Before the Job Interview

Wear something that is job interview appropriate.

• Make sure there is no confusion about where you are supposed to go for the interview. If necessary, get a map or make a practice run to the place so you know how long it will take to get there.
• Research the company. You should know exactly what they do before you go in.
• Make a list of common job interview questions and figure out how you can best answer each one.
• Make a list of questions to ask the company. You can ask about the company itself, the company's customers, the position, and the people you will be working with.
• Practice your job interview with a friend or family member. Ask them to critique your answers afterwards.
• Record your practice interview sessions with a video camera so you can critique yourself later on. Pay special attention to your posture and body language.
• Determine your availability. The interviewer may ask you when you can start the job.
• Determine your bottom line. Will you accept the job if the pay is low? What about benefits? Interviewers often ask how much you expect to make.
• ...

During the Job Interview

Shake hands firmly, but not too firmly.

• Greet every single person in the room with eye contact and a handshake. Be sure to treat everyone from the receptionist to the CEO equally.
• Shake hands firmly, but not too firmly. You're a job interviewee, not a father meeting his daughter's boyfriend.
• Control your voice when you speak. Talking too loud is obnoxious. Mumbling is annoying.
• Don't use slang when you greet people. 'Hey, how ya doin'?' is not a proper greeting in a formal setting.
• Don't be a space invader. Try to stay 36 inches away from everyone at all times. People have boundaries and nobody likes their space invaded.
• Be conscious of your posture when sitting or standing. Try not to slouch or look too stiff.
• Don't sit down anywhere until you are asked to. When you do sit, don't fidget. It makes you look nervous.
• Keep hand talking to a minimum. It is okay to make gestures while speaking, but it is not okay to look like a mime while doing it--unless you are interviewing for a job as a mime. Then it's acceptable.
• If you are given water or something else to drink, sip it. Gulping and chugging a beverage is unattractive.
• ...

After the Job Interview

Make an impression after the interview has ended.

• When the job interview has ended, you should shake hands with everyone once again and thank them for their time.
• If you are still interested in the job at this point, now is the time to say it. Tell the employer you want to work with the company and hope you will be considered for the position.
• If you are absolutely sure you are NOT interested in the job after the interview, you might want to mention that too. Whatever your problem is with the position, the company may be willing to resolve the issue.
• Ask your interviewer when a decision will be made and whether or not you can follow-up at a later date. This way you won't be sitting by the phone or making a pest out of yourself for no reason.
• Send a thank you note to your interviewer(s) immediately after leaving the interview. This can be done via snail mail or email. The thank you note should be short and to the point.
• Send a thank you note to the receptionist or anyone else who was helpful but not directly involved in your job interview.
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JOB SEARCH

• Copies of your current Resume
• List of References (excluding family members)
• Letters of Recomendation
• Copies of Certificates, Awards

DO’S IN JOB INTERVIEWING:

1. Gather background information on the company.
2. Be early, calm and organized.
3. Bring any items with you to the interview that further illustrate your
qualifications for the position.
4. Have several copies of your resume.
5. Dress professionally. A suit for women is also preferable.
6. Wear simple jewelry. Only clear nail polish for women.
7. Use a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact.
8. Smile. Exude enthusiasm.
9. Act confident and you will be confident.
10. Be alert and prepared for key questions.
11. Demonstrate genuine interest in both the people you meet and the position.
12. Speak clearly and explain clearly what you mean.
13. Use variety in the tone of your voice.
14. LISTEN! Never cut off the interviewer. Think before you answer.
15. Restate questions to make them clear.
16. Interject information you have about the company into your answers.
17. Be prepared with a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
18. Use nonverbal communication and good body posture to express yourself.
19. SELL YOURSELF! Let them know that you want the position. Ask them, “What is the next step?”
20. Send a follow-up letter (thank you) immediately after the interview, preferably hand written on good stationary.

SELL YOURSELF

No one knows you better than you. But rarely do you take the time to assess your strengths. When you are searching for a new job, it’s the ideal time to focus on what makes you the most qualified choice. An objective self-evaluation will enable you to prepare a distinctive presentation that will highlight your greatest assets.

Start by asking yourself:

• Am I a self-starter?
• Am I a team player?
• Am I assertive?
• Am I ambitious?
• Do I take directions well, listen and communicate well?
• Do I prefer others to take the lead?
• Where do I fit in the scheme of things?
  

Next, make a list of:

• Your strengths and skills
• Strongest area of knowledge
• Personality attributes
• Your success stories

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#1 - KNOW THE COMPANY you are applying to. Research Research Research…Google, Yahoo, MSN the company name and the top people. See not only what they say, but what others say. Comment and ask questions to the interviewer about what has been written - both good and bad.

#2 - Don’t overstate your knowledge. I ask questions about programming knowledge, and once I hear their answer, I pull out a quiz for them. If you overstated your knowledge, my interview is over.  Don’t be suprised if others give some form of quiz. I side with honesty over knowledge.

#3 - Ask questions. Come prepared with questions too. Remember, we really should be selling each other. Often, the brightest employees, during the interview were selling me, and they made me sell to them as well.
Having questions can show you did researched, you were prepared, and you listened and asked about what was being said in the interview.

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