interview

• Always plan to be 10 minutes early; never be late!
• Bring extra copies of your resume
• Bring your “Fact Sheet” with telephone numbers and addresses of your references and former employers, just in case you are asked to complete an application
• Business dress is expected

During the interview

• Be positive; avoid negative comments about past employers
• Maintain eye contact
• Answer each question fully and with confidence
• Speak clearly and distinctly and avoid slang
• State your interest
• Sell your strengths
• Relate your previous experiences to the open position
• Keep a positive perspective
• Place more emphasis on the company’s needs than your own
• Identify and promote the skills that make you the ideal candidate
• Do not lie or exaggerate ever
• Be sure to thank the interviewer for his/her time
• Get business cards from the interviewer
• Be yourself – Have fun
• Remind the company of why they should HIRE YOU
• Do not chew gum
• Never talk about salary or benefits, we handle that

After the interview

• Follow up the interview with a “thank you” e-mail or note, immediately after the interview