Always Be Prepared
Any project of significance requires preparation -and
what is more significant than preparing for your
next career move?
A batter always takes
a few swings before he enters in to the box, so take
these few steps to make sure you are prepared for your
interview:
Know Your Resume
Read and become intimately familiar with your resume.
That may sound simplistic since it is written about
you - however - it is important that you are up to
speed on dates, positions held, and past job responsibilities
to name a few.
It would be embarrassing
if you didn’t remember the details of your own
career. Make sure to bring relevant work samples, creative
designs or other projects that may illustrate your
talents. Just make sure they do not cross over lines
of propriety.
Not sure what to bring?
Just bring your resume.
Also, it is a great idea
to bring a leather folder or slim portfolio with you.
Something with a notepad so that you can jot notes
during the meeting and place materials given to you
in. Leave your briefcase at home - it will be too cumbersome
during the meeting. Most importantly - don't forget
your pen!
Know Where You Are Going
If you are driving to your interview, make sure to get
directions to the location. If you are flying in
from out of town, you should also get driving directions
from the airport or lodging site. Either way, make
sure you have money for parking - it is not appropriate
to ask for your parking ticket to be validated.
If you are traveling from
out of town, most potential employers will cover air
and hotel expenses- but incidentals are the responsibility
of the candidate. Incidentals include meals, dry cleaning,
health club or any charges outside of the flight and
room fees. Most companies will pre-pay travel expenses,
but in the event that you are being reimbursed, it
is best to discuss it a day two after the interview
has concluded.
Be on time. It is not
appropriate to show up too late or too early. Be right
on time.
Do Your Homework
While making your arrangements for the interview find
out who you will be meeting with and what their titles
are. If you don't personally know any of the executives
you are meeting, research their names on the Internet,
in industry trade magazines or through the company's
annual report. Try to find some common ground to
establish a relationship. For example, you may have
attended the same school or come from the same part
of the country. These are always good icebreakers.
Make sure you research
the company you are meeting with as well. Look in trade
magazines or search the Internet for information on
history, growth and their future strategies. This will
help you to ask relevant questions during the interview.
Make Your Best Impression
During your interview, it is important to make a good
first impression. To ensure success, consider the
following:
As you greet the person
you are meeting with, establish direct eye contact.
Your handshake should be strong and firm, and don't
forget to smile. Try to engage the interviewer with
small talk - the weather, if the candidate had trouble
getting to the interview, etc. Make sure that you ask
for the person's card or get the correct spelling of
their name so you can follow-up properly.
As you enter in to the
interview process, answer the questions asked promptly
with confidence. Know your stuff and share your expertise,
but stay on topic. Don't' go off on tangents.
As you close out the interview,
make sure to use this final face-to-face opportunity
to let them know you appreciate the time they spent
with you, reiterate your skills and how they fit the
position. Let them know you are interested in moving
forward and find out what the next step will be. Do
not leave out any of these steps.
The Final Step
After the interview, your follow-up (or lack thereof)
can be a determining factor in whether or not you
get an offer.
When you arrive home,
write a brief note to all the people you met thanking
them for their time and conveying your continued interest.
Email is a very popular method of follow-up, but handwritten
notes (if your handwriting is legible) or typed notes
can be more impressive. Make sure to spell all words
correctly and to check your grammar.
