Here are a few quick tips to be sure that you are prepared for your interview.
Look the part
Be sure to dress professionally. Try on your outfit the night before so that if you encounter a stain or something that doesn’t seem to match, you can fix it then. Make sure that your clothes fit well and that they are conservative. An interview is not the time to express your style. Think of the typical business person and try to fit into that mold. You can show your clothing personality other places, but please don’t do it in an interview. Hiring managers are looking for someone who will fit easily into the company and who will not rock the boat. One of the ways you can portray that image is by dressing in a more traditional manner.
Bring the Supplies
Always, always, ALWAYS bring a note pad and a pen to an interview. I don’t care if you never write anything; just make sure you have one. These two things make you look professional and prepared. You look as thought you planned for this interview and you are ready for anything that comes from it. It may also come in handy. If you are given instructions or perhaps asked to come back for a second interview, you already have somewhere to write it down. One thing, though, don’t try to help yourself out by writing answers to interview questions on your note pad to use during the interview. It will actually hurt you because you have to take your eyes off the interviewer in order to look at the paper. It is much better to commit your answers to memory. The note pad is just a statement that you are prepared and that you are ready for whatever may come.
Know What To Say
When it comes to interview, there really is no excuse for be unprepared for most of the questions you will be asked. Certainly, there will be a few questions that are unique to that interviewer, but most questions asked are universal. Don’t walk into an interview unprepared to answer the questions that you know will come up. Be prepared to talk about your experience, your education and your skills. Decide how you will answer questions about why you left your past jobs or why there are gaps in your employment history. You will never get out of an interview without being quizzed on these basics. When I see people who walk into an interview and can’t even answer these simple questions, I cringe. They just have no idea how poorly they are presenting themselves.