If you are scheduled for a job interview this following checklist will guide you in thinking about how best to prepare to make a great impression.

Pre-interview tasks

• Research the company and the job itself. Most of your research can be completed online using such sources as Dun and Bradstreet and Moody’s Investor Service. You can also search for the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. Also ask for a copy of the latest annual report which will provide financial information.

• Perform logistical-based research so you know how to get to the office via car or public transportation and how long the commute will be.

• Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues and write down appropriate responses on index cards.  Make your notes succinct with only three or four keywords so the points are easy to remember.

• Select interview attire appropriate to culture of the company, including jewelry, shoes, and accessories. Ensure that all clothing is neatly pressed and check for any rips and tears

Day of Interview

• Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any applications and other paperwork

• Greet the receptionist with courtesy and smile as you walk to his/her desk. Do not war sunglasses when walking into the office

• Complete any application and other paperwork neatly and make sure your handwriting is legible. Be sure to answer every question on the application and do NOT place the words “see Resume” in the boxes for education and work experience

• Bring along extra copies of your resume in the event you meet with more than one person

• Turn off your cell phone

• Greet the interviewer(s) with a warm smile, shake hands and address each by name,

• Don’t sit until offered a chair. Be aware of your body language and sit upright, don’t cross your legs, smile, and maintain eye contact and lean forward just slightly to indicate interest.

• Speak with a confident voice and avoid using slang language (such as “uh huh”, “you know,”’ “awesome” “ain’t,” etc.)

• Most interviews start with some small talk but veer away from controversial topics

• Answer all questions succinctly but in a way that ensures that your skills, abilities, and accomplishments are clearly stated and provide specific examples,where appropriate.

• Avoid saying anything negative about past employers, supervisors, or colleagues

• Indicate the research you have performed on the company when given the opportunity. A great question to use strategy is when the interviewer asks “Why do you wish to work for our company?”

• Give a short pause before answering questions if you need to collect your thoughts but don’t pause too long.  You can also repeat the question back to the interviewers to buy some additional time.

• Highlight the value you bring to the company rather than what the company can do for you.

• Don’t ask about salary, benefits, promotional opportunities, etc. during first interviews which are often exploratory in nature to test the fit on each end in terms of both technical skill set and work style.

• Ask well-thought-out questions about position responsibilities, management style, company vision. Employers like questions as they indicate interest on the part of  candidates.

• Close the interview by indicating your interest in the job (if it is genuine) and by asking about next steps. If a second interview is required, ask to schedule that meeting before leaving rather than wait for a call back.

• Request business cards from each interviewer so that you may send follow-up thank you letters to each within 24 hours of the interview date.

©Copyright 2012 Lisa Ann Burke. All rights fully reserved.