The interview is one of the most critical steps in the job search process. Just as you would prepare for an athletic event you need to prepare for an interview. You would not go into competition without having practiced and you should not go into an interview without some practice either. Here are some tips for getting ready for your job interview so that you can win your prospective employer over.

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

To Prepare for an Interview

• Call to confirm the interview time and place.
• Know the person's name, title, and phone number of the person you are meeting.
• Know the organization's name and address and have directions to get there. Make a practice run ahead of time, if you can.
• Dress in an attractive, conservative, professional manner. Minimize the number of accessories or flashy jewelry. Use makeup, aftershave, cologne, and perfumes sparingly, if at all.
• No chewing gum!
• Take a couple of pens, your application form notes, two copies of your resume, and your list of references
• Arrive at least ten minutes before the scheduled time of your interview so you can relax and feel comfortable with your surroundings before the actual interview.
• Plan what you want to communicate to the interviewer. Practice answering questions.
• Have a few questions prepared to ask to the interviewer.

Qualifications needed
Try to get a sense of why the employer is interested in your qualifications and how your qualifications meet the needs of the company.

Goals of the interview
The goals of an interview differ depending on the type and level of the interview. However, the purpose of each is to move to the next level in the hiring process.

As you walk into the interview…

• Greet the interviewer politely and with confidence. Show how glad you are to meet the interviewer
• Look him/her in the eye and smile
• Extend your hand to shake when you're almost arms length away. Be sure to have a firm handshake
• Never sit down before the interviewer

When you are face-to-face with a hiring official, you are a salesperson - and your product is you! To "sell" yourself convincingly have the following facts at the tips of your fingers…and on the tip of your tongue:

• Work history
• Interests and hobbies
• School or service background
• Plans and aspirations
• Why you feel qualified for the position
• What you will contribute to the company

• Sit upright and lean forward to show interest
• Be an attentive and patient listener (never interrupt the interviewer)
• Smile as you talk and try to convey your enthusiasm for your working experiences
• Speak clearly and confidently
• Avoid using vocal pauses (um, uh, like)
• Answer questions asked and volunteer relevant information
• Don't ramble, don't let your sentences run together or trail off. Have a clear beginning and ending to everything you say.
• Don't use slang or other forms of poor English and slang words (y'all, ain't, ya know)

Possible Questions the Employer Might Ask

• What is your greatest weakness? (A good answer: I am a perfectionist and set high expectations for myself and I always expect my peers to demand as much of themselves. Always answer with a positive rather than a negative attribute).
• Tell me about yourself. (Preplan a five to ten minute answer describing your education and then each job in terms of accomplishments or performance indicators).
• What salary are you looking for? (If you have an idea you can say it then follow with something like: my main concern is an opportunity with a company that will allow me to develop my skill sets and grow as an individual).
• Where do you see yourself in five to ten years from now?
• Will you describe your most rewarding accomplishment?
• What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in this position?
• Will you describe a challenge you encountered and how you dealt with it?
• Why are you interested in working for our company or organization?
• What do you know about our company?
• What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
• Why should I hire you?
• In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
• How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?
• What were your favorite classes/activities at school?
• Why did you choose your major?
• If you were hiring somebody for this position, what qualities would you look for?
• What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
• What qualities should a successful manager possess?
• How do you evaluate or determine success?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
• How do you think a friend, teacher, or former employer would describe you?
• Which is more important to you, money or type of job?
• How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
• What are your long range/short range goals and objectives?
• When and why did you establish these goals?
• How are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
• Will you describe your ideal job?
• What is your greatest strength?

Never go to an interview without preparing questions beforehand. Your knowledge of the profession and the information you gather through research will help you formulate questions of high quality. The following are some possible questions you may ask in an interview:

• What is the philosophy of the company or organization?
• What do you consider to be the company's greatest strengths?
• What type of person are you looking for in this position?
• What are the company's plans and goals?
• Can you describe the work environment and company culture?
• Why do you enjoy working for this company?
• Can you describe the typical responsibilities of the position?
• What are the challenging facets of the position?
• Can you describe the opportunity for training and professional development?
• Are there opportunities for advancement within the organization?
• What type of responsibilities and authorities does this position hold?
• Does the company see this position as important for its growth?
• Is there a defined career path?

Things you can ask or say

• Do you have any other questions regarding my background?
• Is there anything else that you need to know to make a decision?
• This is a great opportunity and I am more than just interested in the position.
• Where do you see me fitting into your organization?

Get the interviewer's business card and send a thank you note IMMEDIATELY. Also, copy anyone else that was involved in the interview process. Getting your name back in front of the interviewer is crucial and it demonstrates your professionalism and interest in the position. The purpose of the thank you note is to show your appreciation of the interviewer's time and consideration. You can also indicate your suitability for the position and briefly emphasize how, after talking to the interviewer, you are now even more sure of your "fit" with the company and that you definitely have what it takes to succeed in this position.