This is one of my favorite documents, which I created years ago. I share it with my candidates to help them prepare for an interview. I hope it helps you, too!

The more prepared you are, the more confident you will be:

1. Preparation:
   • Read the Interview Preparation Packet (attached separately).
   • Purchase a portfolio if you don’t already have one.
   • Make copies of your resume and references.
   • Ensure your suit is dry-cleaned and ready to go!
2. Research:
   • Explore the company’s website, Yahoo Finance, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Google.
   • Research the company name and the hiring managers you’ll meet.
3. Resume Alignment:
   • Compare your resume to the job description. Think about achievements you can highlight.
   • Be prepared to explain all the reasons for leaving previous jobs succinctly.
   • Avoid saying anything negative about past employers.
4. Questions and Examples:
   • Prepare at least five questions for each interviewer and have them ready in your portfolio.
   • Be ready to share examples of your work, painting a vivid picture of your skills.
   • Practice with others, focusing on difficult questions to avoid sounding scripted.

The Day of the Interview:

1. Preparation and Arrival:
   • Smile and maintain a positive attitude; first impressions are crucial!
   • Arrive early, if unfamiliar with the location, drive by the night before.
   • Review your notes before entering.
   • Give yourself a pep talk; slight nervousness is normal.
2. Professional Demeanor:
   • Walk in confidently and inform the receptionist whom you’re meeting.
   • Look for the manager; sit with confidence and a smile.
   • Remember a firm handshake. If your palms sweat, wash them with cold water beforehand.
   • For direct eye contact issues, look at the interviewer’s eyebrows.

The Interview:

1. Engagement and Rapport:
   • People love talking about themselves; asking about the interviewer’s background and why they enjoy working there.
   • Establish rapport by finding commonalities.
   • Ask about a typical day, ongoing projects, and how to make an immediate impact.
2. Discussion and Questions:
   • Discuss your accomplishments and goals, including challenges you’ve overcome.
   • Be prepared to answer the strength and weakness question and share your 5-year goals.
   • Ask your prepared questions to understand the job and success metrics better.
   • Avoid discussing benefits or salary; focus on the role and the company. Let your recruiter handle compensation details.
   • If salary is raised, emphasize the opportunity and express confidence in a fair offer. If pressed, share your current earnings,
   •  but avoid giving a specific number or range.
3. Enthusiasm:
   • Show enthusiasm by asking many questions. Lack of interest often leads to being cut from the process.

The Close:

1. Express Interest:
   • Clearly state your interest in the position.
   • Ask if there are any concerns about your ability to do the job; this is your final chance to address any doubts.
   • Reinforce your excitement about the role and review how your experience aligns. Ask for the job or the next step in the process.

The Follow-up:

1. Immediate Action:
   • Contact your recruiter immediately to discuss your interest level before they speak to the client.
   • Send a thank-you email right after the interview and follow up with a handwritten note for a personal touch.

MAY 2024