2. Before the Interview

Locate the company in advance. You don’t have to go in, but you should make the trip. You may find the public transportation more confusing than you anticipated, the parking hard to find, or the building itself hard to locate. If you make the trip ahead of time, you will have fewer chances for last-minute surprises on the day of the interview.

Find out what you can about the company. The following questions will help in researching it:

• What is the company’s product or service?

• When was the company organized?

• How is the company organized?

• How big is the department in which you wish to work?

• What are the functions and responsibilities of that department?

• Who is the personnel manager?

• What benefits are you entitled to as an employee?

• What are the rules and regulations of the company?

• What are regulations concerning dress and appearance?

• Are there subsidiaries in other regions or countries?

• Will you have to travel in your job?

Think of the potential service to the employer. Make sure that you know what the job involves.

Find out the interviewer’s name, telephone number and preferred titles (Ms./Miss / Mrs.).

Read company literature.

Seek advice of what to wear to the interview and attend to your appearance. The way you dress is very important.

Be sure of your references.

Know why you want to work for that company.

Know the importance of getting along with people.

Prepare to have samples of your work, if applicable.

3. Just Before

Go to the interview alone.

Arrive early, allow some extra time for slow traffic. Phone if you are held up.

Remain calm outside the private office until you are asked to enter.

Forget to smoke.

Overcome nervousness or shortness of breath. (it helps to take a deep breath).

Take two copies of CV/resume: one for yourself, one for the interviewer.

Check your appearance.

4. At the Interview

Approach the employer (s) with dignity.

Don’t panic, even if faced by more than one person.

Be positive in your attitude — smile!

Do be polite.

Remain standing until you are asked to sit down.

If given a choice of chairs, pick the straight-back, business style.

Be enthusiastic.

State your qualifications and interests.

Stress the contribution that you can make to the company.

Tell of experiences you have that fit you for the job.

Indicate your readiness to learn the new job.

Talk and think, as much as possible, about the future rather than the past.

Indicate, where possible, your stability and other positive features.

Be yourself, but be professional.

Think before answering: it’s all right to pause and reflect on the response. Keep your answers brief and to the point, but don’t give one word answers.

Avoid um and uh and you know.

Be frank, honest and open.

Have relevant questions.

Be prepared to take notes if needed for detailed information.

At the close of the interview ask to call back.

Thank the interviewer for his / her time.

Ask for the interviewer’s card.

Find out the follow-up procedure at the company and follow it.