Preparing for a Job Interview

Preparing for a job interview can make the difference between getting, or not getting, the job you want.

Goals of the Interview

The interview is an important meeting for both the employer and the prospective employee.

• An employer uses a job interview as a way to get to know an individual and to decide if he or she has the skills and personality to do a good job.
• The prospective employee uses the interview as an opportunity to get an understanding of the job and the prospective employer's needs.

Steps to Preparing for a Job Interview

You should start preparing for a job interview as soon as the interview is set up. It could take a week or two for you to get all the information together and to plan how you want to sell yourself during the interview. If you only have a few days to prepare, don't skip a step. Instead, spend less time on each step. This might also be a good time to ask someone to help you with the research and to help you practice how you are going to answer the interview questions.

Research the Company

Use the local library and the online search engines to gather information about the company such as:

• What are their products and services?
• Who are their competitors?
• How long have they been in business?
• Has there been any recent news about the company? Was it good news or bad?

Finalize Your References

Select three to five people you have worked with in the past who would have positive things to say about your skills and working style. Call them a few days before the interview to tell them about the job you are interviewing for and to confirm that they are willing to speak to your prospective employer. Have their names, addresses, daytime telephone number and email address available during the interview.

Bring Your Paperwork

Make copies of all the documents you might need for the interview or that you might be asked to give to the interviewer. The type of documents will depend upon the type of job for which you are interviewing. Some of the typical documents include:

• Your resume
• A list of your references and their contact information
• Copies of identification information such as your Social Security card, passport, driver's license or green card
• Copies of any licenses or certifications that might be required on the job

Prepare Your Answers

You will feel and look more confident if you are ready to answer questions about yourself and your professional skills. Start by making a list of the questions you might be asked and the answers you want to give. Keep your answers short. A sentence or two is usually enough information. If the interviewer wants to know more, he or she will ask you for the details.

Some common interview questions are:

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are your skills?
• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your responsibilities on your current job?
• Why do you want to leave your current job?
• Why should I hire you?

Develop Your Questions

You might be asked if you have any questions. This is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to show you are interested in the job. Come to the interview with four to five potential questions. You might want to ask:

• How does a certain service of the company compare to a competitor's service?
• What are the top two or three responsibilities of the job?
• How will my performance be measured?
• What are your immediate priorities for this job?

Know the Location

You don't want to be late for the interview because you got lost or you couldn't find a place to park. Confirm the address of the interview when the interview is set up. Ask for directions if you are unclear about the location. If you are driving, be sure to ask about nearby parking facilities. To help your planning, consider taking some time to drive to the location before the interview to estimate the drive time and confirm the parking situation.

Dress Appropriately

Plan what you are going to wear to the interview. If you know someone at the company, ask them about the typical attire. If you don't know what the other employees wear, dress conservatively. This is no time to wear your jeans! A suit or coordinating separates are usually appropriate for an office job. Business casual is usually a good choice for other jobs. Be sure your clothes are clean and without spots, rips or wrinkles. Clean hair and nails will also add to your good impression.

Arrive Early

Rushing in at the last minute will only add to any nervousness you might be feeling. Plan to be at the proper location about 15 minutes before the interview. This will give you time to go to the restroom, get a drink, turn off your cell phone and review your paperwork.

Planning Can Pay Off

Planning and practicing can make the difference between a good job interview and an uncomfortable situation that does not help you get the job you want.

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