The Face-to-Face Interview

Be Prepared – I can’t stress this point enough, “Knowledge Is Power”. Prior to your interview, educate yourself about the company. Go through their web site and write down several questions that come to mind. Do a Google search on the company. Know the reason(s) why you’d like to work at the company. People definitely take notice when you have direct knowledge of their company and/or products.

Know Your Directions – Time is Money. Make sure the directions you received are accurate. Nothing says, "I'm not prepared and really don’t want this job" like getting lost on the way to an interview. Arriving 20 minutes early is a way to ensure you will not be late. Just wait outside the office until 3 - 5 minutes before the interview, then make your grand entrance…exactly on time. Make a dry run from where you will be leaving from to the interviewers desired location and always make sure that the mode of transportation is reliable.

Practice – Practice your interview skills - that means answering the interview questions out loud to yourself as if you were in the interview. Running through your answers a few times builds confidence and assures yourself you will come across as articulate, efficient and prepared. Grab a friend or anyone that is skilled in the hiring process to assist you.

5 Resume Copies - Take at least 5 copies of your resume - you'll be prepared if they do not have copies. Remember that pretty parchment is nice, but do not use colored or scented types of paper for your resume. Traditional white medium Sstock will suffice.

Take Notes - Bring a note pad or PDA to take notes and write down your top 3 questions. In this case I prefer the notepad as it is less likely to mess up or cause a disruption (ie., alarms or email notifications).

Dress Code - Know the office dress code – look sharp and professional. Being overdressed is always better than being underdressed. Unless they state that you should come in wearing business casual, both men and women should always opt for the traditional business suit as their interview attire. Remember that first impressions are a lasting impression. Jeans and a t-shirt will never do.

Confidence – Confidence is a trait that many people feel they possess. I personally feel cheated when I meet a person for the first time and have spoken to that person as well, only to be met with a “weak” handshake. The Firm handshake upon arrival and positive attitude throughout is always best. This is a simple confidant handshake, not a battle of who has the biggest biceps.

Be enthusiastic and friendly – Listen more than you talk (no single factor is more important in determining success in an interview). If you can not listen to what the interviewer is saying…how the heck are you supposed to answer the question(s) correctly?

Eye Contact - Look people in the eye when talking or listening to them. It’s just the right thing to do.

Just Listen - No single thing you can do will effect the interview more than just being a good listener. Listen to questions asked of you. Answer them fully and directly. Remember the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? Try not to talk too much. Try not to talk too fast, and certainly try not to talk too slowly. Never over sell your skill set. Overselling can lead to overconfidence and put an idea into the mind of the interviewer that you were “trying to hard”.

Salary - If present salary is asked, furnish accurate information – including bonuses and commissions. They may ask for a W2 later, so you don’t want to “enhance” any numbers! If they ask you what salary you want, the only acceptable answer at this point is "I am open to any fair and reasonable offer".

Nothing Negative – DO NOT criticize or come across as negative about your present or past employers or co-workers. Stay professional and avoid personal information unless it's "polite" conversation. If polite conversation does come up, make sure it’s brief, polite and pleasant.

Ask for the job! - Let the interviewer know that you are interested and excited at the prospect of working for them and ask what the next step will be.

Send a thank you letter - Ask for their Card so you can follow up with a thank you letter via email. The thank you email can often be the deal maker or breaker on getting the position.