• Research the company and the interviewer if possible.
• Read your resume prior to the interview. Make sure you're thoroughly familiar with its contents.
• Know and be able to communicate why you want the job.
• Identify your wants and needs - and know the difference!
• Be able to specifically express the marketable skills you have to offer the organization.
• Be prepared for the standard interview questions and know your answers to them (see Common Interview Questions).
• Prepare questions you wish to ask (but only ask questions you can't find answers to yourself). These questions should be designed to help you determine whether the company will give you the opportunity for the growth and development you seek.
• Line up your references in advance (and verify that they will be good ones).

• Dress for success. Look the part of the position you're interviewing for. Be meticulously groomed and take the time to properly organize any paperwork you bring along (i.e., extra resume copies, letters of recommendation, references, performance evaluations, questions).
• Double check the time of the appointment. Arrange to be five or ten minutes early.
• Bring extra resumes, notepad and pen. Have your reference list available.
• Be sure you know how to pronounce the interviewer's name correctly.
• Go out of your way to be polite, not only to the interviewer, but also to the receptionist or secretary.
• Be personable as well as professional. Do not chew gum, smoke, swear or use slang.
• Follow the interviewer's leads, but try to get him/her to describe the position and duties to you early in the interview so you can relate your background, skills and accomplishments to the position. Explain your answers to questions whenever possible.
• Stress your achievements. For example: sales records, processes developed, savings achieved, systems installed, etc.
• Be aware of body language, vibes and reactions. Use your instincts to keep things on course.
• Use a firm handshake and direct eye contact.
• Demonstrate a sincere interest and enthusiasm for the job.
• Feel free to ask for clarification before answering a question, and take time to pause and plan an adequate response. Try not to fill silences with nervous responses.
• Answer all questions honestly and in a positive manner.
• Always display loyalty to your former employers no matter what they did. Never say anything negative about them.
• Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc. on the initial interview.
• Make sure you receive a business card from the interviewer.
• At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer(s) for his/her consideration and time. Ask when you can expect to hear from them.

• Make some notes about the interview right after you leave.
• Write a thank you letter to the interviewer(s) immediately following the interview. Thank him/her for the interview, recap what you learned from the interview, and reaffirm your interest in the job (ask for the job!) This can even be emailed or faxed later the same day.
• Be sure you know how to spell all names and know correct titles.

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