BASIC INTERVIEW TIPS

BEFORE

Research...Research...Research. Understand?

In order to prepare yourself for any type of interview you must conduct research on the employer.

You will be able to get an ample amount of information on employers by using the following sources:

• Company Profiles
• Annual Reports
• Company Web Sites
• Directories
• Trade Shows
• Trade Associations
• Newspapers
• Fellow Professionals
• Competitors
• Public Documents

DURING

Communication is Everything: Key Things to Remember

• Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and skills.
• Be professional, but don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Be yourself.
• Listen carefully. You will want to remember what you learn about the job, and you will certainly want to answer the question that was asked.
• Be positive. Employers do not want to hear about a negative experience. If you are asked about a low grade, a sudden job change, or a weakness in your background, don't be defensive.
• Focus instead on the facts and what you learned from the experience.
• Pay attention to your non-verbal behavior (body language). Always look the interviewer in the eye, sit up straight with both feet on the floor, and smile as you are greeted.
• Don't be afraid of short pauses. Take a few seconds to get your responses straight. You never want to just blurt something out without putting some thought to it.

………And AFTER

Send a thank you note within 24 hours after the interview! The note should reinforce your interests in the organization and the skills that you have to do the job. The majority of people do not send a thank you note but little do they know what a difference it can make in the decision-making.

Even if you feel that your interview did not go well, send a thank you note. You never know what the employer is thinking and that note of appreciation may make the difference.