• Research the Company prior to the interview. Use resources such as the Internet and networking to find out all you can about a potential employer. What do they do? Who are the primary clients? Competitors? Have a thorough understanding of not only the company but also its industry, including trends, hot issues and key players. Be prepared to articulate how you can contribute to the success of the company. Knowing this information will get the interview started on the right foot and it will impress the interviewer!
• Arrive to the interview on time. Traffic is no longer an acceptable excuse for being late for an interview! Factor in travel time, traffic, and parking time when going to an interview. In urban areas, be sure to have money for parking. If being late for the interview is inevitable, make sure that you call in advance of your scheduled meeting to let the interviewer know.
• Dress Professionally. It is highly recommended that you wear a professional business suit to interviews. It is better to stay with conservative colors such as navy blue, black or dark gray. Make sure that your shoes have been shined and that clothing is pressed and fresh. This rule of thumb holds true even for business casual environments.
• Build Rapport with the Interviewer. Approach the interview as a conversation. Strive to establish a good rapport with the interviewer(s) by listening and providing information to support your interest and ability in the available job.
• Listen carefully and pay attention to names. Get rid of the notion that you can't remember names - just pay attention. Take clues from those around you about pronunciation and if someone is to be addressed "Dr., Ms. or Mr."
• Be prepared to articulate your skills, interests and experiences as they relate to the advertised position. Know ahead the key 3-4 factors that you wish the interviewer to know about you, especially significant accomplishments and contributions.
• Prepare questions and take notes. Remember that the interview is an "interactive" opportunity for you to determine if an employer is a good "fit" for you. Be clear about your own requirements in an employer and have questions prepared for the interviewer.
• Stay positive. Keep all comments and responses positive. Never make negative comments or remarks about former employers, bosses or colleagues. You run the risk of being perceived as a "trouble maker" or "whiner."
• Avoid divulging more personal information than is appropriate. Remember that the interview is in a business setting and the topic of discussion should focus on your professional qualifications.
• Take a break if needed. Focus on remaining fresh and engaging when interviewing for several hours or with several people. If necessary, take a bathroom break to freshen up. It is important to remain energetic from the first to the last interview.
• Keep in mind that interviews over meals are still INTERVIEWS. Meals tend to relax all participants. On the other hand, never let your guard down because it is still an interview.
• Write Thank You Notes. Thank you notes are a nice touch and they set you apart from the other candidates. Sometimes they are the only reason one candidate gets an offer over another.
• Do not accept offers unless you intend to commit to an employer. Ask for additional time to make a decision if you are unsure. Remember, accepting an offer you have no intention in taking is unethical behavior.

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