Before the Interview
Identify your strengths and weaknesses, goals, skills, etc
Research the company
Rehearse what you plan to say
Practice answers to common questions
Prepare questions to ask the employer
During the Interview
Make sure you arrive a few minutes early
Be aware of nonverbal communication. Situp straight, look alert, speak clearly and forcefully, but stay relaxed. Make good eye contact, avoid nervous mannerisms, and try to be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile!
Follow the interviewer's lead, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and duties to you fairly early in the interview so that you can then relate your background and skills in context
Be specific, concrete, and detailed in your answers. The more information you volunteer, the better the employer gets to know you
Offer examples of your work and references which will document your best qualities
Answer questions as truthfully and as frankly as you can. Answer honestly, while trying not to say more than is necessary
Closing the Interview
Don't be discouraged if no definite offer is made or if no specific salary is discussed
If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, do not let your discouragement show. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested may seem to discourage you to test your reaction
A typical interviewer comment toward the close of an interview is to ask if you have any questions. Use those that you've prepared
At the conclusion of your interview, ask when a hiring decision will be made. Then thank your interviewer for his or her time and express your interest in the position once again
After the Interview
Take notes on what you feel you could improve upon for your next interview
Write a brief thank-you letter to the interviewer indicating your interest within 24 hours of your interview
If offered the position, one to two weeks is a reasonable amount of time to make a decision. All employment offers deserve a written reply whether or not you accept them
