(The interview starts long before you appear in the interviewer’s office.)

1) Research the Employer-
Thoroughly research the organization to impress those with whom you meet and allow more time for you to tell your story and discuss specifics of the position. Some of the information you will want to know includes:

* Product line or service - be able to explain what the company does
* Size of organization
* Location of facilities
* Structure of organization - by product line, function, past, current & potential growth
* Types of clients
* Potential markets, products, services
* Price of products or services
* Present price of stock
* Structure of assets
* Who the competition is
* Name of recruiter
* Training provisions
* Relocation policies
* Length of time in assignments
* Recent items in the news
* Others you know in the organization

It is also important to research issues, trends, problems, and jargon of the field. Such information can be obtained from people in the field, company literature, public and career libraries, trade journals, newsletters, business magazines, and directories. Prepare a list of well-researched questions for the interviewer.

2) Know Yourself -

* Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and know exactly what you want to say and do not want to say during the interview.
* Evaluate problem areas in your record and be prepared to offer a strong case for these during the interview, if necessary. Do not volunteer negative information about yourself or a former employment situation.
* Write out answers to possible questions from the interviewer, as a practice activity. Do a mock interview with a staff member at the Harrington Center, a friend, or relative.

3) Prepare Yourself -

* Do you best to find out the name, role, and level of responsibility of each individual with whom you are to meet.
* Know exactly how to get to the organization and be prepared to arrive early and stay late. Don’t schedule other things that will have you “clock watching.”
* Dress to project an image of confidence and success; your total appearance should be appropriate to the job.
* Prepare to bring additional materials to the interview such as copies of your resume, a list of references, samples of your work, or transcripts.