Interview Preparation:

“Getting ready for the interview! ”

Interviewing tips:
Successful interviewing is all about confidence, clarity in what you want, what your value is, the possession of relevant skills, and information that tells you this company is a good "fit" for you.

Companies want to hire people who are a good cultural fit; people who can not only get the job done, but can rise to the top and become long-term employees because they are completely on board with the company's values, style and business objectives.

Make the time to research the company you're going to interview with, and make sure they'll be a good fit for you. Have questions prepared for the interview that can further your understanding of their culture.

Before you go:

• Are you able to concisely articulate your value, specific to this opportunity?
• Have you done your homework researching the company?
• Is your resume updated to align with this opportunity?
• Are you prepared to answer difficult interview questions?
• Have you developed good questions to ask, to help you determine whether this is the right job for you?

Preparation- Are you ready?

• Have at least three interview suits and at least one week before the interview; double-check them for fit & accessories, especially shoes.
• Call your references to let them know you're interviewing and that they may expect a call.
• Be sure you've researched the company thoroughly. If it's a retail operation, shop in their stores.
• Find out how long the interview will be expected to last, and allow plenty of time on either side
• Map it out. Know where the interview will take place, how long it'll take to get there allowing for rush hour traffic, and where you'll park. (drive there on a day before the interview, if necessary) The last thing you want to do is to begin an interview with excuses for being late!

Basic Interviewing Etiquette

• NO cell phones, be sure to turn yours off before you enter the building. Better yet, leave it in the car.
• Be on time. If you're less that 15 minutes early, you're late. Take the time to freshen up and think about why you feel you're a great fit for this company, and review the interesting questions you're going to ask.
• Dress appropriately. No open-toed shoes, and no cleavage please!! Wear a neutral suit. Make sure your shoes are in good condition.
• Beware of "TMI"- too much information! One common mistake, especially in interview situations, is to give way too much personal information. While you want to be thorough in answering any questions, do not allow the conversation to get bogged down in detail.
• Stay Positive! Never speak negatively about anyone. Show your enthusiasm.
• Look them in the eye
• Be honest!
• Remember, there are good interviewers, and there are bad ones. Some companies send their people for training on how to interview well. If you've prepared well, a good interviewer should be able to get to the essence of who you are, what your relevant skills are, and whether you'd be a good fit for the organization fairly quickly.

Tips for a successful Interview:

• Stay Positive! Never speak negatively about anyone.
• Look them in the eye and show your enthusiasm
• Be honest and clear in your answers. Remember that your goal is to make sure you're finding the best fit for you, and that you'll be successful in this job.
• Beware of "TMI"- too much information! One common mistake, especially in interview situations, is to give too much personal information. While you want to be thorough in answering any questions, do not allow the conversation to get bogged down in detail. Be brief and to the point.
• There are good interviewers, and there are bad ones. If you've prepared well, a good interviewer should be able to get to the essence of who you are, what your relevant skills are, and whether you'd be a good fit for the organization fairly quickly.